Eclectic Psychotherapy to Inspire; Breathe Courage, Find Peace.
Embracing and Nurturing Who We Are and Strive to Be.
Eclectic Psychotherapy to Inspire; Breathe Courage, Find Peace.
Embracing and Nurturing Who We Are and Strive to Be.
Embracing and Nurturing Who We Are and Strive to Be.
Embracing and Nurturing Who We Are and Strive to Be.
Let me introduce myself, I am;
CHRISTIAN GREENE LICSW, PMH-C, WPA
Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker (LICSW; DC, VA, MD, WV, OR, WA, CA)
Perinatal Mental Health Certified (PMH-C)
Whistleblower Protection Advocate Certified (WPA)
I identify as an ethicist. I strive to be; a Womanist who advocates and practices intersectional feminist ideals, cultural humility, and anti-racist consciousness through continuous learning, bodily integrity, reproductive justice, sex work is work, and pacifism by utilizing non-violent resistance techniques. I believe children have rights, liberation of Palestinians is essential to liberation for all, whistleblowers are vital in society, I embrace LGBTQ+, Black Lives Matter is factual, and representation matters. I practice mindfulness with the philosophy of ‘margin to center’ action. I embody, advocate, and support activism in action and respect of human rights. Neither ever ends, even when it is inconvenient or uncomfortable. We must remain firmly resolved.
Eclectic Psychotherapy to Inspire;
Breathe Courage, Find Peace.
Embracing and nurturing the entirety of who we are and strive to be.
Whether we need to paint, breathe, scream, or whisper we will be there to witness the strength and protect the vulnerability. Speaking even when our voice shakes. We will learn to be gentle with ourselves and vulnerable when amongst safety. We believe in science/ sleep is medicine/ movement is life/ nutrition provides our energy/ social support is vital/ healthy is foundational to happy/ art, music, and humor can heal. Listen, no one has all the answers but there is power in being seen, validation in being heard, and strength in knowing you are not alone. We can do this together, let’s find hope.
We utilize eclectic psychotherapy defined by APA as “any psychotherapy that is based on a combination of theories or approaches or uses concepts and techniques from a number of different sources, including the integrated professional experiences of the therapist. With the more formalized prescriptive eclectic psychotherapy, the clinician attempts to customize psychological treatments and the therapeutic relationship to the specific needs of individual clients. This is done by drawing on effective methods from across theoretical camps and by matching those methods to particular cases on the basis of empirically supported guidelines.”
Perinatal Mental Health Certified Clinician;
What an amazing time in life? It pokes at every emotion that we own. At times these emotions roll, seemingly without ownership, between rage and reverence. All deeply valid feelings. My philosophy is that becoming a parent, whether your baby is still with us or not, is the steepest learning curve in life. We have the deepest respect and honor for our individualized experiences. We are here to listen and support your journey.
Grief and Loss;
Grief and loss can permeate every ounce of our being. In our career we have found that bereavement is instrumentally tied to one’s views of life and death, even when the loss is not life or death. It comes and goes like the wind, seemingly without personal control of our own vessel. Our philosophy is we must grace ourselves with the ability to feel our feelings in our body, being self-aware of our internal dialogue so we quiet assumptions and find a way to not get stuck. We must honor ourselves and our loss so that our loss honors those we love.
Trauma;
We strive to provide trauma informed care utilizing eclectic psychotherapy and empathy. My career has been dealing with families in crisis (at times familial and at times institutional), finding resolutions, and identifying action plans that respect our need for safety, well-being, and belonging. Our goal working with trauma in our community is to help us self-identify hope. Our philosophy is one must master floating in order to learn to swim, otherwise you risk reaching deep water to only panic risking everything. Learning coping skills, self-safety, and self-care is essential to begin trauma recovery. With these new internal boundaries, we will confront how to embrace comfortable consequences, as we may experience losses of those who cannot honor our safety or well-being.
Nonviolence Can Heal National Traumas
Dear Christian,
Post Traumatic Stress Disorder and more generalized trauma are not only personal and individual in character but often afflict whole nations and peoples. Frequently historical in nature, trauma can be passed down intergenerationally.
One of the greatest examples of such trauma afflicting humanity is that of the Holocaust, compounding the historical experience of centuries of persecution, hatred, and discrimination against Jewish people. This is a trauma that made it easy for many to succumb to the doctrines of Zionism, offering Jewish empowerment via Jewish supremacy in a Jewish-dominated state as the only cure for their ongoing suffering. It has made many easy prey for fascist doctrines, of belief in the value of violence and military overkill as the only path to survival. It has also made it difficult for many to take seriously any path towards peace and reconciliation that is not firmly rooted in their military power and supremacy. And while many cynically exploit the traumas of the Holocaust for political ends, there exists a genuine phenomenon of authentic fear that cries out for healing and needs to be addressed.
That rabbit hole of domination and “deterrence” will likely doom Israeli Jews to eternal strife and enmity with their neighbors, leading to ever increased militarization since in their traumatized state no amount of military power will ever be sufficient, and any attempt by Palestinians to resist that domination is only likely to reinforce the trauma. Similarly, all peace efforts will be viewed with deep suspicion and reticence, particularly if they require concessions that seem to reduce Israeli military domination or appear to make Israel weaker or more vulnerable to the risk of future attacks.
As a Palestinian, I am keenly aware of these traumas. I realize, however unjust it is, that our liberation is tied to the healing of our oppressors from the traumas of the past, for which we are the current victims.
I am also aware that armed struggle by Palestinians, however legitimate under international law—and even if it were directed solely at armed soldiers and settlers—still risks reinforcing rather than healing the trauma.
In addition to this, we cannot forget that the Palestinians also have a long history of trauma, are now being traumatized, and are in great need healing, especially when the current genocide stops and the difficult process of rebuilding Gaza commences. Tens of thousands of orphans, bereaved families, over 70,000 wounded, and millions who have lost their homes require not only justice but also time and space to undertake a long process of healing.
I am also deeply conscious of how attractive the call to violence can be for oppressed and traumatized peoples. The events of October 7—apart from the attacks on civilians at the music festival and the kibbutzim as well as the taking of civilian hostages, which are properly to be condemned in no uncertain terms—were also viewed by many Palestinians as a brilliantly successful military operation whereby resistance fighters armed with primitive hand held weapons simultaneously breached the sophisticated walls imprisoning Gaza in 30 locations, captured two army bases, including the headquarters of the Gaza Battalion, killing 340 soldiers and capturing about 40 others, and carried the fight into the territory held by their enemies (rather than their own). Despite the massiveness of the Israeli retaliation and the utter destruction of Gaza, the events of that day will likely hold an appeal to those who preach armed resistance for many years to come.
So we clearly need to resist the siren call for violence, especially in our pursuit of justice. But what can we do to bring about some measure of healing to these deep traumas that are currently feeding the cycle of violence and without the healing of which, no peace is possible?
NVI's fiscal partner, Holy Land Trust along with FOSNA held an extensive series of trainings, attended by over 70 Palestinians in the West Bank, to work on the process of dealing with ongoing trauma. We are also committed to pursuing such healing globally.
Another conversation between NVI's new Co-Director, Sami Awad and Gabor Mate “From Pain to Healing: Healing Collective Trauma in Israel/Palestine” deals with this problem as well. It is this healing process that is urgently needed by all sides, and it is one area that supporters of nonviolence, can be part of the solution.
Peace,
Jonathan Kuttab, Co-Founder and Board Member
P.S.The Gaza Freedom Flotilla is delayed in Turkey, but another boat is headed from Sweden and is currently near Eurovision raising awareness of the ongoing blockade and siege of Gaza.
Nonviolence International
https://www.nonviolenceinternational.net/
Amidst persisting narratives and disinformation, this booklet serves as a dedicated guide to dismantling Israeli propaganda. As we feel committed to providing facts and advocating for justice, this document aims to equip readers with the knowledge and tools necessary to challenge misconceptions.
This booklet outlines effective communication strategies, encouraging advocates to remain calm, factual, and persistent in pursuing justice. By dissecting key terminologies and addressing prominent claims with clear counterarguments, we aim to provide a comprehensive resource on historical events, propaganda tactics, and misconceptions for those dedicated to dismantling false narratives and fostering accurate understanding.
Armed with this knowledge, we invite you to engage in conversations, challenge indoctrinated beliefs, and actively contribute to a more truthful representation of the harrowing reality faced daily by Palestinians. International Law states that the occupying power is obliged to comply with its human rights obligations in occupied territories and respect people placed under its effective control due to the occupation, including, but not limited to, the human rights granted under the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.
Support Palestine. Boycott Israel
Stand with the Palestinians in their struggle for freedom, justice, and equality. Whilst our governments financially support the apartheid state, we don't have to. https://boycott.thewitness.news/
https://www.fightmoneywithmoney.com/
TRUTH ABOUT PALESTINE
Palestine is being systematically erased.
“What is happening in Palestine can no longer be described as genocide or even ethnic cleansing. It is beyond mass extermination – it is total erasure.”
— Imam Omar Suleiman
https://truthaboutpalestine.com/#the-numbers
The Peoples Forum
World Beyond War.Org
7/11/22;
6/29/22;
HHS Issues Guidance to Protect Patient Privacy in Wake of Supreme Court Decision on Roe
6/28/22;
6/24 Recent devastating news;
Supreme Court overturns Roe v. Wade, ending right to abortion upheld for decades (NPR)
Supreme Court has voted to overturn abortion rights, draft opinion shows
Resources;
National Network of Abortion Funds
In Our Own Voice: National Black Women’s Reproductive Justice Agenda
The Center for Reproductive Rights
IPAS Partners for Reproductive Justice
Books;
Boundaries of Her Body: A Troubling History of Women's Rights in America
by Debran Rowland
by Jael Sillman, Marlene Gerber Fried, Loretta Ross, Elena Gutterrez
by Loretta J. Ross and Rickie Solinger
Dear DC Council Members,
We, Advisory Neighborhood Commissioners from across DC, write to you today to urge you to pass a resolution publicly demanding a permanent ceasefire in Gaza and an unequivocal condemnation of antisemitism, Islamophobia, and anti-Palestinian hatred within our community.
In the vicious attacks of October 7th, nearly 1,200 Israelis were killed by Hamas militants. In the days since, more than 18,000 Palestinians have been killed in a massive bombing campaign waged by Israel, with the support of the United States. These daily atrocities in Gaza have disrupted critical infrastructure, like health facilities, schools, and access to clean water and food. This has created a humanitarian catastrophe for families in Gaza, many of whom already live in poverty and are prevented from fleeing the violence due to Israel’s decades-long occupation and blockade. Today, Gaza’s population of 2.2 million, half of whom are children, is displaced and in continued danger.
As elected leaders, we have a responsibility to raise our voices to protect civilians in Gaza, some of whom have family in the District, as the US government offers munitions, money, and diplomatic support to the government of Israel to continue its assault. Because DC is not a state, this aid is being offered without our consent via a vote in Congress. As our only elected representatives with power on a city, county, state, or congressional level, we feel it is your responsibility to stand up against the ongoing assault on Palestinian lives. Passing a resolution calling for a permanent ceasefire - an act that would ultimately make the region safer for all, allowing sufficient humanitarian aid to enter the area and the return of all hostages held by Hamas and Palestinian prisoners held without charge by Israel - sends a powerful message that the loss of lives and human suffering in Gaza is unacceptable.
The DC Council has a history of using its voice on global issues, recognizing its international significance as the elected legislative body of the capital of the United States. At the start of Russia’s aggression into Ukraine, the DC Council passed a comprehensive resolution to condemn the attacks and call on Congress to implement sanctions. Earlier in this Council session, DC passed a resolution calling for the end of the federal embargo on Cuba. And to fight apartheid in South Africa, the DC Council passed a law removing all DC investments from South African companies in solidarity with Black South Africans. Other cities around the country are already passing ceasefire resolutions, including Atlanta, Detroit, Oakland, Providence, Seattle, and Wilmington. It is a reflection of our DC values to stand up to protect innocent life around the globe, to lead by example, and to urge the federal government to use its power for justice.
At the same time, our Jewish, Palestinian, and Muslim neighbors in DC and across the world face growing discrimination, hate, and violence. We are seeing what is happening abroad have far-reaching consequences of antisemitism and Islamophobia, leading to threats and deadly attacks, like the tragic murder of six-year-old Wadea al-Fayoume and the recent marches of Neo-Nazis in Wisconsin. We must remember that the actions of the Israeli government do not represent our Jewish neighbors and actions of Hamas do not represent our Muslim or Palestinian neighbors. Dehumanization is simply a gateway to more violence and must be condemned.
DC is home to thousands of Palestinians, Jews, and Muslims; these are our constituents, community leaders, and neighbors. As was said by one of our Palestinian neighbors, by saying no to a ceasefire, you must consider that you are saying yes to the continued death of Palestinian civilians. A resolution is a meaningful step we must take as a city, our nation’s capital, to stand up for civilian lives, and would be a strong show of support to our Jewish, Palestinian, and Muslim neighbors who face heightened hatred and violence at this time. We welcome an open discussion on this proposed resolution and look forward to working with you on this urgent effort.
Sincerely,
The following Advisory Neighborhood Commissioners of DC
“Limiting Christmas to religious rites without any aspect of the celebrations that the city of Bethlehem is accustomed to, we must also acknowledge the cultural traditions that define the essence of this joyous season”
Mr. Hanna Hanania - Mayor of Bethlehem / Holy Land Trust Trustee
As long as the myth remains that Palestinian rights and Jewish safety are in conflict, this alliance will continue to take advantage of the very real threat of antisemitism to justify their anti-democratic agendas and silence dissent. They will profit as everyone fighting for justice remains confused and distracted, unable to achieve the progressive unity we need to confront the U.S. government’s role in upholding apartheid and win transformative change at home.
Ethics in action despite fear
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