I have taken some time to further explore this important information by interviewing counseling leaders of color. We can all take further steps in learning cultural diversity which helps us build empathy. Remember, empathy is an ability to be able to place ourselves in ones shoes and helps both you and the client understand their experience better. It feels like African Americans are experiencing abuse, trauma and death more than ever. In reality however, this has been happening since the beginning and it is coming more into light thanks to modern technology of being able to record, social media, and significant advocacy and support for The Black Lives Matter Movement.
A webinar I recently attended was focused on Racial Trauma in America hosted by Motivo, a LPC Supervision platform. If you wish to watch the webinar I have included their recording. The panelists Dr. Makungu Akinyela, Dr. Harrison Davis, Dr. Karla Sapp and Dr. Carla Smith were phenomenal and provided amazing insight on what their clients and they themselves experienced from Systemic Racism. The following points I bring up are only a few of the many great topics that were brought up. I recommend watching the entire recording if you wish to learn more.
Seeing a therapist of color: There are amazing multicultural therapists out there who have experience in trauma, anxiety and depression. However, sometimes a client may need that therapist who knows exactly what they have been through based on the color of their skin. This bridges a stronger therapeutic connection between client and therapist and can lead the client to trust their therapist and heal.
Empowering Children of Color: One point that moved me was how we can empower children of color. Itās painful to hear stories of children suffering from racial slurs by peers and even adults. This can significantly impact their self esteem and self worth. One potential solution to this is empowering children by teaching them historical leaders of color such as Professors, Politicians, Doctors and even Celebrities. Literature of black heroes is also an amazing way of showing children that these are strong people who face challenges and have been treated unfairly. However, these heros ended up being so successful and they can too. I have also practiced with my clients power posing AKA āsuper hero poseā. Power posing is positioning our bodies like a superhero with our chins up and holding the pose for ten seconds. The theory is that this will decrease cortisol, the stress hormone and increase confidence as published by Dr. Amy Cuddy, Ph.D (podcast episode with her coming soon!).
Compassion Burnout: Therapists of color who are working with clients of color may have a high chance of burnout due to the pain and trauma they absorbing from their clients. The panelists shared how this is impacting their supervisees and themselves. A recommendation is to seek therapy for yourselves and recognizing your pain. Taking care of yourself is so important if you wish to take care of others. This applies to any health professional as your patients are likely to pour out what they are experiencing right now. See also my previous post on care for caregivers.
Building Community: Building intentional community would be finding other therapists/individuals who are experiencing what you or your client are experiencing. Having a sense of community shows that you do not have to be alone on this and can reduce those symptoms of isolation and depression.
The panelists have also included multiple resources for counselors, parents, etc. My favorites include how to talk to your children about racism, podcasts on social justice and equality, along with readings of black history, racial trauma, and white privilege. Here is the link.
As counseling continues to grow in our country so does the need of therapists of color. It can be challenging for minority populations to fulfill the rigorous requirements to be a counselor (as I have experienced) but I promise you that when completed, you will be able to be a light that many minority populations are looking for. You will have the ability to change their lives and perhaps inspire more people of color to become counselors.
I hope you are safe, I hope you feel strong today and I hope you take care of yourself mentally and physically!
āThe secret of change is to focus all of your energy; not on fighting the old, but on building the new.ā
-Socrates
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