As a black person, the unique challenges of American society can be especially difficult to navigate. This is true even when it comes to marriage and relationships.
That’s why black Christian marriage counseling can be so helpful with a licensed professional counselor.
It offers an understanding of the unique issues that arise in African-American marriages and provides strategies tailored to address those issues.
Let’s take a closer look at what makes black Christian marriage counseling different from other types of marriage counseling.
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The Unique Challenges for African-American Couples
Many factors make African-American couples more likely to have difficulty in their marriages than other couples.
These include racial inequality, poverty, and discrimination – all of which can lead to feelings of resentment and anger that can disrupt a relationship.
Additionally, there is often a lack of knowledge about the best way for black couples to handle financial decisions, parenting issues, and communication barriers – all critical components of healthy relationships.
Black Christian Marriage Counseling Can Help
When these issues arise within a relationship, it can be difficult for one or both partners to find the help they need without feeling judged or alienated.
That’s why Black Christian marriage counseling is so important — it provides a safe space where couples can talk openly about their struggles without fear of being judged or misinterpreted due to race or religious beliefs.
- Black Christian counselors understand how cultural norms may factor into relationship dynamics and provide culturally relevant advice that helps couples address their problems in meaningful ways.
- Additionally, many Black Christian counselors also incorporate faith-based practices into their approach which allows clients to explore how religion may be impacting their relationships in positive or negative ways.
- Clients who want additional spiritual guidance will benefit from this type of approach because they can discuss matters related to faith without worrying about judgment from outside sources at relationship counseling.
What Is African American Christian Marriage Counseling?
African American Christian marriage counseling is a form of therapy that focuses on the unique needs and challenges faced by African American couples of faith.
It is designed to help couples strengthen their relationships, improve communication, and resolve conflicts in a way that is consistent with their faith and values.
You can expect your therapist to provide an objective, non-judgmental environment where you can explore issues such as parenting, infidelity, finances, and other topics related to your relationship.
Your therapist will likely draw from biblical teachings to help you find solutions that are in line with your beliefs. Sometimes a Christian counselor will draw entirely from The Bible. However, generally speaking, therapists and counselors that rely 100% on the bible are called Biblical counselors.
If you’re looking for an African American Christian marriage counselor near you, it’s important to research potential therapists carefully. Make sure they are licensed mental health professionals who specialize in couples counseling.
Additionally, look for someone who has experience working with clients from diverse backgrounds and understands the unique cultural needs of African Americans.
Why Is African American Christian counseling Important
African American Christian counseling is an important resource for people of faith who are navigating mental health challenges.
It provides a safe space for Black folks to bring their true selves and be understood. You may benefit from African American Christian counseling if you identify as a person of faith, and feel that traditional counseling does not meet your needs.
African American Christian counselors understand the unique cultural and religious backgrounds of their clients and can provide specialized care that takes into account the client’s beliefs.
Studies1 have shown that African Americans with strong religious beliefs often respond better to treatment when it is tailored to their spiritual values.
Additionally, research has found that African Americans attending church services weekly are more likely to seek professional help than those who do not.
If you are considering seeking out African American Christian counseling, it is important to find a therapist who is experienced in working with people of faith.
A good counselor will be able to create a supportive environment where you can discuss your struggles openly and honestly.
How To Find A Black Christian Therapist Near Me
Finding a black Christian therapist near you can be a daunting task.
Fortunately, there are several resources available to help you find the right fit like family therapists.
- Start by searching online directories such as Black Christian Therapy (https://www.blackchristiantherapy.org/directory)
- Black Female Therapists (https://www.blackfemaletherapists.com/directory/) offers specialized mental health platforms for African Americans of all religious beliefs (not specifically Christian – please note)
- For therapists, Professional Black Christian Therapist Network on Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/people/Professional-Black-Christian-Therapist-Network/100057039326469/) is a great resource for connecting with professionals in your area.
Ultimately, it’s important to take the time to research and find the best therapist for you.
Onipa and Dr. Mawiyah Kambon’s Relationship Therapy Model
Are you looking for a relationship therapy model that is rooted in African-centered holistic wellness techniques? Look no further than Onipa Psychological & Consulting Services, founded by Dr. Mawiyah Kambon.
At Onipa, Dr. Kambon’s Relationship Therapy Model uses an African-centered approach to help couples with communication, trust, and confidentiality issues.
This model also helps to identify the root causes of conflicts in relationships, as well as provide strategies for resolving them.
Additionally, this model focuses on helping couples build strong foundations for successful relationships by understanding their own needs and those of their partner.
If you are seeking a relationship therapy model that is culturally rooted in African-centered practices, then Onipa Psychological & Consulting Services may be an ideal choice for you. Learn more at https://www.onipa.com/black-couples-relationship-and-marriage-counseling/.
With Dr. Mawiyah Kambon’s expertise and guidance, you can be sure that your journey toward emotional healing will be successful and rewarding.
Why Are Black Counselors Important?
While a very similar question to the query above, Black counselors are an important part of the mental health community, as they provide unique insight and understanding into the experiences of Black Americans.
Studies have shown that Black clients are more likely to be misdiagnosed than their non-Black counterparts, making it essential for them to have access to counselors who understand their culture and experiences.
Additionally, Black therapists can help improve access to mental healthcare in their communities, as many Black Americans with mental disorders seek out therapists who look like them.
You may find that you feel more comfortable seeing a Black therapist who understands your unique societal, personal, familial, and professional experiences. Furthermore, having a Black therapist can contribute to your overall experience and happiness by allowing you to let your guard down in a safe space.
Overall, it is clear that Black counselors are essential for providing accurate diagnoses and creating safe spaces for Black Americans seeking mental health services, whether through traditional in-person therapy or online therapy.
How Can A Black Man Find A Therapist?
Finding a therapist can be a complex process, especially for Black men.
You have the right to find a therapist who understands your unique experience and identity. Fortunately, there are several resources available to help you in your search:
- You can start by looking into Therapy for Black Men (https://therapyforblackmen.org/therapists/), an extensive directory of male and female Black therapists in private practice.
- A digital platform called Alkeme Health (https://alkemehealth.com/resources) has a lot of content from Black mental health and wellness professionals
- BEAM, or the Black Emotional and Mental Health Collective: This organization has a directory of Black therapists who are certified to provide telehealth services (https://wellness.beam.community/).
- Black Men Heal is a non-profit group that tells you how to get free therapy from certain providers. Visit this page for more information (https://blackmenheal.org/become-a-client-2/)
- The Boris Lawrence Henson Foundation was started by actress Taraji P. Henson and named after her father. It helps people find licensed therapists of color. There is also information about how to access free therapy (https://borislhensonfoundation.org/).
- Melanin and Mental Health: This group’s goal is to help Black and Latinx clients find licensed mental health professionals who understand their culture. To find therapists of color, start here (https://www.melaninandmentalhealth.com/directory-therapists/).
- Psychology Today: This well-known mental wellness site has a national directory of African-American therapists and their contact information that you can access. Click here to find an African-American therapist in your area (https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/therapists/african-american).
- Talkspace: This online and mobile therapy company provides licensed therapists with online access. You can sort through therapists by a variety of qualifications, including their faith-based practice.
It’s important to remember that you should feel comfortable with your therapist and trust that they understand your needs. Make sure to research each option thoroughly before committing to any one provider or service.
Why Is It Hard To Find A Black Therapist?
You may be wondering why it is so hard to find a Black therapist.
The biggest reason is simple:
Zippia1 analyzed 30 million profiles of therapists in the US and reports 192,497 therapists are employed in the US with the Top 3 ethnicity representation White (72.6%), Asian (11.3%), Hispanic/Latino (7.9%), and Black/African American (4.0%).
- Several factors contribute to this difficulty, including the lack of trust from Black people toward white clinicians, personal or cultural inhibitors such as shame, stigma, and distrust, and the overall shortage of psychiatrists and counselors of color.
- The lack of trust from Black people toward white clinicians can be attributed to a history of racism in the medical field. This has caused many Black individuals to feel they have to perform and present themselves differently when seeking help from a white clinician. Please note the author of this post is a white male who tries to understand but knows he cannot ever fully.
- Personal or cultural inhibitors such as shame, stigma, and distrust also play a role in why it is hard for some Black individuals to seek out mental health care. Many times, the search for help begins with the church and in faith practices rather than seeking professional help due to fear of judgment or being seen as “crazy”.
- Finally, there is an overall shortage of psychiatrists and counselors of color which further contributes to the difficulty in finding a Black therapist.
Black Christian Marriage Counseling Conclusion:
Black Christian marriage counseling is an invaluable resource for African-American couples who are struggling with the unique pressures faced by communities of color in America today.
By providing an understanding ear and culturally relevant advice, Black Christian counselors create a safe space where individuals can work through any issues without worrying about being judged or misunderstood due to race or religion.
If you are looking for someone who understands your struggles as an African-American couple, then consider seeking out Black Christian marriage counseling services today!
Sources:
- Avent, J. R., & Cashwell, C. S. (2015, February). The Black Church: Theology and Implications for Counseling African Americans. The Professional Counselor, 5(1), 81–90. https://doi.org/10.15241/jra.5.1.81
- Therapist Demographics and Statistics [2023]: Number Of Therapists In The US. (2021, January 29). Therapist Demographics and Statistics [2023]: Number of Therapists in the US. https://www.zippia.com/therapist-jobs/demographics/
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