Diversity and Inclusivity Statement

The HCC-TxAPT Board is reaching out to our chapter so that there is no uncertainty regarding our values as an organization. Our board stands with the black community. We are grieving the murders of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, and so many others, and are outraged about the ongoing systemic injustices and police brutality plaguing the black men and women in our country.

As mental health professionals, we know that this movement is not a “political” matter, but a human rights one. Mental wellness cannot be separated from justice and safety from prejudice. As play therapists in particular, we MUST be aware of the generational trauma imposed on our child clients and their families. We cannot stand idly by.

Our board is committed to the support of those in marginalized communities. We will be taking needed actions within our chapter to confront social injustice, including:

• Recruiting more presenters, chapter members, and board members of color.

• Inviting knowledgeable presenters to provide training on diversity in play therapy.

• Sharing posts to our social media pages with advice for white therapists on discussing racism and racial trauma with clients.

• Asking ALL future presenters to include cultural issues in their trainings. We will be changing our presenter proposal forms to reflect this. 

• Providing a safe space to support and learn from each other in a respectful and welcoming environment.

We join the Association for Play Therapy in standing against racism, hate, and intolerance in all forms. We ask that our members stand with each other with this in mind. We encourage our members to engage in understanding and challenging their own biases and privilege, allying with community efforts, while exploring and deepening their social understanding and cultural awareness. 

Sincerely,

The HCC-TxAPT Board:

Kamini Verma, President

Lisa DeGraff, President-Elect

Amanda Robinson, Immediate Past President

Michelle Beyer, Treasurer

Dakota Becker, Recording Secretary

Rosalie Piedra, Social Media Liaison

Sheila Wessels, Corresponding Secretary