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The value of counseling cannot be emphasized in today’s fast-paced environment, where stress and mental health issues are on the rise. The therapy provides patients with the chance to discuss their concerns reflect on their emotions and work towards healing and personal growth. The benefits of therapy exceed those of traditional therapy which serves only to help people of color in need. In this article, we will discuss the importance of black therapists their role in the mental health community, and the availability of African Americans.

Understanding the Importance of Representation

In the field of mental health representation is crucial. People especially those of color find therapists who belong to their ethnic or racial community. The black therapists feel like they are being acknowledged heard and accepted by people of color because of their extensive knowledge and cultural background.

Empathy and Reliability

Embracing the unique experiences and challenges of Black clients is one of the most important skills for Black therapists. They have a greater ability to understand and build trust with their clients because of their familiarity with cultural racial and socioeconomic influences that shape their lives. They feel confident in speaking with integrity and they don’t worry about being judged for their relativeness.

The experience of black therapists has faced numerous challenges in their practice with identity microaggression and racism. Due to their first-hand experience, they can develop a closer relationship with their clients. Because they are aware that these issues are actual experiences rather than just abstractions, black therapists can offer empathy and affirmation when clients express concerns about racial injustice or discrimination.

Breaking Stigmas

For far too long, stigmas around mental illness have lingered in numerous communities To help their communities get past these prejudices, black therapists are essential. When people encounter a therapist who resembles them in their profession, it helps dispel stereotypes and motivate more people to get the care they require.

Black therapists assist in lowering the stigma associated with treatment by candidly addressing their mental health struggles and adventures. By serving as examples, they demonstrate that seeking counseling is a sign of strength rather than weakness. Others may get motivated to do the same after realizing they are not the only ones going through difficult times.

Cultural Competence

Black therapists are frequently knowledgeable about the cultural quirks, historical backdrop, and structural problems that Black people face. Since they have a thorough understanding of their patient’s individual needs, they can deliver more successful therapy. They can speak sensitively and intelligently about topics relating to racism, identity, and generational trauma.

A Black therapist can assist their clients in navigating the complicated interactions between race, culture, and mental health when they discuss their experiences and worries with them. With this specific method, therapy is made to be a tailored and successful healing process rather than a one-size-fits-all strategy.

Locating a Local African-American Therapist

The first step is to locate a Black therapist in your region if you wish to work with one. The tips listed below can help with your search:

Online Directories

Use online directories that let you filter by race and ethnicity to find therapists. Numerous databases of Black therapists are available on the internet.

Ask for Referrals

Request recommendations from friends, family members, or neighborhood organizations. Finding a therapist who comes highly recommended can be a lot easier with personal recommendations.

Community Resources

Your neighborhood’s community centers, churches, and groups may be able to recommend Black therapists in your area or have resources of their own. Don’t be afraid to ask.

Social media

Look up therapists on social media sites like Twitter or Instagram, where many of them frequently post about their practice. You may find a therapist who connects with you.

Teletherapy

You might want to give it some thought. It gives you access to a larger pool of Black therapists by enabling you to work with one outside of your geographic area.

Conclusion

The ability of Black therapists to offer culturally competent, sympathetic, and relatable support to individuals of color is their greatest asset. People can find a safe space to confront their mental health issues and move toward healing by seeking therapy with a Black therapist. Kenyatta Black is here to assist you on your road to wellness.

If you are looking for an “African American therapist near me” use the methods listed above. Never forget that therapy is a tremendous instrument for healing and personal development, and finding the proper therapist can mean the world. The future of people and communities will be healthier and more empowered if we embrace the strength of Black therapists.

When faced with relationship difficulties, obtaining professional assistance can make a major difference in resolving issues and fostering a healthy and happy relationship. Black marriage counselors at Kenyatta Black, with their unique viewpoints and cultural understanding, can be of significant assistance to couples navigating the complexity of their relationships.

In this article, we will look at five ways that black marriage counselors can help you improve your relationship by utilizing their cultural competence, capacity to treat racial trauma, expertise in empowering communication, focus on building resilience, and nourishing cultural identity.

Culturally Competent Guidance

Black marriage counselors are intimately familiar with the unique issues and dynamics that black couples frequently experience. They understand the cultural, societal, and historical factors that can influence relationships. Black marriage counselors can provide culturally competent assistance suited to the specific requirements of black couples by incorporating this understanding into their counseling method. This understanding creates a safe and welcoming environment in which couples can freely communicate their issues and work towards solutions.

Addressing Racial Trauma

In a world where racial dynamics and inequality exist, black couples may face specific racial trauma challenges. Black marital counselors are trained to handle the impact of racial trauma on relationships and to help clients navigate its aftermath. Whether it’s processing racial discrimination experiences, comprehending the intergenerational repercussions of systemic racism, or dealing with external demands, black marital counselors provide a safe space to explore and recover from these challenges.

Empowering Communication

A strong and happy relationship is built on effective communication. Black marriage counselors can assist couples in developing culturally specific communication skills. They provide tools and practices for improving active listening, constructively expressing emotions, and navigating disputes with empathy and respect. Black marital counselors help couples increase their understanding, create trust, and strengthen their bond by encouraging open and honest communication.

Building Resilience

Relationships have ups and downs, and developing resilience is essential for surviving the storms together. Black marital counselors can help couples develop resilience techniques to help them overcome obstacles and disappointments. They assist couples in identifying and utilizing their strengths, developing coping methods, and fostering emotional well-being. Black marriage counselors empower couples to grow stronger both individually and as a relationship by providing them with the tools to recover from issues.

Nurturing Cultural Identity

Individual ideas and relationships are shaped by cultural identity. Black marriage counselors recognize the need of honoring and nurturing cultural identity within a relationship. They assist couples in determining how their cultural origins and experiences affect their relationship dynamics. Black marriage counselors promote the formation of a strong and authentic partnership by creating a space for couples to accept their cultural history and overcome any cultural difficulties that may emerge.

Conclusion

Seeking the advice of a black marital counselor can be a game changer in the direction of a happier and more meaningful relationship. These specialists can provide culturally competent guidance, treat racial trauma, empower dialogue, create resilience, and nurture cultural identity because they have a strong awareness of the unique problems faced by black couples.

Working with a black marital counselor can help couples embark on a journey of development, healing, and strengthened connection. If you are searching for black marriage counselors near you, consider searching “black marriage counselors near me” to find the support you need to enhance your relationship. Remember, investing in your relationship is investing in your future together.

FAQs

1. What makes black marriage counselors unique in their approach to relationship counseling?

Black marriage counselors bring a unique perspective to relationship counseling, as they possess a deep understanding of the cultural, societal, and historical contexts that can impact black couples. This cultural competence enables them to personalize their assistance to the unique requirements and obstacles that black couples confront, thereby creating a secure and inclusive environment for open and honest communication.

2. Can a black marriage counselor address the impact of racial trauma on relationships?

Yes, black marriage counselors are trained to deal with the effects of racial trauma on relationships. They can assist couples in navigating the effects of racial discrimination, comprehending the intergenerational consequences of institutional racism, and dealing with external pressures.

3. How do black marriage counselors nurture cultural identity within a relationship?

Black marriage counselors recognize the need of honoring and nurturing cultural identity within a relationship. They assist couples in determining how their cultural origins and experiences affect their relationship dynamics. Black marriage counselors encourage the formation of a strong and honest partnership, enriched by the diversity of their origins, by creating a space where couples may embrace their cultural history and overcome any cultural problems that may occur.

Depression is a painful mental illness that affects millions of people all over the world. Even though it is essential to get professional help, there are things you can do to help yourself get out of sadness. You can help yourself improve by becoming more self-aware, taking care of yourself, challenging negative thoughts, having goals you can reach, and asking for help. This piece will give you some practical ways to deal with depression and get your life back on track.

1. Self-Awareness

The first step to overcoming sadness is learning more about yourself. Spend some time getting to know your feelings, thoughts, and causes. Pay attention to your physical and mental health, and look for signs of stress or wrong ways of thinking. Keeping a journal or practicing awareness can help you become more aware of your feelings and understand what makes them happen.

2. Self-Care

Putting yourself first will improve your general health. Do things that make you happy and calm down, like sports, working out, or spending time in nature. Focus on getting enough sleep, eating well, and avoiding things that can worsen sadness, like drugs and alcohol. Taking care of your body can improve your mental health, making you happier and giving you more energy.

3. Challenging Negative Thoughts

Negative and self-defeating thoughts are often fueled by depression, so it is important to challenge them. Learn to question and reframe these thoughts to make your mind more upbeat. Change self-critical or pessimistic thoughts with ones that are kind and practical. Self-compassion is essential, and you should tell yourself that your depression does not define who you are. Use positive affirmations and spend time with helpful, encouraging people who can help you keep a good attitude.

4. Setting Goals That Can Be Met

Depression can make even the most minor jobs seem impossible. Break up big goals into smaller, more manageable steps and focus on one job at a time. Celebrate small wins and note how far you have come along the way. Setting goals, you can reach gives you a sense of purpose and success and helps you feel less hopeless.

5. Seeking Support

Self-counseling is helpful, but looking for support from other people is also essential. Contact trusted friends, family members, or support groups who can offer empathy, understanding, and guidance. Joining a community group or seeing a counselor in Arlington can help you get expert advice and find more options. Remember that it takes strength to ask for help, and you do not have to deal with sadness alone.

To help yourself get out of sadness, you must be committed, patient, and kind. You can make significant steps toward recovery by becoming more self-aware, taking care of yourself, challenging negative thoughts, having goals you can reach, and asking for help. Remember that getting over sadness is a process that can take time. Be kind to yourself and enjoy even the most minor steps forward. With persistence and taking charge of your life, you can escape depression and find hope and happiness.

It seems like yesterday when my cousin, Peter, introduced me to this new game called Atari’s Pong. This game was far different from board games like Monopoly or Chutes and Ladders. Pong was played on the television!! It was the most amazing thing I have ever experienced. We spent hours and hours blissfully playing Pong and other Atari games. Little did I know that something that brought me so much joy as a kid would be the catalyst to a new addictive behavior also known as internet gaming disorder.

Video Game Addiction, Real or Not?

When I started researching this subject, I was surprised how much information I found on it. How was something I used to pass the time during college or wind down and forget about the stresses of the day and bring so much stress and anxiety to others. Like many drugs of addiction, such as opioids, cocaine, or nicotine, internet gaming disorder releases a pleasurable surge of dopamine that promotes addictive behaviors.

The Cleveland Clinic defines dopamine as a type of neurotransmitter and hormone which plays a role in many important body functions, including movement, memory and pleasurable reward and motivation. It is known as the “feel-good” hormone. The pursuit of this sense of pleasure is what entices people to repeat behaviors, productive or detrimental, that release dopamine which begins on addiction.

Did the Pandemic play a significant role in the growth of gaming addiction?

The simple answer is yes. Video game addiction has grown exponentially during the pandemic. In 2018 The World Health Organization added “gaming disorder” to its medical reference book, International Classification of Diseases. All researchers and health professionals did not view gaming in the same light. In fact, the DSM-5, the American Psychiatric Association’s manual, did not deem it worthy to label it as a disorder. It considered gaming as an activity that could lead to addiction. Research has shown that 86 percent of young adults ages 18 to 24 play online video
games regularly which is up dramatically since 2020.

Studies from 2022 have found that Internet Gaming Disorder (IGD) had risen to an all-time high during the COVID pandemic. The American Psychiatric Association new edition of its manual, Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5-TR), had to make drastic revisions

Does my child suffer from Internet Gaming Disorder (IGD)?

The DSM-5-TR proposed symptoms of internet gaming disorder include:

● Preoccupation with gaming
● Withdrawal symptoms when gaming is taken away or not possible (sadness, anxiety,
irritability)
● Tolerance, the need to spend more time gaming to satisfy the urge
● Inability to reduce playing, unsuccessful attempts to quit gaming
● Giving up other activities, loss of interest in previously enjoyed activities due to
gaming
● Continuing to game despite problems
● Deceiving family members or others about the amount of time spent on gaming
● The use of gaming to relieve negative moods, such as guilt or hopelessness
● Risk, having jeopardized or lost a job or relationship due to gaming

Under the proposed criteria, a diagnosis of internet gaming disorder would require experiencing
five or more of these symptoms within a year. The condition can include gaming on the internet
with others or alone.

What should I do next?

If you feel as if you or someone you love is showing symptoms of IGD, you should seek professional assistance from your doctor or therapist or your child’s pediatrician. It is important to begin treating video game addiction in the preliminary stages. Mental health counseling therapy such as CBT or cognitive behavioral therapy will teach you to replace thoughts about gaming with more constructive thoughts to change you or your child’s behavior

Author: Guy Humes – Postgrade student at Lamar University
Supervisor in situ: Kenyatta Black Jacobs, LPC-S