Equalizing Power
Mental Health and the Creation of the Common
Course Description
This class will discuss the impact of colonial and capitalist structures on people and communities that have been excluded from what is often thought of as “history” and “civilization” based on identity (i.e. race, gender, sexual identity, ethnicity, etc). We are particularly interested in analyzing the impacts of capitalism and colonialism on mental health systems and the well-being of those who are marginalized and excluded.
Faculty will explore how such systems reinforce a private notion of subjectivity, institutionality, and space; as well as how they hinder the possibility of the common, of public space, and solidarity. Though “us-them” dichotomies posit that difference repels us to different realities, we hope to dream up a new future in which our differences are seen as a strength, inviting emergent opportunities for connection and mutuality. Our objective is to imagine new ways of being in community, introducing liberatory practices that encourage the establishment of the common: inclusivity, access, and the experience of interdependence.
What you’ll learn:
How community and mental health are affected by power, money, and systems of oppression
The role that identity (race, culture, gender, class, ethnicity, etc.) plays in the constitution of subjectivity and community, and how these are impacted by systems of exclusion and marginalization
How the common can be created while harnessing difference
How to build horizontal community structures that reinforce inclusivity, shared resources, and the experience of interdependence
Faculty
Ivelisse Gilestra, Community Organizer
Ivelisse currently works as a community organizer for Queens Power. She believes in deconstructing the narrative which enforces a harmful assimilation and normalization on the effects of the PIC in Black, Brown and Indigenous communities. Dissenter by nature and birth place, she envisions effective ways of defining justice inclusive of community healing, and political education uprooting the historical wounds of colonialism. She is a graduate of Rutgers University. Currently working with the New York for Full Restoration of Voting Rights Coalition on a campaign to end felony disenfranchisement in NYS.
Carlos Padrón, Psychoanalyst
Carlos Padrón is a licensed psychoanalyst with a background in philosophy and literary studies. Carlos co-taught a class on clinical aspects of diversity at IPTAR. He teaches the Seminar on Psychodynamic Theory at the Silberman School of Social Work. Carlos participated in the documentary "Psychoanalysis in El Barrio", a film on working psychoanalytically with poor and working class Latinx patients in the U.S., and has given talks and published on this topic and on clinical issues related to difference: race, culture, gender, class, ethnicity. Lately he published an essay in the edited volume "Psychoanalysis in the Barrios" (Routledge, 2019) entitled "The Political Potentiality of the Psychoanalytic Process". Carlos has worked psychoanalytically in different settings and is currently a clinical associate of the New School Psychotherapy Program where he supervises PhD students in Psychology. He is the co-founder with Tracy Sidesinger of the New York Center for Community Psychoanalysis (@nyc.community.psychoanalysis).
“This was such an incredible presentation. Both presenters inspired me so much. I especially enjoyed the pieces about surveillance, about how our mental health systems buy into the carceral system.”
What You Get
16 videos (2+ hours of content) full of history, research, and unique perspectives
Exclusive readings and resources
Discussion with a creative community of professionals and advocates inside the course
A reference and resource list to aid ongoing learning and exploration on the course topics
Audience
This course is for:
Mental health and physical health professionals, including: clinicians, psychologists, psychiatrists, social workers, peer specialists, recovery support specialists, housing specialists, nurse practitioners, wellness support workers, coaches, holistic practitioners
Students
Activists
Family members and advocates
Anyone who works or plans to work with people experiencing mental health-related challenges
“Interesting contrast of facilitation, in terms of a more academic perspective and on-the-ground perspective that complemented each other really well. I liked the way facilitators shared space with one another. The topics were right up my alley and so relevant to my lived experience and current struggles in life and in community. I adored chatting with classmates and sharing vulnerability.”
Take the Class
This self-paced course is hosted on Mighty Networks, home to IDHA's School for Transformative Mental Health. This virtual community space supports sustained learning, engagement with other students, access to supplemental resources, and opportunities to interact with your faculty.
We provide the option of enrolling for at the general ($20) or supporter rate ($40) to ensure the sustainability of IDHA’s work and enable us to create more accessible, cutting-edge training content.
CLICK THE BUTTONS BELOW TO JOIN US ON MIGHTY NETWORKS!
If you already have an account, simply log in to proceed to the course.
If you’re new to IDHA’s Mighty Network, you will be prompted to create an account and then receive access to course content.
FAQ
When does the course start and finish?
This is a completely self-paced online course - you decide when you start and when you finish.
How long do I have access to the course?
After enrolling, you have unlimited access to this course for as long as you like - across any and all devices you own.
What if I am unhappy with the course, content, or platform?
We love hearing your feedback on what we can do to improve our efforts to bring transformative mental health to the public! Shoot us an email at contact@idha-nyc.org and let us know your thoughts. If you disagree with any of the perspectives shown in this course - that's great! We encourage differing perspectives, so feel free to leave a comment in the course - so long as your comments remain respectful and you speak from your own point of view.
I am a person struggling with mental health issues/a family member of someone who is struggling. Can I take the course?
Absolutely! Just note that this course is geared towards professionals in the field, and will speak mostly to those working in a formal support role. However, we welcome anyone who wants to join!
Are refunds available?
At this time, all sales are final, we cannot offer refunds after purchase.