What to Expect from Therapy with a Black Therapist NJ
You probably have tons of questions like what to expect from therapy and maybe specifically, therapy with a black therapist.
First, let's talk about what therapy is. Just as a refresher or to have the understanding of what you plan to embark in. According to the National Institute of Mental Health, “Psychotherapy (sometimes called “talk therapy”) is a term for a variety of treatment techniques that aim to help a person identify and change troubling emotions, thoughts, and behavior. Most psychotherapy takes place with a licensed, trained mental health professional and a patient meeting one-on-one or with other patients in a group setting.”
A Few Things to Expect from a Black Therapist NJ
*Empathy and Support: It’s important for a therapist to have empathy for your particular situation. It’s important not to assume that because your therapist is black that they will automatically have walked in the shoes that you have and can relate to. As human beings, we all have our own different life experiences and even if they are similar, we have different perceptions of which we experience or view our experiences.
*Understanding without assumption, and we too must learn: Black therapists just like any other therapist must gain knowledge of your experiences and learn about you. Please don’t assume that just because a therapist is black or has a similar culture doesn’t mean they automatically know you and your situation. We are all different, even if our color or culture is the same, so neither of us should assume that we know one another because we must get to know each other.
*Relationship Building: The basis of all therapeutic relationships between therapist and clients is relationship building. A positive and healthy relationship with your therapist is the foundation of a person progressing in therapy. Research shows that better relationships with clients lead to better outcomes, according to the American Psychological Association.
*Working toward treatment goals: Working therapy is about initially identifying goals that you want to meet in therapy and working towards those goals in weekly sessions. Therapy should absolutely always have goals because this is having direction and knowing what you’re working toward. Without direction, plan, or goal, then how would you or your therapist know what you’re working toward and how to get there.
*The culture, it’s a whole vibe: You already know, we’re a whole vibe. With this, I say that not every black therapist is a whole vibe and every session may not be. It’s important to wear our professional hat, but there’s something about the culture, a silent understanding, a vibe that many of us have.
I hope this article helped you in terms of what to expect from a black therapist in NJ, and helps you find the right therapist that will suit your needs. If you’re feeling stuck, feel free to give me a call at 856.441.5216. I will be happy to assist you and help direct you to the right person. If you’re looking for help with trauma therapy, managing depression or anxiety, you can read more about how I can help here.
Sources
https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/psychotherapies
https://www.apa.org/monitor/2019/11/ce-corner-relationships
