Part 2: Mental Health In the Black Community: What to Expect from Therapy and How to Find the Right Therapist
By Nafisah Harley, MS, LAC
Choosing the right therapist can be a daunting task, as many may not know what to look for and what questions to ask. In addition to having proper credentials, you may want to consider what needs you would like to address and whether or not the therapist you're looking for addresses or specializes in those areas (i.e. trauma, grief, or relationship issues). You will also want to ensure they are licensed to practice in the state you live in, as therapists are not allowed to treat individuals across state lines unless they are licensed to do so. Verifying that they accept your insurance will also be critical, as well as determining whether you prefer in-person or virtual sessions and seeing which they offer. Some individuals may have additional preferences, such as having a person of color (POC), or a female, or a religious/spiritual counselor. Understanding and identifying your needs and preferences will be an essential step in choosing the right therapist.
Oftentimes, after reaching out to a therapist and confirming all the logistics, there will be a lot of paperwork. This is to ensure you understand guidelines, expectations, and the scope of confidentiality, as well as its limits. Don't let the paperwork intimidate you or prevent you from taking a step towards your healing journey. Once everything is complete, you may go through an evaluation or intake process. This is when the clinician gathers all the important information about you, including the biological, psychological, and social aspects of your being. Your goals are addressed, as well as a plan for treatment during this time. After that, the true journey begins!
You're in therapy. Now what? Maybe start by congratulating yourself, as this is no easy feat. It may be slightly uncomfortable at first yet know that this is part of the process. You may not know where to begin or what to talk about. You may feel guarded or defensive. The key is to allow the clinician the opportunity to learn who you are and why you are seeking treatment. What have you been struggling with? What led you to seek treatment now as opposed to years prior or years later? How have you been managing your stressors so far? What would you like to accomplish while in therapy? Whatever is on your mind or heart, it may be best to share, as long as you are ready and comfortable enough to do so.
You may be wondering, what’s the point? If we’ve been managing thus far, why should Black people seek therapy? Black people have a unique set of experiences that have led us to endure tremendous pain, trauma, and stress. While rates of mental illness increase, so does drug addiction, homelessness, and suicide. It is a cycle that has the potential to be broken. Remember that therapy is not a process you engage in to be magically healed, but it does have tremendous benefits. Not only are you releasing the pain and struggles of life by talking about it within session, but you are also learning to effectively communicate your thoughts, feelings, and emotions in a healthy way. You are learning the tools and skills needed to effectively navigate through life. You are learning and discovering more about who you are, why you behave in a certain manner, and who you wish to become. You are learning to break the cycle of hundreds of years of pain, trauma, and mental imbalance.
Healing takes time. Healing takes work. Healing takes honesty, transparency, and commitment. If you want a safe, judgment-free, and confidential space to heal from the wounds of the past and present, then therapy may be best for you. In addition, know that therapy is not a band-aid you slap over an open wound. A culturally competent therapist can aid in the healing process and can help to address how being Black in America affects life experiences and overall functioning.
