Have you ever caught yourself switching or changing your tone or how you speak depending on who you're surrounded by? Do you only feel comfortable using an African American vernacular with black folks in your community and attempt to use a more non-threatening tone with white folks? The act of codeswitching can feel exhausting for black folks and is often a conscious or unconscious act that Black people engage in as a means of being perceived positively with inner or outer groups. Because we all want to feel a sense of inclusion and belonging and avoid stereotypical labels that impact us, it can be difficult to grapple with constantly shifting your voice, tone and/or language to fit the context you're in.
Myrlie is a wellness counsellor, registered social worker and psychotherapist at Concordia’s Counselling and Psychological Services and Zen Dens. She facilitates wellness and psychoeducational workshops and events, and promotes projects related to mental health. She has specific expertise about the issues and challenges faced by Black and Indigenous communities in Montreal, as well as other ethnic minorities and members of the LGBTQ2+ community.
By using an anti-oppressive, collaborative and compassionate lens, Myrlie enjoys supporting, advocating and empowering people whose voices and lived experiences have been traditionally ignored and overlooked. She also aims to show students that Black mental health professionals exist and are working to reduce harm for the populations that they serve.
