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
I think that in many ways, mainstream culture opposes our aliveness. Our belonging suffers because of the narrow boxes prescribed to us. If you feel stunted, stuck, or like you can't get it together, I don't believe there is anything wrong with you; I believe that you've adapted to a context. As an embodiment-based, relational therapist with a neurobiological lens, I am here to help in the...
I have a passion to help others live a better life and guide them through their journey of self-exploration and change. I believe in providing a safe place for clients to be, to experience unconditional acceptance and genuineness. I believe in the importance of using different therapeutic techniques depending on client’s needs and the situation. My counseling techniques include person-centered,...
You are not a drop in the ocean, You are the entire ocean, in a drop (Rumi). Despite the serious nature of issues that lead many individuals to seek counseling, my sessions are creative and collaborative, fostering hope and compassion. Whether you are struggling with overwhelming feelings, a loss or bereavement, a strained relationship, excessive demands at work or home, unresolved difficulties...
**Accepting new clients** Starting therapy can be a difficult and scary task which is why I bring compassion and warmth to the therapeutic relationship. Engaging in therapy is a bold and courageous step towards increasing your awareness of yourself so you can live a more empowered life and be who it is you want to be. I utilize an eclectic and strength focused approach tailored to each...
We all have one lifetime to live, to explore and to experience. It is my belief our past and our present greatly impact the future we will have. As we all know, past experiences cannot be altered. However, it is my firm belief, together, we can explore better ways to deal with our emotions and thoughts that no longer serve us. I specialize in stress and anxiety management, trauma, women issues,...
Acacia Counseling and Wellness is a leading provider of outpatient, university mental health support. We specialize in providing high quality mental health services to university students, faculty and staff, as well as the greater community. Our office is conveniently located near UC Santa Cruz, and our therapists are trained across a variety of issues and modalities. We also now provide...
"Not everything that is faced can be changed, but nothing can be changed until it is faced"- James Baldwin. My personal and professional experiences with individuals (predominantly minorities) who experienced various traumas in their lives that had gone untreated and undiagnosed inspired me to become a clinical psychologist. There is a consistent misunderstanding of how life experiences can imp...
Life is ever-changing and evolving in manifold ways. We all go through life changes and unforeseen roadblocks that create imbalance within our minds. It is quite empowering to seek out help when our inner self wants to “talk” and respect that need. This is where I come in as a vessel of support to aide in your journey of knowing your inner self and what challenges or changes you might be going...
My role is to honor your decision to take steps toward a healthy mind, spirit and lifestyle. I am offering therapy that is tailored to your specific needs, an empathetic ear, and a therapeutic relationship based on full acceptance and mutual trust. My office is a space where all who enter can be fully-authentic. A place where hope is instilled, healing takes place, and lives are changed for the...
With over 20 years of experience, my approach to therapy is founded on compassion and respect for my client. I feel privileged working collaboratively in order to achieve significant goals. My aim is to provide meaningful, comprehensive care, based on the idea that we all come with our own unique history, life views, culture, and values. I wish to create a safe space and a holistic environment...
You are here because you have been noticing more and more arguments between you and your partner. You just haven't been getting along lately and if possible you wanna save the relationship. There has been so much Anger, Pain, Hurt, and Betrayal that you are almost ready to give up. However you still have some curiosity to see if the love is still there although the relationship has been through...
One Christmas season it had rained a lot. I attempted to circle my yard with my car to slide out of my drive way, and I got stuck. The more I tried to get out the more stuck I became. Finally, I had to do what I was dreading and call a tow truck to get me out of my own yard! Well sometimes in life, we get stuck in our own mud, and we have to call help to get us out. Wherever you are stuck today...
Square pegs and round holes; We spend a large portion of our lives wondering who we are and where we are headed. Trying to reconcile who we believe we are and what others want us to be. We experience shame about our identities and what we enjoy. Finding ourselves trying to fit ourselves into the outer expectations, only to find we feel less connected, less clear and less deserving. This is the...
Lena Horne once wisely said, "it’s not the load that breaks you, but the way you carry it." As a therapist who has seen a lot of life, I'd be honored to become that trusted traveling companion that shares the load and helps lighten your burden. Whether you're grieving, stuck, a survivor, or just struggling emotionally, I've been there and get it. Together, I believe we can chart a plan for you ...
What is keeping you from reaching your life goals? Sometimes you are not even aware of your life barriers, but you know that something is holding you back. When circumstances are preventing you from getting where you want to be in life, in your career, or your relationships, it may be time to seek some help. Whether it be hurts & let downs from your past, anxiety, managing stress, communication...
