Black Wellness Project

The interplay between emotions, feelings, and decision making are complex and sometimes misunderstood. We'll discuss the neuroscience behind emotions and how they impact how we make sense of the world. 

People tend to move towards comfort and away from discomfort. Living in culture rooted in anti-Blackness can lead to frequent punishing and invalidating experiences, which can stifle growth. 

Living in a culture of anti-Blackness can mean being exposed to explicit and implicit pressure to self-sacrifice. Healthy boundary setting, learning how to center our needs and self-advocate, are essential for Black Wellness. 

The Afro-Diasporic experience is rich in history and complexity. Connecting to our ancestry can act as an inoculation against anti-Black narratives from cultures rooted in Eurocentrism and white settler colonialism.

We'll discuss work by Tricia Hersey, Audre Lorde, and brontë velez about the importance of rest, tapping into our sense of purpose, and how Black wellness can be a guide light in uncertain times. 

What are dynamics that impact intimacy, vulnerability, and trust? How do these things interact with trauma. Sometimes relationships are just our next lesson. Understanding these dynamics helps improve self-compassion and self-advocacy.

1. This group is necessary and should continue forever.
2. Please make this nationwide, a few of my friends are with Kaiser and they aren't sure how to add to this.
3. I need a space to be black without fear of reprisal and rejection. 

I look forward to attending this group weekly. The facilitator, Dr. Ceaser, understands and can provide the direction needed. I gain valuable insights and tools to apply daily and I finally feel I have a safe space to be me and a safe group of people to feel comfortable around. I am grateful for this group and its members. Thank you.

I think this group is beneficial and needed for Black individuals of all age groups.  It is so important for Black individuals to have a safe space to grieve, to be heard, to be empathized with and to have their stories validated. I have attended four groups so far and look forward to future meetings.  I have told friends/colleagues about the group and they expressed interest in attending a Black Wellness Group.  

It was great to connect with a wellness community that looked like me. We were a diverse group that created a safe place to be. There were tears, cheers, messages in our mess, and testimony from the test we all faced everyday. We connected outside of group. We have an ongoing email where people make announcements, extend invites, and ask for help. A few of us hung out with a group member who just didn't want to be alone. We had a good time. I am not a person who opens up and connects with people. However, because the group is about black wellness, that is what the members represent and mean to me. Whenever I am able to connect with them, I will jump on it. I feel a strong connection to them and Dr. Ceaser. I believe we crossed paths for a reason. This a blessing, Dr. Ceaser passion for black wellness is needed and is coming to a city near you. Spread the word.
Much Love for the group and my people. 

I cannot say enough about how this group has helped me in meeting and exceeding my goals, but I will try. This group is often the highlight of my week and I rely on what I learn in sessions to keep me stable throughout the rest of the week. It's been the most beneficial group I've ever attended, certainly through Kaiser. Every week I leave the session feeling that Dr. Alan has perfectly curated the information and discussions, and it feels that he addresses our many difficult challenges, while still helping us to see a way forward. I was in a pretty dark place before joining the group. Since joining, I am in a much better place. The emphasis on the Black experience has been an essential part of my healing that no other group has ever offered.

"I truly appreciate the support the group provides for me. Managing my mental health has been challenging for me.  I am thankful to be a part of the Black Wellness Group."

"It would be great to have breakout or 1 on 1 sessions with Alan if possible."

"I very much enjoy this group and my facilitator."

"Im new but see the value of this group."

"This is very necessary, people of color need the space to discuss."

"Initially I expected the group for everyone to have the same issue as me and realize that was selfish but then began to learn something from everyone's experience and truly understand perspective."

"It was comforting to speak with others who understand without my having to explain everything."

"We need more groups like this."