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 Alexandria 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 Alexandria 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 Alexandria, VA will continue to provide care for as long as necessary to help clients meet their therapeutic needs.
African American Therapy in Alexandria, VA (Franconia)— Therapists and Counselors
Thriveworks Alexandria is joining the fight to remove as many roadblocks as possible for African Americans as they seek out mental health care. We offer therapy that builds trust with our African Americans clients and seeks to work with, not against, their community. If you think you could benefit, reach out to Thriveworks Alexandria today to schedule.
Establishing Trust at Therapy
Trust is an important element of therapy—trust between communities but also trust between an individual therapist and an individual client. The therapists at Thriveworks Alexandria work hard to establish trust with their clients. When clients feel safe and share about what is really happening in their lives, therapists can often offer individualized and holistic care.
Everyone needs a safe place where they can share. Everyone needs to speak openly and honestly about their struggles and success, dreams and disappointments, opportunities and obstacles. Trust is the foundation of such an environment. Clients need to know that whatever they say and whatever they share will be received and that their therapist will not judge or shame them. As clients trust their therapists, they can share more and more. Often, this leads to more and more healing.
Because people are whole beings, their entire life matters for their mental health. Therefore, many clients choose to share about matters relating to their race, ethnicity, and culture. When clients open up about their experiences, the therapists at Thriveworks Alexandria seeks to build understanding, respect, and empathy. Race shapes people’s experiences—for good and bad.
Common Topics in African American Counseling
There is no formula for topics to explore in therapy, but when clients feel safe, they delve into topics like…
- Discrimination
- Obsessive-compulsive tendencies
- Grief counseling
- Executive coaching
- Racial trauma
- Couples and marriage counseling
- Depression
- Sexual identity issues
- Post-traumatic stress disorder
- Child therapy
- Divorce
- Eating disorders
- Career advancement
- Anger management
- Anxiety
- Suspected abuse of a child
- Substance use
- Job loss
- Infidelity
- Psychiatric testing
- Addiction
A psychologist with a thriving practice in New York, Dr. Jeffrey Gardere has seen firsthand the benefits that building trust can bring. He has observed, “an increasing number of African Americans who feel increasingly less stigmatized about coming in and seeking therapy and who also recognize the healing power of therapy.” Over the past few years, he said his practice has seen an increase of 20-25 percent of African American clients.
Scheduling an Appointment at Thriveworks Alexandria (Franconia)
If mental health care is the right next step for you, you are not alone. We know that roadblocks can keep people from receiving the care they need, but we also are committed to removing as many of those roadblocks as possible. When you contact our office, we want scheduling therapy to be as easy as possible. Here is what you can expect when you call Thriveworks Alexandria…
- You may be meeting with your therapist within the week; new clients often do.
- We offer evening and weekend sessions.
- We accept a variety of insurance plans and work with a number of insurance companies.
Let’s work together. Call today!
