The DC Office of Cable Television, Film, Music and Entertainment’s (OCTFME) Creative Affairs Office continues its “Care for Creatives Community Conversations” with a look toward the holiday season.
The on-demand series begins Monday and continues through Nov. 23. Topic titles are “Understanding Trauma” on Nov. 9, “Mental Health Equity” on Nov. 16, and “Managing your Mental Health During the Holidays” on Nov. 23.
“There is a deep vulnerability to reaching out to get counseling, but this vulnerability is lessened when it is shared with others who we know have experienced counseling and can offer us support and direction. Vulnerability shared is vulnerability lessened,” said Mary DeRaedt, director, Master of School Counseling, George Washington University.
“Care for Creatives,” a series of on-demand mental health sessions, was launched in July by OCTFME in collaboration with George Washington University. The mental health support partnership is with the University’s Graduate School of Education and Human Development (GSEHD) and Community Counseling Services Center (CCSC). Pay-what-you-can mental health support is offered to the D.C. creative and entrepreneurial community through “Care for Creatives.” Individuals who reach out to the CCSC are matched with a clinical intern for support through a solution-oriented therapy approach. All services are confidential and are be provided via telehealth.
“As we enter the holiday season, we know now more than ever our community needs support and resources. Caring for our mental health is just as important as caring for our physical health,” said Maryann Lombardi, associate director, Creative Affairs Office of OCTFME. “We are in this together and the “Care for Creatives” program along with the Community Conversations are a reminder that it is OK to ask for help.”
Find out more about “Care for Creatives” programs at the OCTFME Creative Affairs Office website (www.creativeaffairsdc.com).