Therapy for the treatment of Black men and women is a person-centered, individualized type of psychotherapeutic care that takes into account the emotional and mental impact of being a black person of color in today’s society. Thriveworks Charlotte therapists use traditional therapy techniques implemented through an anti-racist lens, addressing issues like racism, colorism, toxic masculinity/misogyny, and others. This type of therapy is meant to create a safe space for black individuals to express their emotions and alleviate their stress in an environment that caters to their unique experiences.
Therapy for Black men and women is much like standard psychotherapy in that Thriveworks Charlotte therapists will use a variety of approaches depending on each client’s needs. However, it will also heavily incorporate person-centered therapy, which means that every client’s individual experiences, goals, and needs will be at the forefront of treatment.
Therapy for Black women and men will last as long as necessary to achieve the client’s therapeutic goals, whether that be a few months or years. Generally, though, true progress will often take at least five months. Thriveworks therapists in Charlotte, NC will continue to provide care for as long as necessary to help clients meet their therapeutic needs.
Therapy for African Americans – Counselors and Therapists in Charlotte, NC
Unfortunately, a negative social stigma can make seeking mental health therapy more difficult than it should be, but not all people feel that stigma equally. Many African Americans have seen mental health counseling as airing dirty laundry with outsiders, and they see counselors and therapists at lower rates than other ethnic groups. A 2010 study showed that White Americans receive mental health care at nearly double the rate as Black Americans. But studies are also showing that this stigma may be shifting. African Americans are seeking mental health care at increasingly greater rates.
The positive trend in more African Americans seeking mental health help is fueled by several factors—things like increased awareness of mental health and greater access to care. Thriveworks Charlotte is committed to offering therapy that is culturally sensitive, including therapy for African Americans.
How Can Counseling Help?
As trust is built, therapy can address any topic that a client wants to address. For example, many African Americans seek out a therapist’s help for the following…
- Discrimination
- Grief counseling
- Career advancement
- Racial trauma
- Child therapy
- Anger management
- Divorce
- Substance Use
- Obsessive-compulsive tendencies
- Eating disorders
- Anxiety
- Suspected abuse of a child
- Depression
- Addiction
- Job loss
- Executive coaching
- Infidelity
- Couples and marriage counseling
- Psychiatric testing
- Post-traumatic stress disorder
- Sexual identity issues
Respecting Community and Religious Support
Another aspect of the stigma that can surround mental health care is that many perceive therapy in opposition to the support they receive from their religion or their community. At Thriveworks Charlotte, we understand that an individual can receive amazing encouragement and assistance from their family, their friends, and their religious leaders. Our counselors and therapists do not see their work as a replacement for these important aspects of an individual’s life. Instead, the professionals at Thriveworks see their work as another form of support within an individual’s life.
When people face serious mental illness, their support networks play a key role in healing. Pastors, friends, and family members can carry a portion of the burden, and so can therapists and counselors. Some aspects of healing are best addressed among friends, but others are best addressed with a mental health professional. A key example is when an individual needs medication. When people need care that their community cannot provide, it may be time to see a mental health professional.
Scheduling Therapy at Thriveworks Charlotte
If you are African American and you are considering therapy, know that the therapists and counselors at Thriveworks Charlotte understand the difficult decision you are making. We respect your desire to reach out for help, and we respect your ethnicity. When you are ready to make the call, we are ready to meet with you. It takes courage to start therapy, and we have done our best to be supportive from the moment you first dial our office.
When you contact Thriveworks Charlotte, you may have your first appointment within the week. Plus, we accept most forms of insurance, and we offer evening and weekend sessions. Let’s work together. Call Thriveworks Charlotte today.
