After obtaining their certifications as healing circle practitioners, Change Consultants Drs. Ghia Kelly and Tonicia Freeman-Foster developed a healing circle for Black women working in System of Care (SOC), mental health, and wellness organizations and programs. The Power of Black Sisterhood Healing Circle was designed under the National Training & Technical Assistance Center’s (NTTAC) Lived Experiences 365: 365 Black series. The healing circle was marketed as an application-based cohort experience with the following criteria:

Black and African American women living in the United States or a U.S. territory and working in mental health, mental wellness, behavioral health, System of Care, or a similar role for at least three years. The women also had to commit to attending 1.5 hours per week for four weeks.

Drs. Ghia Kelly and Tonicia Freeman-Foster initially thought they would facilitate one healing circle cohort with 8-12 women but were surprised to receive close to 150 applications. Based on the applicants’ heartfelt responses to the application questions, Drs. Kelly and Freeman-Foster felt that facilitating only one cohort was no longer an option. They decided to develop multiple cohorts to serve all eligible women who applied. As a result, their plan evolved from facilitating one cohort to five cohorts.

Applicant Stats:

  • Representation from 34 states and territories; top 5 states: Washington, North Carolina, Kentucky, Maryland, and Oregon
  • Approximately 75% of participants represented the following employment settings: community-based organizations (including faith-based organizations), mental health clinics or treatment organizations (community mental health program), criminal justice/corrections (court, prison, jail, prison/probation, TASC), and education.
  • Top licenses and certifications represented: Social Worker or Case Managers (25%), Therapists and Counselors (LCSW, LMFT, LMHC, LPC, Pastoral/spiritual) (19%), Certified Peer Specialists (18%), and Coaches (Life, Health and Wellness, Holistic Coach) (7%)
  • Years working in the mental health field: 3-5 years (31%), 6-9 years (16%), 10+ years (53%)

After screening for eligible applicants, five cohorts were created, and the women were assigned based on their application submission date. Of those invited to participate, 44 women responded. The Power of Black Sisterhood Healing Circle cohorts were facilitated in February/March, April, June, August, and October 2023. Each cohort consisted of 8-10 participants, met weekly for 1.5 hours, and was four weeks in length. The women formed such an incredible bond with one another and requested to continue meeting. As a result, The Power of Black Sisterhood Alumna Healing Circle was created to bring women from all five cohorts together monthly. This healing circle was and continues to be a powerful space and a resounding success.