Discovering one’s racial identity is a process of introspection, an outward understanding of the social and political privileges in the world, and recognizing the implications that each has on one another as they relate to that individual.
Therapists and counselors make space for clients of color and white clients to understand how their racial identity impacts their lives, what privileges they do and do not have related to race, and how that impacts their mental health.
People exist at different stages in recognizing their racial identity, with some people unaware of how race affects their lives and others acutely aware due to the pervasiveness of discrimination.
Available Treatment Options
Counseling interventions include processing emotions related to racial identity, understanding the implications of the effects of race, and supporting growth and empowerment.
Therapists Who Specialize in Helping Those Who Struggle With Racial Identity
Hello! My name is Shaunaca. (pronounced like Hanukkah but with the "sh" sound) :) I graduated with a Masters Degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Shippensburg University. I am nationally certified by the NBCC, as well as, licensed as a Behavior Specialist by the State Board of Medicine. I have worked in many different environments such as, schools, residential facilities, and...
** You are not alone! ** I approach therapy with an understanding that we are all unique with our own challenges, pain, strengths, joys, and experiences. It is important to talk about who we are and what we’ve been through to create a brighter and balanced future. I work with individuals, children, adolescents, couples, and families. I am passionate about healing through grief, suicide, wellnes...
What is goal of life? It it is happiness and victory. The goal if counseling is also your happiness. We became happy when we are able to develop true, authentic life, a self connected and undefeated by our circumstances. When we work hard to reach our goal, we feel a sense of accomplishment and pride. In turn this spurs a stronger determination and commitment to continue to make progress and...
Let’s face it, life can be tough. This may be one of those challenging times for you. You may be struggling to make peace with a situation/event, dealing with relationship issues, or perhaps you have a general sense of not feeling quite like yourself. Despite your challenges, I believe growth and healing is possible for you. As a psychotherapist, I enjoy working with individuals struggling with...
Do you feel as though unhealthy coping skills are preventing you from becoming your "Best Self"? Sometimes in life, we face adverse situations in which we learn to cope using unhealthy skills. This may cause us to feel stuck and wondering why we can't do the things that we know, think, and feel would be helpful? Unhealthy coping behaviors may cause a person to feel stuck and wonder why they are...
( English | español ) Being a teen or an adolescent can be challenging. Parenting one can also be tough. My adolescent clients find themselves struggling trying to fit in, pressured to be outstanding, feeling lonely, unhappy, and misunderstood. Parenting a teen comes with its own challenges as well. Are you worried about your teen presenting emotional and/or behavioral changes? Is your family...
*I am currently unavailable for appointments as my caseload is at capacity.* My approach to counseling is to meet you where you are at and to understand your story to get you where you want to be. Together we will understand your inner wants and needs to form an authentic and genuine self. I work with individuals who are dealing with life after retirement, empty nests, new life stages, issues o...
**We are accepting new clients.** What a stressful time we are living in! Kids not being able to play and go to school like normal. Parents trying to work from home and be teachers. Life has always been about change, but now it can feel impossible sometimes to feel safe and secure. So many people are just trying to make it through a day at a time and the need for peace and even just a small bre...
My client-centered approach to therapy places my clients at the forefront of their own healing journey as I guide and support each one of them. I believe that individuals are the experts of their lives and that my role is to provide a safe and nurturing space for growth. My goal is to assist in identifying strengths and inherent characteristics to fuel resiliency in each client. Clients are...
Are you are feeling unsatisfied in your life? Whether it be career, relationships, or self-esteem, I am passionate about helping you reach your full potential. Relationships with others and ourselves can be difficult. Although there are experiences in life that are challenging and may cause extended pain, therapy is an outlet to explore those experiences and find ways to move forward with...
Do you feel like you’re never enough? You think nothing goes in your favor, despite you trying over and over again. Other people’s paths seem laid out clearly while yours seems unclear and unpaved. You feel like your emotions whether anxiety, depression, frustration, uncertainty, etc. have clouded your way. Being human includes a great deal of suffering and discomfort. You want to deal with...
Are you a woman struggling with health issues, chronic pain, trauma, anxiety or depression? Perhaps you can't remember the last time you felt good emotionally or physically. Maybe you are a woman who lacks the motivation to incorporate self care into your life which has left you feeling trapped in your own personal discomfort. No matter what challenges you may be experiencing, there is a soluti...
Regardless of what life has thrown at you, I am here to go through it and grow through it with you. As a queer woman of color, I can relate to those who feel marginalized as a result of life’s most challenging situations and experiences. My goal is to help you effectively manage painful emotions and educate you to respond to difficult situations, thereby leading to a healthier, happier life. My...
( English | español ) Are you having difficulty managing a life challenge? We just want to be happier and live a better life but sometimes life can take unexpected turns, bringing us challenges that can make us feel confused or unsure of the future. These challenges could be issues within your relationships with family and loved ones, parenting issues, symptoms of anxiety or depression, struggl...
Jini Figueroa is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker who enjoys nurturing youth, living, thriving through adversity within the community of Rochester. Jini gained significant experience working with individuals with Developmental Disabilities, Learning Disabilities, Suicidal Ideation, Anxiety and Depression. Jini works with individuals to assist them in understanding their internal strengths....