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Is the author of Hush Hush and founder of ILERA. She serves as a psychotherapist, Interfaith minister, Ifa-Orisa priestess and professional development trainer focusing on: spirituality, sexuality, sexual abuse prevention, vicarious trauma and healing.

DeShannon Barnes-Bowens

Increasing Awareness. Changing Lives. 

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ILERA'S MISSION

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"To support healing and affirm the authentic sacredness of human beings to be seen

and valued as a whole."

SERVICES

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COUNSELING & COACHING

Spiritual counseling &/or coaching is available for individuals, couples and groups over the age of 18. All sessions take place on-line. A free consultation is needed to determine if the clients' needs can be met.

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PROFESSIONAL 

DEVELOPMENT TRAINING

Customized training is available focused on vicarious trauma & wellness, self-care & sustainability, the impact of racial justice work on activists, and how the intersection of sexuality & sexual abuse is crucial in preventing ongoing cycles of abuse.

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INSPIRATIONAL TALKS

DeShannon delivers customized presentations highlighting the work of her book Hush Hush as well as encouraging messages about healing, freedom and wellness for conferences, agencies, colleges and universities.

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"DeShannon Bowens is an exceptionally skilled and sensitive facilitator and educator on issues of sexual abuse, sexuality, vicarious trauma & wellness. ILERA workshops make a real difference for people working on the front lines of trauma and abuse."

 

Rev. Sally N. MacNichol, PhD

Co-Executive Director, CONNECT

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HUSH HUSH

In this revised and expanded second edition of Hush Hush, DeShannon Bowens revisits her insightful interviews with the Peterson family. Bowens makes a compelling case that intergenerational healing from sexual abuse cannot happen in Black communities without releasing shame-based sexuality narratives from the past. Hush Hush, stresses the importance of empowered sexuality narratives and communication within families as a key component in preventing and ending child sexual abuse.

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"In Hush Hush, DeShannon has created an innovative tool for spurring conversations about sexuality and sexual violence in the African American community. Kudos."

Lori S. Robinson,

Author of I Will Survive: The African-American Guide to Healing from Sexual Assault and Abuse

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