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 Lynchburg 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 Lynchburg 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 Lynchburg, VA will continue to provide care for as long as necessary to help clients meet their therapeutic needs.
A number of barriers are keeping many African Americans from receiving the therapy they need. Just two of those barriers are inaccessible and inadequate care. Mental health care has not always been available to African Americans, and when it has, the quality of care has not always been adequate.
That is why Thriveworks Lynchburg offers therapy. Our counselors are aware of the particular needs African American clients may have and how to meet those needs.
Therapy, Community, Family, and Religion: Mental Health and Community Support
Many African American communities are built upon rich and deep connections. Family, faith, and friendships define many communities and give their members invaluable support for their lives.
Religious leaders play a role that families cannot. Family plays a role that friends cannot. Therapists play a role that religious leaders cannot. When each plays their role, individuals benefit from a holistic approach to support.
Trust within the Therapeutic Relationship
An important part of building trust is through honoring a client’s context, including their culture, race, and ethnicity. People’s whole lives matter.
Some in the mental health community advocate for being “colorblind” to a client’s race, but at Thriveworks Lynchburg, we feel as if that approach minimizes important aspects of clients’ identities and experiences. Instead, we advocate for understanding and empathy.
Our professionals seek to cultivate awareness of their own culture and their own bias so that they can show respect for what their clients experience.
- Discrimination
- Racial trauma
- Career advancement
- Grief counseling
- Post-traumatic stress disorder
- Divorce
- Anxiety
- Substance use
- Sexual identity issues
- Child therapy
- Obsessive-compulsive tendencies
- Anger management
- Depression
- Eating disorders
- Suspected abuse of a child
- Addiction
- Psychiatric testing
- Infidelity
- Job loss
- Couples and marriage counseling
Setting Up Therapy at Thriveworks Lynchburg
If you are looking for a clinician who can relate to the African American experience, consider calling Thriveworks Lynchburg or scheduling your session online. Weekend and evening sessions are available, and we accept many forms of insurance. Let’s work together. Call Thriveworks in Lynchburg, VA today.
