hx allies

deborah gordon

clinical psychologist

What do you do?

I am a clinical psychologist and business owner at Siv Counseling and Consultation where our mission is to inspire and nurture the mental health of our communities by building meaningful relationships, speaking truth with compassion, and engaging in a life-long commitment to learning.

How and why is elevating human flourishing important to you?

Human flourishing is central to my mission as both a clinical psychologist but also the owner of Siv, which is founded on a dedication to community mental health partnerships and a commitment to holistic well-being. To me, human flourishing encompasses just that - the holistic well-being of individuals, including their emotional, psychological, and social health. By fostering human flourishing, we not only alleviate symptoms of mental distress but also promote resilience, fulfillment, and a higher quality of life. This comprehensive approach enables individuals to thrive within their communities, contributing to a more supportive, connected, and healthier society. Our focus on human flourishing drives our commitment to empowering individuals and building robust mental health support systems in the community, ensuring that everyone has the opportunity to lead a meaningful and fulfilling life.

What do you do to support growth for individuals personally, at work, at home and in relationships?

It’s the very heart of my work! My vision for Siv is to be a leading mental health organization committed to community health and flourishing by maintaining an unwavering commitment to lead by and live out our values. That last part is my commitment to practice what I preach! As well, Siv’s collaborative effort with our local community through intentional partnerships represents a pioneering initiative in fostering mental health and well-being. Through our partnerships, often with local churches and/or grassroots organizations, mental health services are seamlessly integrated into the community fabric, with the partnership serving as a hub for counseling and support. This collaboration not only enhances accessibility to mental health resources but also promotes destigmatization within a trusted and familiar environment.

How could a community like the HX Collective support or amplify the great you are already doing?

I think the crossover opportunities are huge! HX Collective and Siv have a shared vision and mutual commitment to human flourishing that aligns perfectly, ensuring our efforts are synergistic and holistic. For me and Siv, this provides opportunities for leveraging the innovative and interdisciplinary approaches of HX Collective in order to integrate cutting-edge practices and strategies into our mental health services, enhancing their effectiveness and reach. HX Collective provides access to a network of experienced leaders and resources, which enable us to expand our capacity, improve our services, and reach more community members. I see the potential for joint initiatives and programs to address specific community mental health needs, creating a more significant impact. Finally, HX Collective's influence can help elevate the importance of mental health within the broader community, advocating for policy changes and increasing awareness of mental health issues.