Member Article

Celebrating National Mentoring Day

Gabriela Flores, LCSW

October 27th is National Mentoring Day, a day to celebrate people who have provided support, guidance, and valuable advice in your life. Whether this has been something formal or informal, mentors can help with personal development, career goals, and building confidence. The Therapists of Color Mentorship Program offered through LA-CAMFT aims to provide all of this and more through a unique cultural lens and perspective. 

Approximately, one year ago I began searching for a mentor at the suggestion of a colleague. I came across a post on social media and decided to apply for the Therapists of Color Mentorship Program. I wasn’t sure what to expect, but the idea of finding fellow therapists of color seemed very appealing and certainly something I had never seen advertised before. I soon learned that this program is one of a kind and was impressed by the pioneering efforts of its founding members. 

Initially, I joined the Therapists of Color Mentorship Program last year as a mentee. Personally, I was interested in finding a support network that could help me navigate recent transitions in my career. I had recently been promoted at my organization and was experiencing some stress with regards to dealing with the nuances of being new to management and leadership roles. I very quickly found a caring and supportive group of individuals who provided me with a safe space, acceptance, and lots of great suggestions and advice on how to handle this transition in my career. Having a mentor empowered me to navigate my new role with increased confidence and a sense of pride for this personal accomplishment. 

This experience left such a lasting impression on me that I decided to return this year as a mentor and have also joined the mentorship committee. Participating in this project has been an incredibly rewarding experience where I have been able to receive so much support, have had the opportunity to pay it forward and help other colleagues, while also giving back to my community of mental health professionals. 

As therapists of color, we often experience situations in our profession where our unique backgrounds and experiences can be invalidated. Throughout our careers, and depending on the settings we may work in, it may be challenging to find other mental health professionals that look like us. It may be difficult to find role models that can offer us a roadmap along the way and help us feel seen and heard. Having a mentorship program for therapists of color by therapists of color has been a wonderful idea that has brought together communities of color through shared experiences and stories, and thus contributed to a truly enriching experience. 

This month, as we honor National Mentoring Day, I would like to salute all those who dedicate themselves to being mentors, as well as the mentees who actively seek guidance to bridge the gaps between their personal and professional growth. I also hope I’ve inspired others to join our Therapist of Color Mentorship program and make a difference in someone’s life. 

Happy Mentoring Day! 

Call to Action: If you are interested in joining the program next year, visit our webpage and send us an email. We are happy to provide further information!

Gabriela Flores, LCSW

TOC Committee Member and Mentor

TOC Mentorship Webpage

TOC Email: Tocmentorshipprogram@lacamft.org 

Email: gflorescast17@gmail.com

Images: all images were taken by Gabriela Flores using a personal smartphone device.