March Newsletter Love and Loss
Dear Friends,
Last month, I found myself deeply aware of intense polarities—both within myself and in the larger world. I had originally set out to write about love and relationships, but that newsletter remained unfinished as I navigated my own personal loss amid a broader collective loss of stability in this country. I mean, it’s been a year, right? She says in early March.
As I reflect on grief, I’ve been reminded of a few things.
Life keeps moving forward, even when change is unwanted, even when someone is no longer with us. (Or when someone we didn’t want ends up being in charge.) On a global level, I’ve noticed heightened activation and fear in response to the current political landscape. As I process my own emotions while holding space for my clients, I realize how similar my body’s reactions are to both personal grief and the loss of a sense of collective safety—which, in truth, has always felt tenuous.
Grief has its own rhythm: first disbelief, then anger, then sadness, denial or distraction, and, for a brief moment, even hope, before the cycle begins again. Grief, which finds us all, is a tricky animal. For all its pain, it also moves us, cleanses us, provides clarity, and, perhaps most importantly, reminds us of the depth of our love and care.
In mourning my family member, I am warmed by my memories and reassured by the ways in which I have internalized our relationship. The love remains, even as the form of connection shifts. But when it comes to the grief I feel for our country, the process is more complicated. My personal circumstances haven’t changed much (yet), but my heart aches for those who are directly impacted. That ache itself feels significant. It is a testament to our collective humanity—to the fact that even in grief, even in loss, we can still care.
Perhaps that is what love and relationships are about: the ability to hold onto care, even in the face of uncertainty, to allow grief to shape us without letting it harden us, and to remember that even in times of great instability, love remains.
This Month at CAP
This month, we are focusing on the people and things we love, want to protect, and uplift. We are excited to introduce our newest member of the CAP team, Clara Gomez, who you can read about below. We also chatted with fellow therapist Georbina DeRosa, who recently started her own practice here in NYC, about her journey to start her business and the importance of representation in therapeutic spaces.
A few more links on the topic.
Why Representation in Mental Health Matters: Read about the importance of diversity in the mental health field.
Finding Culturally Competent Care: Explore BIPOC therapy directories featured in The New York Times.
Honoring Diversity & Visibility
We’re a little late, but February was Black History Month! And this month, we recognize:
Women’s History Month
Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month
Transgender Day of Visibility (March 31)
At CAP, celebrating diversity is always important—but it takes on a new urgency when diversity itself feels under attack. (See this press release from the Department of Defense.) We remain committed to fostering a space where all identities are valued, and we invite you to stand with us in advocating for a more just and compassionate world.
Creative Exploration: A Felt Sense
We also share a creative art directive that requires no artistic skill! For extra support in tuning into every therapist’s favorite question, "How do you feel?" check out our blog post on developing a felt sense.
As always, I am wishing you well. See you next month!
- Jennifer Byxbee CAP Founder
Are you grieving a loss and want to talk to someone about it? Book a free consultation to see if therapy is right for you.