As spring unfolds, many of us feel called to declutter not just our physical spaces, but our mental and emotional landscapes as well. At Venturous Counselling, we understand that true healing extends beyond individual self-care—it’s about fostering community well-being through anti-oppressive therapy and collective care practices.

In This Article:

• Beyond Individual Self-Care: A Justice-Oriented Approach
• Building Your Community Care Web
• Practical Steps for Community Care
• Integrating Anti-Oppressive Therapy
• Vancouver Resources for Collective Healing

Beyond Candles and Bubble Baths: A Justice-Oriented Approach to Healing

The concept of “slow living” has often been misconstrued as a lifestyle peppered with aesthetic choices—lighting candles, taking bubble baths, or indulging in luxury self-care routines. While these can be delightful aspects of slowing down, they represent a surface-level interpretation that veers dangerously close to an upper-class, capitalistic co-opting of what it means to truly care for ourselves and each other.

At its core, slow living within an anti-oppressive framework invites us to step back from the relentless pace of modern life, to prioritize meaningful connections over material possessions, and to nurture a sense of belonging and care within our diverse communities in Vancouver and beyond.

Building Your Community Care Web for Collective Healing

Travis Health, a therapist who challenges the prevailing narrative that self-care is solely an individual’s responsibility, encourages us to see well-being through relationships, where support and care flow freely among members of a community, addressing and responding to economic barriers.

Practical Steps for Building Community Care

How do we begin to weave these principles of community care into our daily lives? Here are some actionable ways to build your community care web, inspired by the work of Mia Mingus and other disability justice activists

• Pod Mapping: Pod mapping is a practical tool developed by Mingus to help individuals identify the network of support around them. Start by drawing a circle with your name in the center, then create concentric circles around it. Fill these circles with the names of people you can rely on for different levels of support. This visual map helps clarify who you can turn to in times of need and who can depend on you, fostering a sense of mutual care
• Skill Sharing: Everyone has something to offer. Identify your skills and talents, and think about how you can use them to support others in your community. This could range from offering emotional support to sharing practical skills like cooking, tutoring, or repair work. Offering your skills not only increases your community connection through encouraging reciprocity, it also triggers the gratitude mechanism in your brain to release endorphins.
• Community Engagement: Connecting with local mutual aid networks. Stay Informed and Involved: Engage with local community groups or online platforms that focus on mutual aid and support. Being informed about the needs and resources in your community allows you to contribute effectively and ask for help when you need it.
• Vulnerability Practice: Normalize Asking for Help: One of the pillars of community care is dismantling the stigma around vulnerability and dependence. Practice asking for help when you need it and offer support without judgment when others reach out.
• Creating Connection Spaces: Whether it’s organizing regular meetups, group chats, or virtual gatherings, creating spaces where people can share, connect, and support each other is vital. These can be as simple as a monthly book club, a weekly check-in call, or an online forum for sharing resources.

Integrating Anti-Oppressive Therapy into Community Care

In Vancouver, anti-oppressive therapy plays a crucial role in addressing both individual and collective trauma. Through our justice-oriented counselling approach, we recognize that healing happens within the context of community and cultural understanding.

Key Elements of Our Approach:

• Trauma-informed, culturally responsive care
• BIPOC-centered therapeutic practices
• Sliding scale options for accessibility
• Integration of somatic and embodied healing
• Recognition of systemic barriers and oppression

Vancouver Resources for Collective Healing

Our community in Vancouver offers various resources for those seeking justice-oriented mental health support:

• Free consultation sessions for personalized counsellor matching
• Community workshops and group healing spaces
• Anti-oppressive clinical supervision
• Resources for SDQTBIPOC+ community members

Frequently Asked Questions

What is anti-oppressive therapy?

Anti-oppressive therapy is an approach that recognizes and addresses the impact of systemic oppression on mental health, working to create healing spaces that center marginalized experiences and promote social justice.

How does community care differ from individual self-care?

While individual self-care focuses on personal practices, community care emphasizes collective healing and mutual support networks, recognizing that our well-being is interconnected.

How can I find a BIPOC therapist in Vancouver?

You can connect with BIPOC therapists through our 3-minute matching form or by calling us at 778.775.7504.

Building a supportive and inclusive space for healing is essential in community care. The Happening Project is dedicated to fostering connection, resilience, and anti-oppressive practices, offering a transformative approach to therapy and collective well-being.

Self-care has its limits, especially in a world that often overlooks systemic barriers to well-being. When Self-Care Isn’t Enough explores the power of collective healing and community care as essential components of true wellness.

Ready to Start Your Healing Journey?

Book your free 15-minute consultation to connect with a justice-oriented therapist in Vancouver.Book Your Free Consultation

At Venturous Counselling, we are committed to creating an inclusive and accessible space for all individuals. Our Accessibility Statement outlines the steps we take to ensure our services are available to everyone, regardless of ability or background.

Self-care has its limits, especially in a world that often overlooks systemic barriers to well-being. When Self-Care Isn’t Enough explores the power of collective healing and community care as essential components of true wellness.

Or call us at: 778.775.7504
Email: connect@venturouscounselling.com