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Cacao benefits | Cacao health | Ceremonial cacao | Connection | Mental health | Therapy
Social connection is a fundamental human need vital to our health and well-being. Our existence becomes richer when we forge emotional, spiritual, or intellectual ties with those around us. However, connections are not easy to create—especially, as clinical psychologist Arinn Testa discovered, for the homeless.
Dr Arinn Testa is a clinical psychologist with over two decades of experience who has dedicated her career to understanding the human condition and supporting those in need. Her work with the Marin Housing Authority focuses on individuals experiencing homelessness, severe mental illness, and a variety of other challenging conditions.
Dr Testa is also a Keith's Cacao Practitioner. Having experienced the transformative powers of 100% Pure Ceremonial Grade Cacao first in herself and then in her family, Dr Testa knew it would make a big difference in her work. Keith's Cacao proved to be a unique tool, demonstrating remarkable effectiveness in fostering connections and supporting the individuals Dr Testa serves and her dedicated team of professionals committed to their care.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, the vulnerability of the homeless population became even more heightened. "Our homeless population was more impacted than most other communities," Dr Testa notes. When she and her team reached out to the community to understand what would be most helpful, the feedback was resoundingly clear: connection, connection, connection! This prompted the Marin Housing Authority to create a series of events, the "Seeds of Hope," where previously unhoused, precariously housed, and homeless individuals could gather, receive support, and feel they were not alone in their journey.
The team initially brought art supplies, fruit, and other items to these events to encourage participation and foster a sense of community. During one of these events, Dr Testa had an epiphany: "I just thought, What about Cacao?" The introduction of Keith's Cacao into these events instantly affected "everyone that I connected with and met... you could see it in them, " Dr Testa recounts. The Cacao brought a sense of wonder and comfort, providing a unique connection that words alone could not achieve.
The challenges those who support the homeless face are immense, and Dr Testa knows this all too well. Alongside her team at the Marin Housing Authority, she works tirelessly to provide care for individuals with complex needs. This work inevitably leads to exposure to vicarious trauma and the personal trauma of witnessing clients' suffering. Arinn understands the toll it can take on her team, which is why she introduced Keith's Cacao as a means of support. "It just seemed really organic to bring Cacao into my team to help them maintain support around their hearts and trust that what we're doing is making a difference."
Keith's Cacao possesses a unique quality that helps caregivers manage their emotional burdens. "There is something about Keith's Cacao that dials down the noise of the doubt," Dr Testa explains. This unique quality allows her team to be more present with each other and take better care of themselves. The nurturing quality of the Cacao helps honor all feelings, even the difficult ones, fostering a supportive environment where all emotions are acknowledged and respected.
For Dr Testa, the impact of Keith's Cacao is nothing short of miraculous. Through the power of Keith's Cacao, she has found a way to support both the unhomed and those who care for them, fostering connection and providing much-needed emotional sustenance in a challenging world. "Keith's Cacao has that extra 'je ne sais quoi'," Dr Testa exclaims. "It has something, some sort of extra magic. That's why I stick with Keith's Cacao."
New to Ceremonial Cacao? Head to our Quick Start Guide to learn more about this versatile, magical superfood and instructions on preparing a perfect cup.
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