We learn about trauma-informed therapy, visit the Los Angeles community fridges, and avoid awkward small talk.
A Letter From Our Founder
Dear reader,
Summer in Los Angeles is officially here (or it will be this weekend), and the sun is not messing around. There is a part of me that is ready to slow down, and another part that is apparently not getting the memo. Yesterday, in between work, I went grocery shopping, washed my car, and cleaned my house for two hours, and felt proud of what I accomplished. If you know me, you know that clean spaces matter to me in a way that goes beyond preference. Through my own work in therapy, I’ve come to understand it as a response to growing up in a home that was often chaotic and almost always a mess. It is a part of me I am learning to work with.
I have also been managing a low hum of anxiety lately. The news cycle, the heat, the particular dread that comes when summer arrives. I have been seeking distraction where I can find it: watching Love Island with real dedication and seeing not one but two movies at the theater this week. (Stop! That! Train! is the one I would recommend. Go see it if you need 90 minutes of silly laughter.)
It is also Pride month, and I want to say that because it deserves more than a passing mention, including from me. I am queer, and learning to honor that part of myself has been one of the real outcomes of trauma-informed work in my own life. It was also one of the things that was missed by therapists who were not doing this work well.
This month’s article is about trauma-informed care. What it actually means, and why it matters that a therapist is paying attention to all of you. I hope it’s helpful for folks who are trying to understand what type of support they need and how to spot it.
As always, if you’re looking for support, we’re here. You can reach us at info@takeroottherapy.com or call or text (323) 388-5578.
With care,
Saba Harouni Lurie (she/her/hers)
On The Blog
What Is Trauma-Informed Therapy and How Do You Know If It’s Right for You?: Understanding Trauma Informed Therapy
Growing up in my Iranian household, anger scared the shit out of me. My parents, who both worked all the time and were generally overwhelmed themselves, weren’t necessarily quick to anger, but when they felt angry, they would explode. It wasn’t uncommon, and it never felt okay…
How to Help
Los Ángeles Community Fridges
Los Angeles Community Fridges is a network of decentralized, independent refrigerators and pantries that provide food and vital supplies to our communities through mutual aid.
Our mission is to strengthen communities & redistribute existing resources by providing tools and frameworks to ensure people-supported, ongoing, equal access to healthy food.
We believe a community knows what’s best for themselves. We also know that every location is unique and has different needs. The way we work is simple: we provide a scalable, repeatable framework to get refrigerators up and running for the communities that want them, so that they may work autonomously to support the needs at hand.
LACF’s values are Community, Trust, Equality, Resource Redistribution and Mutual Aid.
We encourage any individuals who are part of our network to embody these values as they work to serve their communities. With this in mind, LACF has taken time internally to discuss our role in the greater Los Angeles community and how we can work to support a more decentralized, independent network of free fridges.
Volunteer to Support Survivors of Domestic Violence, Children & Families
Join us in building community! Be apart of ensuring the health, safety, and economic empowerment of women, children, and families.
Volunteering is a great way to give back to your community. YWCA Glendale & Pasadena has several opportunities year-round for you to become involved as much or as little as your schedule allows – recurring opportunities, special events, program support, and more. We would love your help supporting the women and families we serve.
Sign Up Today!
- Fill out the Volunteer Interest Form
- Await further instructions and confirmation of start date from our Volunteer Coordinator
- Follow up with requested documentation (May include Application, Live Scan, TB Test)
WHEN:
Multiple Dates
Next: Tuesday, June 23rd
10 AM – 1 PM
WHERE:
735 E Lexington Dr.
Glendale, CA 91206
Community Events
Free Women’s Self-Defense Intro Class – Women Empowered Class 1
Self-Defense taught by women, for women means a zero judgement space where we uplift each other, grow in confidence & get stronger together!
Self-Defense taught by women, for women.
Join us on Tuesday, June 23 at 7:30 PM as our Women Empowered program begins a new 15-class cycle. This FREE introductory class is the perfect opportunity to start your self-defense journey in a supportive, judgment-free environment where women uplift one another, build confidence, and grow stronger together.
Women Empowered is a beginner-friendly self-defense program designed specifically for women. Our certified instructors provide a safe, structured, and encouraging learning experience, using a trauma-informed approach that allows you to learn at your own pace and comfort level.
We believe self-defense begins with the belief that you are worth defending. If you’ve been thinking about taking that first step, now is the perfect time.
Can’t make Tuesday? Join us Saturday, June 27 and start at the beginning of the cycle as well.
To reserve your FREE introductory class:
Call or Text: (626) 633-7503
Email: info@gjjpasadena.com
Visit: www.gjjpasadena.com
WHEN:
Tuesday, June 23rd
7:30 – 8:30 PM
WHERE:
75 West Walnut Street
#ste 110 Pasadena, CA 91103
3rd Annual Juneteenth Game & Open Mic Night
Join us as we celebrate the Juneteenth holiday through music, games, open mic talent as we shape our future and build communities in LA!
✊🏾 JUNETEENTH GAME & OPEN MIC NIGHT
Join us for the 3rd Annual Juneteenth Celebration-Unapologetically Black Event
Game Night · Open Mic · Soul · Free Food · Community · Free Beverages
Space is limited to 100 people for this special event, RSVP today!
WHEN:
Friday, June 19th
6 – 10 PM
WHERE:
2620 W Main St.
Alhambra, CA 91801
Featured Publications
What To Talk About In Therapy: Topics & How To Start The Conversation
featuring Saba Harouni Lurie
The 7 Most Common Fights Close Friends Have — And How To Work Through Them
featuring Saba Harouni Lurie
10 first date questions to ask to avoid awkward small talk, according to relationship experts
featuring Saba Harouni Lurie