#HealthyMatters Mental Health Habits Workshop
Parker’s Hope for Mental Wellness proudly partnered with Just the Beginning to host the #HealthyMatters Workshop, a transformative experience centered on trauma awareness and mental wellness. This workshop welcomed an engaged group of 18 adult female participants, each committed to personal growth and community healing.
Facilitated by Latia Parker, LPC-S, LADC/MH, CEO of Parker’s Hope for Mental Wellness, the session explored the foundational question: “What is trauma?” Participants learned how both collective and individual trauma, rooted in systemic racism, historical oppression, socioeconomic disparities, and personal experiences like abuse, neglect, and loss, can profoundly affect emotional and psychological well-being.
This training also addressed the barriers that often prevent healing, including stigma, cultural mistrust of mental health systems, and limited access to care. Through open dialogue and reflection, attendees began identifying the impact of trauma in their lives and exploring tools for recovery.
The feedback was powerful and personal. One participant shared, “This workshop opened my eyes to how trauma really affects your life. I want my daughters to learn about this too.” Another participant stated, “I’ve repressed my trauma for years, but now I want to face it and begin healing. I want to grow.”
Together, we are fostering a safe, informed, and empowered community—one story at a time.
Feedback & Key Takeaways
The #HealthyMatters Workshop, facilitated by Latia Parker, LPC-S, LADC/MH, offered a trauma-informed, culturally responsive space for women to explore how trauma impacts their lives and mental health. Designed to promote self-awareness, healing, and empowerment, the workshop combined education, reflection, and community support.
Key focus areas included:
Understanding What Trauma Is – Participants explored the definition of trauma and examined how it manifests through personal experiences such as abuse, neglect, or loss, as well as through collective wounds tied to systemic racism, violence, and socioeconomic disparities.
Recognizing the Effects of Historical and Ongoing Oppression – The group discussed how intergenerational trauma and systemic barriers continue to affect emotional and psychological well-being, often going unrecognized or untreated due to stigma and mistrust of mental health systems.
Identifying Barriers to Healing – Emphasis was placed on the cultural and structural challenges that prevent individuals—especially women in marginalized communities—from accessing care and beginning their healing journey.
Emotional Regulation and Resilience Building – Participants were encouraged to reflect on how trauma affects brain function, decision-making, and emotional responses.
It is essential to understand how the brain functions when trauma is present. Trauma can interfere with our ability to regulate emotions, stay focused, and make thoughtful decisions. This workshop helped participants learn practical tools to manage their emotions, prioritize tasks, and make healthier choices—empowering them to stay on track and work toward healing.
Latia Parker guided participants with clinical insight and compassion, helping them examine their lived experiences and gain tools to begin or continue their path to recovery.
“I’ve repressed my trauma for years, but now I want to work on myself and begin healing. I am finally ready to face things that have bothered me for years and I never discussed it. I just didn’t feel like my voice mattered, but I know it does.”
“We have to let go of that ‘what goes on in this house stays in this house’ mindset. That silence is what kept me stuck.”
“This opened my eyes to how trauma really affects your life. I want my daughters to learn this too.”
Workshops like this are a key part of Parker’s Hope for Mental Wellness’ mission to restore lives, one conversation at a time.
