Therapists' Organize a Virtual March on the Boss at UCSD Eating Disorder Center
CC Gerlach's journey at the UC San Diego Eating Disorders Center, initially filled with learning and growth, took a dramatic turn as systemic issues became apparent. "We were getting burnt out. This can't be normal," she remarked, voicing the concerns of many young therapists facing continuous understaffing and overwhelming workloads.
The pivotal moment came with the revelation that their titles would be frozen, denying them deserved compensation for professional advancements. CC—a Marital and Family Therapist trainee working in the Pediatric Clinic—vividly recalled the collective shock and frustration: "We weren't going to be getting paid any more money for being license eligible or for getting our license." The unfairness galvanized CC and her colleagues into action, leading them to organize a march to confront their management.
The march represented a critical juncture in their struggle. CC and her colleagues embarked on a daunting task: drafting a petition, a first for many of them. "We had no prior experience," she admitted, but the necessity of their cause pushed them forward. Inspired by other university movements, they crafted a petition that would become the cornerstone of their action.
The UC San Diego Eating Disorders Center, renowned for its research and treatment of eating disorders, conducts extensive neurobiological research to develop evidence-based therapies. Their comprehensive treatment programs, ranging from Pediatric to Adult services, utilize Family Based Therapy and Dialectical Behavior Therapy. The center includes a specialized inpatient unit for severe cases and offers intensive family therapy programs with a global reach. The center trains future researchers and clinicians, significantly impacting the field and ensuring access to quality treatments worldwide.
Organizing the march wasn't easy, especially with colleagues fearful of potential consequences. CC's perseverance shone through as she navigated these challenges. "It was a process," she acknowledged. The virtual march garnered well over a supermajority of signatures, marking a significant show of unity and resolve.
The decision to transition the march at the Eating Disorders Center to a virtual one was a strategic response to the evolving work environment. With Clinical Director Dr. Terry Schwartz, MD, and many staff members working remotely, organizing a traditional, physical march was impractical. This shift to a virtual march demonstrated adaptability in the face of changing working conditions. By leveraging Zoom, UPTE members showcased that solidarity and unity can be effectively displayed, even when members are geographically dispersed or working remotely.
The march led to management's promise of a town hall meeting. CC emphasized the importance of persistence: "We at least get that town hall meeting." This sentiment underscored the ongoing need for advocacy and follow-up to ensure their demands were met. Reflecting on the march, CC felt a surge of empowerment. "It truly felt empowering to be the ones to be leading the change," she stated. This experience highlighted the power of collective action and the impact of standing together in the face of adversity.
CC's story at the UCSD Eating Disorder Center is a testament to the power of unity and determination. Her transition from a trainee therapist to a key figure in organizing a march against workplace injustices illustrates the profound influence of collective action. The virtual march also illustrates that worker advocacy and collective bargaining efforts can adapt to any environment, ensuring that voices are heard, and actions are seen, regardless of physical barriers. Distance and isolation do not diminish the strength of collective efforts.