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 related topics to educate the public & reduce stigma.

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Thanks to Our Sponsors: The Receptionist for iPad

✨ The Receptionist for iPad:

I want to thank The Receptionist for iPad for sponsoring this episode.

The Receptionist offers an iPad list check-in option where clients can scan a QR code to check in, which negates the need for you to buy an iPad and stand. Go to thereceptionist.com/privatepractice and sign up for a free 14-day trial. When you do, you'll get your first month free. And don't forget to ask about our iPad list check-in option.

Mentioned in this episode:

The Receptionist for iPad

I want to thank The Receptionist for iPad for sponsoring this episode. From new patients faced with an empty lobby and no idea where to find their therapist to clinicians with a session running over time and the doorbell ringing, some of the most anxiety-ridden moments of a therapy appointment happen before a session even starts. The Receptionist for iPad, helps you tackle some of that pre-appointment apprehension and anxiety. The Receptionist for iPad is an easy-to-use digital client check-in system that helps your visitors check in securely to their appointments and notify their practitioners of their arrival via SMS, email, or your preferred channel. No more confusion, and less lobby checking or having clients sign in on paper logbooks. It can even help you upgrade and update your demographic information for your clients as well and even validate parking. Start a 14-day free trial of the Receptionist for iPad by going to thereceptionist.com/privatepractice. Make sure to start your trial with that link and you'll also get your first month free if you decide to sign up.

Resilient Mind Counseling

It's Patrick. Some of you may know that I own a group therapy practice in North Carolina, Resilient Mind Counseling. We specialize in supporting the Neurodivergent, LGBTQIA+, and Black, Brown, and Asian communities online and across North Carolina. We also have limited in-person openings at our offices in Asheville and Cary. We really love working with clients who are coming to terms with both Autism and ADHD discoveries later in life or questioning, as well as the intersections of race, gender, identity, and orientation. All of our therapists have lived experience and identify as AuDHD, Autistic, or ADHD. Our team of affirming therapists offers a safe, anti-racist, anti-oppressive, inclusive, and accessible space where you can show up exactly as you are—no masking, no judgment, and no need to make eye contact, just real connection and healing. We accept most commercial insurances like Blue Cross Blue Shield, United, Aetna, and Med Cost, as well as self-pay options. We currently have openings for new clients. Visit our website at resilientmindcounseling.com. You can also text or call our HIPAA-compliant phone line at (828) 515-1246, or email us at scheduling@resilientmindcounseling.com.

Betsy Erickson on handling conflict effectively with philanthropic families