We are very happy to introduce Jacqueline Restrepo, MA. Jacqueline joined the Green House in January of this year. We talked to Jacqueline about her decision to join the Green House and what it means for her.
How did you learn about the Green House?
I received an email from The Chicago School of Professional Psychology (CSPP) about the Green House shortly before graduating last summer (2021).
What drew you to the Green House?
1) I noticed the explicit inclusion and commitment to meeting the needs of communities that I had little to no professional training with such as: kink/BDSM, polyamorous and alternative relationship structures, and erotic labor.
2) I feel greatly motivated to work with LGB, T/NB communities.
3) I wanted to learn more about depth process specifically.
4) The cohort learning experience, individual supervision, inclusion, and emphasis on living our values in community/work environment aligned strongly with my values and vision of the type of therapist I would like to continue developing toward.
What are you hoping to gain by being in the Green House and how do you imagine it will impact your future?
I hope to really grow into my professional and personal identity and also grow into more spacious and authentic interactions with others. I expect I will move toward an integrated self that can experience discomfort, peace, joy, and love. I imagine this will make it possible for me to connect with others and clients in healing ways. It will allow me to develop professionally, ethically, and to commit to anti-oppression work in a sustainable way.
In the short amount of time, since you joined the Green House, what has surprised you most and why?
I have been surprised by how much hope my interactions with the Green House staff and peers have inspired in me. I have felt I can dare to be authentic, make mistakes, learn from others, and allow others to hold space for me without sacrificing accountability.
I was surprised perhaps because I am just learning about new ways of relating to myself and others that facilitates nurturing and inclusion for all.
Anything else professionally that you are particularly looking forward to this year?
Continuing to be surprised!