In this impactful episode, Licensed Mental Health Counselor Marellyn Lajara shares her journey and expertise in addressing mental health challenges within underserved communities. With over 15 years of experience in nonprofit organizations and community-based mental health services, Marellyn has worked with diverse populations—from geriatric care to youth at risk of incarceration or educational neglect.Marellyn discusses the critical need to challenge mental health stigmas, particularly in communities of color, and how representation in therapy can foster healing and empowerment. She offers insights into supporting individuals facing systemic barriers, collaborating with families to promote well-being, and equipping therapists with the tools needed to provide effective care.Guest Bio:Marellyn Lajara is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor who obtained her Master's degree at Long Island University - Brooklyn. Marellyn has experience working with non-profit organizations and providing mental health services within the community for the past 15 years. Her experience in mental health ranges from providing recreational therapy to the geriatric population, to supporting youth and collaborating with their families to address mental health factors that put them at risk for adolescent pregnancy, incarceration/forensic history or educational neglect. Marellyn's passion for the field came from the desire to challenge the stigmas that surrounded mental health and wanting to provide representation as a therapist within underserved communities of color. A member of the NYPCC family since 2013, Marellyn has transitioned from Full Time Clinician to Clinical Supervisor, Training Specialist and now, Senior Training Specialist. In her role as Senior Training Specialist she assists with the training and professional development of both new and established therapists in the field. Marellyn enjoys contributing to the success of the therapists she helps train to ensure that the best clinical services are provided to the clients in our communities. Show benefits:Breaking Mental Health StigmasStrategies for Supporting Vulnerable PopulationsProfessional Development for TherapistsEmpowerment Through Accessible Mental Health CareYouTube Link: https://youtu.be/HJWqhkauK_I___________________________Marellyn Lajara’s Website: nypcc.org___________________________Youtube: youtube.com/@thecouragenetworkLinktree: https://linktr.ee/KendfosterVoices of Courage: voicesofcourage.usKen D Foster: kendfoster.com🔥 Don’t forget to LIKE, COMMENT & SUBSCRIBE for more transformational insights! 🔥#HealIt #KenDFoster #MarellynLajara #VoicesOfCourage #TheCourageNetwork #MentalHealth #Advocacy #Representation #CommunitySupport #TherapistTraining #MentalHealthAwareness #HealingJourney #TherapistLife #MentalHealthSupport #EndTheStigma #AnxietyRelief #StressManagement #CommunityMentalHealth #MentalHealthMatters #SelfHealing #SupportCommunitiesOfColor #BIPOCMentalHealth #TherapistRepresentation #CulturallyCompetentCare #DiversityInTherapy #MentalHealthPodcast #HealingConversations #EmpowermentPodcast #CourageToHeal #MindsetShift #TherapistTraining #ClinicalDevelopment #ProfessionalEmpowerment #MentalHealthProfessionals