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 Marietta 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 Marietta 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.
Marietta, GA—Counseling for the African American Community
These are many factors that can make it more challenging for African Americans to receive the therapy or counseling they need; however, attitudes are changing according to more recent studies. African Americans are currently seeking mental health care at increasing rates.
This trend may be fueled by a variety of factors, including increased awareness about mental health and increased access to mental health care. Another factor may be an increasing sensitivity within the mental health care profession about what kind of support African Americans need in therapy. The staff at Thriveworks Marietta seeks to offer therapy that accounts for these needs. Reach out today to schedule an appointment.
Family, Community, Religion, and Therapists: A Community Effort
Community and religious support is a rich aspect of African American culture. Unfortunately, the mental health community has not always aligned itself with these other forms of support. Thankfully, these hurtful attitudes within the mental health community are changing. The professionals at Thriveworks Marietta understand that good mental health care requires a community effort. Our staff wants to work with their clients’ community—not against it. We know that many clients receive vital care from family members, religious leaders, and friends.
African American communities can provide support for individuals in ways that mental health professionals cannot. Mental health professionals can care for individuals in other ways that their community cannot. We are all on the same team, working toward the same goal.
Building Trust
When clients begin therapy at Thriveworks Marietta, they receive individualized treatment. Clients often set the pace and goals for counseling. Therapists work hard to establish safety within the relationship. Everyone needs a place where they can share their setbacks and challenges, their traumas and wounds, their joys and hopes. Many people find therapy to be that safe place.
A big piece of safety is respecting a client’s cultural context—in particular, their ethnicity. Some counselors may advocate for a colorblind approach that does not recognize the realities of an individual’s race. Context matters, however. Race matters. The issues that prompt an African American to seek therapy may involve their race, and these clients need the freedom to speak freely. Further, the therapist’s race matters. The staff at Thriveworks Marietta work hard to acknowledge their own bias and cultural background. We are dedicated to empathy, trust, and respect within the counseling relationship.
When therapists prove their trustworthiness, clients often feel comfortable sharing more and more. Many African American clients have decided to address major issues in their lives, including…
- Career advancement
- Discrimination
- Grief counseling
- Racial trauma
- Divorce
- Child therapy
- Sexual identity issues
- Anger management
- Substance use
- Executive coaching
- Obsessive-compulsive tendencies
- Anxiety
- Eating disorders
- Post-traumatic stress disorder
- Suspected abuse of a child
- Depression
- Job loss
- Infidelity
- Psychiatric testing
- Addiction
- Couples and marriage counseling
Setting Up Therapy at Thriveworks Marietta, GA
What is happening in your life right now? If you are considering therapy, Thriveworks Marietta wants to support you on that journey. Weekend and evening sessions are available, and we accept many insurance plans. Plus, new clients often meet with a provider within the same week as scheduling.
Call Thriveworks Marietta today to get started.
