Episode 115: Amplifying Underrepresented Voices: The Journey Of A Black Neurodivergent Therapist [featuring Jessica Crunkleton]

In this episode, I talk with Jessica Crunkleton, an LMFT, LCPC, CADAC 2 & EMDR Trainer, about navigating intersectionality and identity in the mental health space.Jessica shares her thoughts about growing up as an ADHD-diagnosed black child and how it impacted her views as an adult, and says, "Who am I? What am I? And there was a whole journey with that and trying to figure out who I am and how I show up in the world, and I feel like I've gotten to that place, but it's really hard."3 key themes in this episode:Feeling misunderstood or mislabeled due to neurodivergence: We address the challenges and misconceptions faced by neurodivergent people, especially in communities of color, as well as emphasize the importance of advocating for underrepresented voices.Imposter syndrome: If you have struggled with imposter syndrome, especially individuals of color, you may resonate with Jessica's journey in overcoming imposter syndrome and societal expectations. We talk about the roots of imposter syndrome and encourage individuals to embrace their unique perspectives and backgrounds, ultimately reaffirming their qualifications and expertise.Balancing multiple marginalized identities: The episode delves into Jessica's experience of being multiply marginalized as a black woman who is also neurodivergent, navigating her Christian background and sexuality, and shares the struggles in her journey of self-acceptance and finding her place, both professionally and personally. More about Jessica:Jessica Crunkleton is the owner of Jessica Crunkleton LLC, a private practice located in O’Fallon, IL (Greater St. Louis, MO region). She is a Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist, a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor, a Licensed Professional Counselor, a Licensed Mental Health Counselor, a Certified Alcohol & Drug Abuse Counselor Level II (CADAC II), a Sandtray Therapist, an EAP Therapist, & an Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACE) Master Education Trainer. Jessica is also an Area Clinician with the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA). She is licensed to practice in Indiana, Illinois, & Missouri. Jessica is an EMDRIA Approved Consultant, an EMDR Trainer in Training, & a Certified EMDR Therapist. In addition, she’s trained in Critical Incident Stress Management (CISM), Psychological First Aid, & Mental Health First Aid.Jessica provides training for clinicians & other First Responders in the Critical Incident Desensitization (CID) Protocol & the Acute Traumatic Incident (A-TIP) Protocol. She has been in the Mental Health field for over a decade. Jessica is also passionate about working with groups that have experienced marginalization including BIPOC & LGBTQIA+. Due to her unique clinical background specializing in Family Systems, Mental Health Counseling, Addiction, EMDR, Sandtray Therapy, & Cultural Competency etc., Jessica can assess presenting problems from multiple theoretical viewpoints at the same time. She utilizes an integrated systems approach. Jessica can effectively assess, evaluate, diagnose, & treat children, teens, & adults, couples, families, & groups. In addition, she provides virtual case consultation for over 100 Mental Health Professionals located across the United States & Canada every week. Jessica specializes in trauma-informed, attachment-based therapy for kids, teens, adults, couples, families, & groups. She has worked in a variety of treatment settings including outpatient, EAP, IOP, PHP, school, home, church, acute, residential, & correctional. She also has experience working with children & families involved with the Department of Child Services (DCS), Juvenile Probation, & providing Expert Court Witness Testimony for the Court System. Jessica enjoys writing & speaking about Mental Health...

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