Welcome to the South Southwest MHTTC Collaborative Conversations, the hub for our podcast and blog, where we strive to promote effective, evidence-based practices in mental health promotion, prevention, treatment, and recovery support. As mental health professionals, we understand the importance of staying up-to-date with the latest research, best practices, and policy developments in order to provide high-quality care to our clients. Our goal is to share our expertise and resources with fellow practitioners, organizations, and systems in order to build their capacity and enhance their ability to deliver effective, evidence-based services. Whether you're a mental health provider, a community organization, or a policy maker, we believe that everyone has a role to play in creating a more equitable and accessible mental health system. Join us as we explore the latest research, share practical tools and resources, and work towards creating a more effective and responsive mental health workforce.
Our Podcast
Talking Beyond Trauma with Mordecai Dixon
There is a great deal of discussion in human service organizations about the need to create authentic and sustainable trauma-informed cultures. Aspiring to develop a truly person-centered culture is no small task. It must address the realities of trauma while also tending to the unique needs of leaders responsible for the organization. The challenge to leaders does not go unnoticed! If you find yourself wanting to dive deeper into the issue of workplace culture and trauma, join us!
Our Blog
Debunking Common Myths Around Positionality
By: Grace Cruse; Samantha J. Reznik, PhD; Margaret Duvall; Oladunni Oluwoye, PhD; Eleanor Longden, PhD; Mx. Yaffa, AS
Positionality is the recognition of the social positions we occupy in society, such as race, class, gender, and more, which shape our interactions with the world. Read more >>
Prioritizing Wellbeing for a Successful School Year
by Dr. Natalie Fikac (she/her)
The start of a school year offers a chance for new experiences and practices. Establishing consistent routines at home, like morning and bedtime rituals, can promote a sense of calm and reduce anxiety. Read more >>
Empowering BIPOC Mental Health: A Comprehensive Resource Guide for Individuals, Practitioners, and Allies
by Grace Cruse (she/her/they/them)
July is recognized as Black, Indigenous, People of Color (BIPOC) mental health awareness month. To commemorate this month, we have compiled a list of resources for BIPOC individuals, practitioners, and allies. Read more >>
The Power of Pride: How Celebrating Identities Can Improve the Mental Well-Being of LGBTQ+ People
by Grace Cruse (she/her/they/them)
We’ve begun to see greater representation in media of LGBTQ+ people, more awareness around diversity and inclusion, and greater insight into the impacts of stigma and discrimination on LGBTQ+ individuals’ mental health. Although this collective push for LGBTQ+ understanding has made it more possible for many people to be their authentic selves and to find support that is affirming, there is still room for growth as a society. Read more >>
The Importance of Social-Emotional Development in Early Childhood Education: A Call for Adequate Training and Support for Providers
by Holly Gursslin M.Ed, NCC, LPC (she/her) and Amanda Boquist, MA (she/her)
The first few years of life are crucial for social-emotional development, as it sets the stage for future physical, cognitive, and emotional health. Studies show that nurturing relationships and environments are the best way to support a child's growth during this period when more than 1 million neural connections are formed every second. Read more >>
Preventing Burnout in Peer Support: Effective Supervisor Strategies
by Jessi Davis (she/they)
When it comes to supporting our staff, we need to recognize that burnout is often caused by external pressures, rather than internal regulation issues. This means there is little that the staff can do to address the situation. Read more >>