Chanelle Henderson, LMC, PMH-C
On November 4, Awake welcomed Chanelle Henderson, LPC, PMH-C and Dr. Bethany Lackey, Ph.D. for the second Rooted and Rising event of the season. The presentation explored the importance of community, connection, and resilience in the healing process. Bethany and Chanelle are licensed counselors and cofounders of A Tree Planted Collective, a nonprofit mental health organization dedicated to reducing barriers to care through inclusive, healing, and trauma-informed practices. Chanelle also facilitates a support group under Awake’s Care for the Caregivers initiative for staff and volunteers. Their presentation, “The Ordinary Magic of Community,” invited participants to consider how healing is not something we have to navigate alone, but instead something that can be supported by our relationships and communities.
Bethany began with the idea that healing and wellness happen at many levels: individuals, relationships, organizations, communities, and society. She explained how each of these levels might influence the others, further emphasizing that a person’s experiences do not exist in isolation. Chanelle expanded on that idea, explaining that healing can be shaped by both individual experiences and a person’s environment. She reminded participants, “Healing ourselves isn’t an individual sport. We exist within context.”
The presenters also explored how trauma can affect our ability to connect with others. Bethany explained that when a person experiences harm, their brain and nervous system can continue responding to perceived threats even after the danger has passed. These responses can make it difficult to feel safe in relationships, even when connection can help us approach ourselves and others with compassion.
Chanelle introduced the psychologist Ann Masten’s work describing resilience as “ordinary magic.” Rather than viewing resilience as an extraordinary quality, Masten’s research suggests that resilience develops through everyday protective factors. These factors include caring relationships, supportive communities, sources of faith, and emotional regulation skills. Henderson encouraged participants to think about resilience through three areas: internal resources, external resources, and pathways forward. Together, these factors demonstrate that resilience is not simply an individual responsibility, but something that is strengthened by the people and systems around us.
Bethany Lackey, Ph.D.
Audience questions discussed the implications of adverse childhood experience (ACE) scores on a person’s resilience factors, the difficulties that isolation can pose, and the importance of trust in developing communities. Chanelle and Bethany also discussed the ways that virtual communities can foster connection and resilience. Chanelle emphasized that meaningful connections often develop through small and consistent interactions that help people feel valued. In virtual spaces, this might look like taking the time to get to know one another, sharing small moments of everyday life, or creating opportunities for regular interaction. Bethany added that building trust and safety is essential, regardless of whether a community gathers online or in person. She explained, “Healing comes through finding safety within vulnerability.” She reminded participants that vulnerability looks different for everyone. Choosing to attend a gathering can be a meaningful step toward connection, including online. The conversation served as a reminder that meaningful relationships can develop in many ways when people are given opportunities to feel safe and supported.
Chanelle closed the presentation by inviting participants to consider how they might cultivate more “ordinary magic” within their own communities, rather than focusing only on becoming more resilient individually, and know that every person has a place of belonging. Bethany affirmed Chanelle’s remarks: “Find connection, find belonging if you can, and then know that you deserve healing.”
Awake is grateful to Chanelle Henderson and Dr. Bethany Lackey for sharing their expertise and thoughtful perspectives, and to everyone who joined us for this evening of learning and reflection.
— Maggie Flanagan