Hosted by Rosemary Davies-Janes

Produced by J’aime Rothbard

In this compelling interview, Rennet invites us to witness her transformative journey from immigrating to Canada (from Guyana) without her parents at 17, to navigating the intricacies of her mixed-race identity. The unexpected support of a compassionate doctor who provided emotional solace in one of her toughest times highlights the importance of safe spaces, connection and supportive relationships, when we are facing adversity.

Rennet’s ability to seamlessly integrate her rich cultural heritage into her practice demonstrates how her deep connection to her cultural heritage enriches her understanding of trauma and healing. By recognizing both her clients’ pain and their inherited strengths, she affirms that growth is possible, even in the face of immense challenges.

Her deep expertise in marginalization, systemic and structural oppression, and trauma, sheds light on the unseen battles many of us face, and her stories illustrate how these issues arise.

Marginalization involves stereotype-based identity perspectives (race, gender, sexuality....) that:
- Deny people opportunities, access to resources, or recognition of their contributions/value
- Subjects people to derogatory language, bullying, disrespect, isolation or unwanted attention 

Structural inequality occurs when organizations, institutions, governments or social networks hold cultural, linguistic, economic, religious/spiritual beliefs, physical or identity based biases which provide advantages for some members and disadvantages for others.

Trauma is a collection of lived experiences stored in fragments in our bodies. Initiated in childhood, we run these learned programs, which, without conscious change, repeat intergenerationally.

Rennet's story isn't just about overcoming our trauma; it's about recognizing our gifts and using them to thrive. Let her insights inspire you to embrace your own trauma and strength with gratitude. And as you walk your healing path, notice how every step forward is generated through a shared connection.

Released on September 19, 2023. 

Rennet Wong-Gates

 A Registered Clinical Social Worker, Rennet holds a Masters Degree in Health and Mental Health from the University of Toronto, Dean’s List. Her therapeutic approach is based on her belief that: “Building on a client’s strengths within a supportive environment is the key to enhanced mental health.”

 Rennet’s work supports the healing of individuals, couples and families facing complex trauma, mood disorders and a spectrum of related issues. Widely recognized for her unique therapeutic approach, and for making mental health knowledge and skills highly accessible, she shares her insights and skills through her work as a Lecturer at the University of Toronto’s Factor-
Intenwash School of Social Work. 

With her clients, Rennet uses many talking modalities and body therapies, including EMDR, Compassionate Inquiry (Mentored by Dr. Gabor Maté), the Trauma of Money and Somatic Experiencing. She provides clinical supervision to organizations and engages with the community through public speaking. 

Rennet has treated thousands of clients and continues to foster vibrant connections with them on their journeys of personal growth and healing in the midst of hardship. She currently lives in Aurora, Ontario.

Resources

 Websites:
Professional Website

Compassionate Inquiry Profile

Instagram: rennetwonggates  https://www.instagram.com/rennetwonggates/#

 Books:
Rest is Resistance 

What is Post traumatic Growth?
Recovering Black Storytelling in Qualitative Research Endarkened Storywork

The Pain we carry: Healing from Complex PTSD for People of Colour

Cultural Competence and Healing Culturally Based Trauma with EMDR Therapy 

 Quotes:
“The original meaning of the verb “to marginalize” was “to write notes in the margin of.” A helpful visual for Marginalization… Consider relegating someone to an unimportant or powerless position—so they feel like the notes squeezed into the margins of society. Small. Scrawled. Practically unreadable.”
- Beth Castle

 “Healing isn’t quiet. The feelings that go with trauma healing, the grief, sadness and anger… take over like wild cats: It’s frightening, when those feelings go away, as you can’t protect yourself from the tiger you can’t see. Is it laying in wait to attack out of the blue?  When you live through trauma you get used to the noise. So moments of calm, quiet or contentment are unfamiliar. You work hard to heal and suddenly you find yourself lost in a world of quiet, the noise of trauma is gone and you’re not prepared for these moments - you don’t have the skills to sit still, to be quiet, to wonder, to reflect. It takes all of our patience and compassion to hold ourselves in this new space the way we would an infant or child who needs reassurance. For trauma survivors, growth isn’t toughness –it;s softness. Not hard work, but allowing rest.” - Gretchen Schmelzer