#136:Rachel-Finding Identity Among Ghosts & Reconstruction
How does being an identical twin influence your understanding of yourself? What if people only knew you by way of reference to another person? You're the tallest in your family, you're much quieter than your sister. Who takes more after their mom? What if your referent looked just like you? Had the same smile, same face, an exact DNA replica?
"The irony with being an identical twin is that people think they know you because you have someone who shares your same DNA. You feel like a ghost because people think they see you, but they don't take the time to really get to know you as an individual."
Rachel is an incredible leader. She shares the deconstruction of her high-demand religion, redefining motherhood, and how she can best show up for those in need. She also gives the inside scoop about what drove her to launch her non-profit, Common Thread, and we talk about the massive impact she is having in the community and on nearly a thousand teens who are struggling with trauma and dealing with significant adversity.
Rachel Garrett is a former high school teacher, a licensed foster parent, and a certified CASA. Rachel has a master's degree in Psychology: Child and Adolescent Development, emphasizing how trauma impacts brains and behaviors. Rachel is Founder and Executive Director of Common Thread, a non-profit dedicated to building community and strengthening teens who are experiencing significant adversity in their lives.
Here is what Rachel wanted to share with the listeners via her show notes:
PHOTOS:
"In reflection of the podcast interview, I have overthought everything to a point that I am not sure what was even originally communicated. I have trust that you, as the listener, will understand my intentions and find compassion in my delivery. I have so much love and empathy in my heart. I seek to be a lifelong learner.
With that said, I am much more confident in my writing. It is a form of healing and processing. I find power in reflecting on my life experiences and trying to find with the words to connect with others. We all have stories and wisdom to share. Here are a few things I have written or created over the years."
FOSTERING:
- What we do to prepare before every placement/respite call
- What it looked like for two teen brothers
- How we have connected
- What Healing looks like up close
- ****RAW + REAL of what REUNIFICATION LOOKS LIKE + HOW MUCH WE LOVE THESE TEENS:
- A +E: https://www.instagram.com/p/CTpPu_VlKTN/?igshid=YWJhMjlhZTc=
- V: https://www.instagram.com/p/Cj9WzQrMxcJ/?igshid=YWJhMjlhZTc=
RELIGION:
- Making the brave decision to share online about our decision to leave the LDS Church: (I still get messages to this day of people asking if they can use these words to tell their families and friends.)
- Patriarchal Blessing Details
- Grief
RACHEL'S MASTER PROGRAM DETAILS:
MENTAL HEALTH:
- Realities of Depression
- Building the Garden
- Healing Trauma
- 5 Things to Protect Mental Health-Therapist
COMMON THREAD IN THE NEWS!!!
RESOURCES MENTIONED:
To find out more about becoming a CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocate) visit https://nationalcasagal.org/
OTHER EPISODES YOU WILL LOVE!
109 Meg-Friendly Refuge (Deconstruction, Reframing "Motherhood"),
111 Kseniya-Nomad Alliance (Building a non-profit that serves those in need, Labor of Love)
132 Sol-Journey to Justice (Dedicated service to underserved communities, Making a Difference)
#IdenticalTwin, #Identity, #FosterCare, #Depression, #Identity, #CommonThread, #Acceptance
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