A Therapist's Perspective: Bridging the Gap for African American Males
As an African American female therapist, I understand the unique challenges faced by black men. Growing up with black brothers, a black father, and marrying a black man, I've seen firsthand the pressures and injustices they endure. From being treated unfairly in various environments to the anxiety of police encounters, these experiences profoundly impact mental health.
In my counseling sessions, I strive to create a safe and comfortable space for African American men. I focus on effective listening and understanding their problems, recognizing that their experiences are often misunderstood or judged by others. This empathetic approach helps build trust and encourages open communication.
The Unique Pressures of Being a Black Man
Understanding the pressures faced by black men is crucial for effective therapy. These pressures include:
Discrimination in the Workplace: Black men often face unfair treatment and are frequently passed up for promotions due to the color of their skin. This ongoing discrimination can lead to feelings of inadequacy, frustration, and hopelessness.
Fear of Police Encounters: The fear of being unjustly targeted by law enforcement is a constant stressor for many black men. This anxiety can affect their daily lives, contributing to heightened stress and mental health issues.
Social Judgments: Black men are often unfairly judged and misunderstood by society. This can lead to isolation, a lack of support, and difficulty in forming trusting relationships.
Creating a Safe Space
In my practice, I emphasize the importance of creating a safe and welcoming environment. This involves:
Active Listening: Truly hearing and understanding my clients' experiences without judgment or preconceived notions.
Empathy and Validation: Acknowledging their feelings and experiences as valid and important.
Cultural Competence: Being aware of and sensitive to the cultural context of my clients' lives.
In Contextual Views, we must first understand the history of Counseling and mental health for African American Men :
Understanding the Reluctance
Counseling and mental health care are vital for well-being, but many African American men are hesitant to seek help. This reluctance is rooted in historical trauma, stigma, lack of knowledge, and concerns about treatment and diversity. By understanding these barriers, we can work towards more inclusive and effective mental health care for African American men.
Historical Trauma
African Americans have a history of discrimination and bias in mental health treatment. For many, mental health care has been seen as something designed for white people, not for them. This historical trauma creates a deep mistrust of the system, making it difficult for African American men to seek the help they need.
Stigma
In many African American communities, discussing mental illness is considered inappropriate. There's a strong belief that problems should be solved on their own, with family, or through religion. Admitting to needing professional help can be seen as a sign of weakness, both for the individual and their family. This stigma prevents many from seeking the care they need.
Lack of Knowledge
The taboo around mental health discussions means that many African Americans have little knowledge of mental health problems and their treatments. Without understanding what mental health issues are and how they can be treated, it's challenging to seek help. Education and open discussions about mental health are crucial for breaking down this barrier.
Concerns About Treatment
Even when African American men decide to seek help, they often have concerns about the effectiveness of treatment. There’s a fear of clashing with the values of the clinician, which can lead to a reluctance to fully engage in therapy. Building trust and understanding between clinicians and clients is essential for effective treatment.
Lack of Diversity
Representation matters. African American men may prefer to talk to someone who looks like them and understands their experiences. However, the mental health field lacks diversity. In 2014, only 2% of American Psychological Association members and associates identified as Black. This lack of representation can make it difficult for African American men to find therapists they feel comfortable with.
Moving Forward
Despite these barriers, more African American men are seeking counseling and working to improve their mental health. Here are some steps we can take to support this positive trend:
Promote Mental Health Education: Increase awareness and understanding of mental health issues within African American communities. This includes open discussions about mental health and the benefits of seeking help.
Reduce Stigma: Challenge the stigma around mental health by sharing stories of African American men who have successfully sought counseling. Highlight the strength it takes to ask for help and the positive outcomes that can result.
Culturally Competent Care: Ensure that mental health professionals are trained in cultural competence. Clinicians should understand the unique experiences of African American men and how these impact their mental health.
Increase Diversity in the Field: Encourage more African Americans to enter the mental health profession. This can help create a more inclusive environment where African American men feel understood and supported.
Community Support: Leverage community organizations, churches, and other trusted institutions to promote mental health care. These institutions can play a crucial role in reducing stigma and encouraging individuals to seek help.
Conclusion
Counseling and mental health care are essential for everyone, including African American men. By understanding and addressing the barriers they face, we can create a more inclusive and effective mental health care system. It's time to break the silence, challenge the stigma, and support African American men in their journey towards better mental health.
As a therapist with deep personal connections to the African American experience, I am committed to making a difference. By fostering understanding and creating a safe space for black men, we can help them navigate the unique challenges they face and support their mental health journey.
Here is a Email from a African American Male that was under my mental health care.
Dear Allison,
I hope this email finds you well.
I wanted to take a moment to express my gratitude for the exceptional therapy services you have provided. Your guidance and support have positively impacted me on my growth, both professionally and personally. I am incredibly thankful for the progress I have made with your help.
I also wanted to inform you that after our upcoming consultation , I have decided to take a pause on therapy sessions. I feel that I have reached a point where I no longer need ongoing therapy at this time. This decision is a testament to the effectiveness of your counseling, and I truly appreciate everything you have done for me.
Thank You,
HS
This review was very heartfelt for me , because I strive for reviews like this in my mental health practice from black men .
Samantha Allison- Evans, MA., LPC