20 May HERStory: Tieranni Parquet
Tieranni Parquet, MHS, LPC, Title: Clinical Director
Tell us about your background and how you came to be in the role you’re serving?
I am currently the Clinical Director of CADA Prevention & Recovery and getting here was a journey of faith, hard work, and divine alignment. Reflecting on my life, education, work and research experience, I believe I was destined to be in the mental health field and be here at CADA. As an undergraduate at the Xavier University of Louisiana studying Biology, I had a dream of being in the healthcare field. After graduating I ended up working long hours in the emergency room, immersed in all the things I loved: science, healing, and people. However, one night when I encountered a patient that was having a mental health crisis; working with him opened my heart, mind, and awareness to the need for more mental health providers in New Orleans, particularly therapists of color. I was disheartened by the lack of representation in the mental health field for people of color. As a Black woman, I strive to remove the stigma within communities of color surrounding the use of mental health services. I work tirelessly to create safe spaces for individuals that need a break from the harsh realities of daily living. Therefore, being a part of an organization like CADA that makes mental health services accessible to all has been rewarding. Being able to empower, humanize, and motivate a population of individuals that are sadly forgotten about or misunderstood has made this journey worthwhile.
How important is mental health today?
I believe mental health has always been important. However, the tragedies and uncertainties of 2020 caused us as a nation to prioritize our peace and wellbeing. The lockdown forced many of us into a place of stillness that we have never known. There were no distractions, just the solitude of our thoughts. In that time of isolation, I re-examined my own life and I, the therapist became my own client. I realized that throughout my life and chosen career path, I prioritized the mental health and well-being of everyone but myself. As women, these are the patterns that we fall into. We show up for everyone and give our all even at the expense of ourselves. So, in 2020, I turned that healing power, love and compassion inward. I worked on myself and for the first time in my life, I did not feel guilty for putting myself first. I hope while reading this you are empowered to focus on self-love, self-care, and all things that are important to you.
What can we do to help ourselves?
Holding space for yourself is just as important as being there for others. We must remember that we can not pour from an empty cup and being mindful of our own needs should be a common practice. Choosing kindness and leading with love and compassion for oneself creates the space for internal healing that will be reflected in your interactions with yourself and others. Self-care is the best investment that gives individuals the possibility to thrive and become full participants in life. My hope is that every woman finds the inner strength to live an intentional and unapologetic life.
Any additional information?
I would like to dedicate this to my late grandmother, Pearl who was a kind, God-fearing woman that lived life to the fullest to the very end. Losing her was one of the hardest hits I have ever taken on my own mental health. However, working through the stages of grief has allowed me to find meaning in life and has given me the motivation to continue my quest to help others heal. May your own healing journey lead to a place of self-discovery that allows you to reclaim your power from painful experiences.
Learn more about CADA here: https://www.cadagno.org/
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