Black Therapists in Woodstock, ON
![Photo of Kerri Crousset, Dip The, MSW, RSW, Registered Social Worker](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/b5ca852e-4024-4f1e-8566-68b4bf5f0dfb/1/320x400.jpeg)
Kerri Crousset
Registered Social Worker, Dip The, MSW, RSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Woodstock, ON N4S
Are you seeking an experienced couple counselor, trauma or faith-based therapist? If you are facing communication or blended family issues, infidelity or you feel like separating as a couple/marriage, I can help you bond like never before so you can get through anything in life. If you are facing nightmares, flashbacks, resurfacing memories of abuse or your emotions are out of control, I can help you find freedom and healing from PTSD trauma so you can live a fulfilling life again. Whether you're facing mental health issues, feeling unworthy/unlovable or not sure about your faith anymore, I can help you find your Joyspring again.
Are you seeking an experienced couple counselor, trauma or faith-based therapist? If you are facing communication or blended family issues, infidelity or you feel like separating as a couple/marriage, I can help you bond like never before so you can get through anything in life. If you are facing nightmares, flashbacks, resurfacing memories of abuse or your emotions are out of control, I can help you find freedom and healing from PTSD trauma so you can live a fulfilling life again. Whether you're facing mental health issues, feeling unworthy/unlovable or not sure about your faith anymore, I can help you find your Joyspring again.
![Photo of Tina Joan Smith - Tina J. Smith & Associates, BSW, MSW, RSW, Registered Social Worker](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/e2e357cd-2414-4efb-a93f-f4306514df59/1/320x400.jpeg)
Tina J. Smith & Associates
Registered Social Worker, BSW, MSW, RSW
Verified Verified
Woodstock, ON N4S
Tina J. Smith & Associates supports the "whole family" (children, adolescents, teens, adults, couples, and families). It is our passion to help restore hope and healing by walking a journey alongside you. Everyone is faced with suffering in their life, and "at times" this suffering seems overwhelming. Counselling and psychotherapy provide an opportunity to gain insight, tools, and treatment toward restoration and healing. We believe hope and healing are greater when individuals, couples, and families receive care and support from our specialized therapists from within our "family team."
Tina J. Smith & Associates supports the "whole family" (children, adolescents, teens, adults, couples, and families). It is our passion to help restore hope and healing by walking a journey alongside you. Everyone is faced with suffering in their life, and "at times" this suffering seems overwhelming. Counselling and psychotherapy provide an opportunity to gain insight, tools, and treatment toward restoration and healing. We believe hope and healing are greater when individuals, couples, and families receive care and support from our specialized therapists from within our "family team."
![Photo of Duane Wiafe, BSW, MSW, RSW, Registered Social Worker](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/c1659cc9-4a80-43fb-9bc1-db3d5e5c3571/1/320x400.jpeg)
Im enjoy supporting people managing difficult situations. If you are coping with depression, anxiety or any form of stress I am here to help you find some relief from the pain. My recent work while completing my MSW schooling has included the integration of Africentric Theory and Adinkra Symbols into clinical practice. The power of African knowledge and my lived experience can aid your recovery. You have the answers and I will help you uncover them.
Im enjoy supporting people managing difficult situations. If you are coping with depression, anxiety or any form of stress I am here to help you find some relief from the pain. My recent work while completing my MSW schooling has included the integration of Africentric Theory and Adinkra Symbols into clinical practice. The power of African knowledge and my lived experience can aid your recovery. You have the answers and I will help you uncover them.
![Photo of Tricia Grant, MSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/377c3e6b-7c67-42e7-9b45-12b06c17f2b7/1/320x400.jpeg)
I focus on supporting individuals, including children, in developing growth mindset and self-regulation skills to navigate challenging emotions and situations. My dedication extends to empowering racialized individuals, students, and those with invisible disabilities, employing an anti-oppressive framework to enhance self-worth and overall quality of life. Advocating for social justice and equity, I collaborate with clients to address systemic barriers, including those within the criminal justice system
I focus on supporting individuals, including children, in developing growth mindset and self-regulation skills to navigate challenging emotions and situations. My dedication extends to empowering racialized individuals, students, and those with invisible disabilities, employing an anti-oppressive framework to enhance self-worth and overall quality of life. Advocating for social justice and equity, I collaborate with clients to address systemic barriers, including those within the criminal justice system
![Photo of Kafui Mensah, MSW, RSW, Registered Social Worker](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/37c9ff83-e943-4536-82c9-4392ef8b5d98/2/320x400.jpeg)
I believe in the power of small, daily shifts to create positive transformations. If you are going through challenges that are impacting your daily life, I am here to support you on your journey of growth and resilience. My practice is dedicated to fostering an environment of hope, self-exploration and empowerment.
I believe in the power of small, daily shifts to create positive transformations. If you are going through challenges that are impacting your daily life, I am here to support you on your journey of growth and resilience. My practice is dedicated to fostering an environment of hope, self-exploration and empowerment.
![Photo of Jordan Thomas - London Centre for Trauma Therapy, BSW, MSW, RSW, RP-Q, RP, Registered Social Worker](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3df6701c-5c44-477f-ac8e-68fc3be74e34/2/320x400.jpeg)
London Centre for Trauma Therapy
Registered Social Worker, BSW, MSW, RSW, RP-Q, RP
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Woodstock, ON N4S
The LCTT is an award-winning psychotherapy clinic. We understand your pain- depression, anxiety, stress, overwhelm. We know you're tired of living the same old story, that you want to move on from the past but don't know how. When your parenting, relationships and happiness are all suffering, you need change and you need help. It is so frustrating when you wonder, "what is wrong with me?!" or- you know what's wrong, but have no idea how to change. Maybe the ways you have tried before have failed you, or only lasted a little while. Take a breath- you're in the right spot and we are going to help you transform.
The LCTT is an award-winning psychotherapy clinic. We understand your pain- depression, anxiety, stress, overwhelm. We know you're tired of living the same old story, that you want to move on from the past but don't know how. When your parenting, relationships and happiness are all suffering, you need change and you need help. It is so frustrating when you wonder, "what is wrong with me?!" or- you know what's wrong, but have no idea how to change. Maybe the ways you have tried before have failed you, or only lasted a little while. Take a breath- you're in the right spot and we are going to help you transform.
![Photo of Charlene Mercer - Cobblestone Counselling Group, Registered Social Worker](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/8e156b0d-3f0a-4bd4-887a-fa6962b98bed/1/320x400.jpeg)
Cobblestone Counselling Group
Registered Social Worker
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Woodstock, ON N4S
We offer private In-person, phone and video Counselling and Psychotherapy services in Paris, Ontario. Are you struggling to understand and cope with challenges in your personal or professional life? Cobblestone Counselling and Psychotherapy group offers children, individuals, families and couples counselling. Like all services at Cobblestone, Counselling services are focused on treating people holistically. We see the person as a whole and employ a person centred, collaborative and integrative approach to counselling and therapy. Finding a therapist uniquely fitting to your needs is significant to us at Cobblestone.
We offer private In-person, phone and video Counselling and Psychotherapy services in Paris, Ontario. Are you struggling to understand and cope with challenges in your personal or professional life? Cobblestone Counselling and Psychotherapy group offers children, individuals, families and couples counselling. Like all services at Cobblestone, Counselling services are focused on treating people holistically. We see the person as a whole and employ a person centred, collaborative and integrative approach to counselling and therapy. Finding a therapist uniquely fitting to your needs is significant to us at Cobblestone.
Online Therapists
![Photo of Marissa Bent, MSW, RSW, Registered Social Worker](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/ff9ed9be-a781-4b3b-a59d-6884d241fbf7/2/320x400.jpeg)
Marissa brings extensive experience working with clients where the concern is mental health and/or various life transitions. Marissa believes in using an anti-oppressive and culturally sensitive lens when working with clients to ensure a holistic and inclusive approach. Equipped with a Bachelor's and Master’s degree in Social Work, Marissa also has experience in solution focussed therapy, cognitive behavioural therapy, narrative therapy and anti-Black racism.
Marissa brings extensive experience working with clients where the concern is mental health and/or various life transitions. Marissa believes in using an anti-oppressive and culturally sensitive lens when working with clients to ensure a holistic and inclusive approach. Equipped with a Bachelor's and Master’s degree in Social Work, Marissa also has experience in solution focussed therapy, cognitive behavioural therapy, narrative therapy and anti-Black racism.
![Photo of Hani Osman, MA, RP (Q), Registered Psychotherapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/d80fbbb7-4888-4e95-ad4a-dfaf0d0fe20c/2/320x400.png)
Hani Osman
Registered Psychotherapist, MA, RP (Q)
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Toronto, ON M3C (Online Only)
Healing can be so messy, hard but so beautiful. On this path, I hope to guide you through the high and lows that come with being human. As a Black, muslim therapist, I use my own experiences coupled with my passion to predominantly provide support for folks struggling with depression and/or anxiety and those who are struggling with an eating disorder. My goal is to work with you in creating effective goals to get to the root of your problems to then reduce the symptoms you are experiencing, so you can live the life you want. I aim to create a positive and open space for you to safely navigate through your experiences.
Healing can be so messy, hard but so beautiful. On this path, I hope to guide you through the high and lows that come with being human. As a Black, muslim therapist, I use my own experiences coupled with my passion to predominantly provide support for folks struggling with depression and/or anxiety and those who are struggling with an eating disorder. My goal is to work with you in creating effective goals to get to the root of your problems to then reduce the symptoms you are experiencing, so you can live the life you want. I aim to create a positive and open space for you to safely navigate through your experiences.
![Photo of Rachel Maveneka - R. Maveneka Social Work Professional Corp, MSW, RSW, Registered Social Worker](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/17d717a6-2dc9-4004-8de6-bee7c950ed35/3/320x400.jpeg)
R. Maveneka Social Work Professional Corp
Registered Social Worker, MSW, RSW
Verified Verified
Toronto, ON M5V (Online Only)
Welcome! I'm Raei (ray) of Sunshine, Black-identified and African. As a client, you realize there is more to life and come ready to do the work of expanding into the Being you really are. As your Psychotherapist, I create a safe space to explore You whilst navigating challenges that impact your Mental Wellness such as, daily stressors, past and current traumas, habits and relationships that no longer serve your highest good, and anything else impressed upon you. I’ll meet you where you are at, and take you to where you want to be. (Mental Wellness; Black Community Mental Health; Law of Attraction; Mindfulness)
Welcome! I'm Raei (ray) of Sunshine, Black-identified and African. As a client, you realize there is more to life and come ready to do the work of expanding into the Being you really are. As your Psychotherapist, I create a safe space to explore You whilst navigating challenges that impact your Mental Wellness such as, daily stressors, past and current traumas, habits and relationships that no longer serve your highest good, and anything else impressed upon you. I’ll meet you where you are at, and take you to where you want to be. (Mental Wellness; Black Community Mental Health; Law of Attraction; Mindfulness)
![Photo of Melissa Mulongoy, RP, Registered Psychotherapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/d7622550-3d96-42a3-a510-f49e45b6410e/2/320x400.png)
Melissa Mulongoy
Registered Psychotherapist, RP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Toronto, ON M3C (Online Only)
Waitlist for new clients
It's truly a pleasure and privilege for me to do the work that I do, providing care to Black communities! Therapy is an avenue for healing that is deeply rewarding but won't always be light, fun, or easy.
It's undeniable that life is hard. It's filled with difficulties that we don't always know how to navigate and that make us feel stuck. Another undeniable truth is that there's help + support along the way, and it's possible to feel unstuck. I view therapy as a journey helping you find healing and solutions to your struggles within yourself. My mission as a therapist is to help Black and racialized people navigate life's challenges and uncertainties with more understanding, acceptance, flexibility, and resilience—whether you're dealing with family, romantic relationships, work/school, friendships, or your relationship with yourself.
It's truly a pleasure and privilege for me to do the work that I do, providing care to Black communities! Therapy is an avenue for healing that is deeply rewarding but won't always be light, fun, or easy.
It's undeniable that life is hard. It's filled with difficulties that we don't always know how to navigate and that make us feel stuck. Another undeniable truth is that there's help + support along the way, and it's possible to feel unstuck. I view therapy as a journey helping you find healing and solutions to your struggles within yourself. My mission as a therapist is to help Black and racialized people navigate life's challenges and uncertainties with more understanding, acceptance, flexibility, and resilience—whether you're dealing with family, romantic relationships, work/school, friendships, or your relationship with yourself.
![Photo of Tai Salih, Pre-Licensed Professional](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/c8d1910b-f748-48e9-b522-7ff33e4a5e73/2/320x400.jpeg)
Tai Salih
Pre-Licensed Professional
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Scarborough, ON M1K (Online Only)
Waitlist for new clients
With an anti-oppressive framework, and I am passionate to work with Black, Indigenous and Women of Colour (BIWOC) and Gender-expansive folks.
As a Sudanese refugee, trauma was woven into my life story. It took me a long time to believe that I was strong enough to handle the weight of my own emotions, but I found a path that helped me to feel at home in my own body. Healing cam be messy and painful at times, but if we choose to ride it and extend ourselves grace, then profound and radical change can happen. With mindfulness and a somatic approach, we can start to discover that everything we ever needed is already within us.
With an anti-oppressive framework, and I am passionate to work with Black, Indigenous and Women of Colour (BIWOC) and Gender-expansive folks.
As a Sudanese refugee, trauma was woven into my life story. It took me a long time to believe that I was strong enough to handle the weight of my own emotions, but I found a path that helped me to feel at home in my own body. Healing cam be messy and painful at times, but if we choose to ride it and extend ourselves grace, then profound and radical change can happen. With mindfulness and a somatic approach, we can start to discover that everything we ever needed is already within us.
![Photo of Matt-Trill Chambers, CYW, BA, RP, Registered Psychotherapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/e367cc05-fe01-4e67-a23e-ee7f22b70ca3/4/320x400.jpeg)
Matt-Trill Chambers
Registered Psychotherapist, CYW, BA, RP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Toronto, ON M4W
Your healing journey has already begun because you're here and I am looking forward to partnering with you to take the next step. A positive and beneficial therapeutic relationship requires rapport building and trust, which we will work on together while I support you in achieving your personal goals. My faith is important to me and I believe that we are constantly growing and learning as people. As a result, change is always possible. I am passionate about working with teens, young adults, and families, with a special focus on the Black community and other marginalized racial/ethnic groups.
Your healing journey has already begun because you're here and I am looking forward to partnering with you to take the next step. A positive and beneficial therapeutic relationship requires rapport building and trust, which we will work on together while I support you in achieving your personal goals. My faith is important to me and I believe that we are constantly growing and learning as people. As a result, change is always possible. I am passionate about working with teens, young adults, and families, with a special focus on the Black community and other marginalized racial/ethnic groups.
![Photo of Omaina Ozako - Bri Counselling, MSW, RSW, Registered Social Worker](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/729a0757-cece-428e-959b-a1bca8a2a1fc/1/320x400.jpeg)
Omaina Ozako - Bri Counselling
Registered Social Worker, MSW, RSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Toronto, ON M5V
I am a Master's level Social worker who is passionate, dedicated and caring in my work with supporting individuals with life challenges. I compassionately support individuals with substance misuse, addictions, anxiety, depression, relationships, and mental health concerns using a strengths-based, anti-oppressive, feminist approach. I specialize in working with Black and racialized women and young adults.I have been providing client-centered and culturally safe support to help racialized and Black individuals become more resilient and resourceful as they navigate mental health challenges and systems.
I am a Master's level Social worker who is passionate, dedicated and caring in my work with supporting individuals with life challenges. I compassionately support individuals with substance misuse, addictions, anxiety, depression, relationships, and mental health concerns using a strengths-based, anti-oppressive, feminist approach. I specialize in working with Black and racialized women and young adults.I have been providing client-centered and culturally safe support to help racialized and Black individuals become more resilient and resourceful as they navigate mental health challenges and systems.
![Photo of Charmaine Johnson, MACP, Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying)](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/4d2d0ca7-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
Charmaine Johnson
Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying), MACP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Richmond Hill, ON L4B (Online Only)
Holistic Well-being / Career Counselling / Hypnotherapy ... As a culturally competent Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying), I understand the cultural nuances that influence the Black/BIPOC community in the GTA. From personal struggles to intercultural dynamics, intergenerational matters, workplace/educational hurdles, systemic barriers, and micro-aggressions — these factors influence how you perceive yourself and your role within society. While the majority of my clients are from the African diaspora, I’m happy to meet with anyone who wants to share their story with me and welcome me as a supportive member of your village.
Holistic Well-being / Career Counselling / Hypnotherapy ... As a culturally competent Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying), I understand the cultural nuances that influence the Black/BIPOC community in the GTA. From personal struggles to intercultural dynamics, intergenerational matters, workplace/educational hurdles, systemic barriers, and micro-aggressions — these factors influence how you perceive yourself and your role within society. While the majority of my clients are from the African diaspora, I’m happy to meet with anyone who wants to share their story with me and welcome me as a supportive member of your village.
![Photo of Nora Elmi - Elmi Counselling and Wellness Services , Registered Social Worker](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/a19b12ac-628e-4e96-a5dc-69bff005fefd/2/320x400.png)
Elmi Counselling and Wellness Services
Registered Social Worker
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Toronto, ON M4B (Online Only)
Elmi Counselling and Wellness Services is an Ontario based virtual private practice offering individual, couples, as well as child and family therapy. We offer culturally relevant and trauma informed services anchored in anti-racism and anti-oppressive frameworks. Our team of skilled Black therapists are here to support you in navigating challenges in your life, reduce stress and to begin to live a life rooted in health and wellness. We support clients with Anxiety, Burnout, Depression, Relational conflict, Family Dynamics, Women's Issues and Stress... among many other issues!
Elmi Counselling and Wellness Services is an Ontario based virtual private practice offering individual, couples, as well as child and family therapy. We offer culturally relevant and trauma informed services anchored in anti-racism and anti-oppressive frameworks. Our team of skilled Black therapists are here to support you in navigating challenges in your life, reduce stress and to begin to live a life rooted in health and wellness. We support clients with Anxiety, Burnout, Depression, Relational conflict, Family Dynamics, Women's Issues and Stress... among many other issues!
![Photo of Marty Lampkin - Bri Counselling, RSW, MSW, BSW, Registered Social Worker](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/f5938992-a387-4ce4-b103-74d11662107f/2/320x400.jpeg)
Marty Lampkin - Bri Counselling
Registered Social Worker, RSW, MSW, BSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Brampton, ON L6W (Online Only)
My clinical work is also dedicated to working with African, Caribbean, Black & racialized peoples impacted by systemic forms of oppression.
Marty Lampkin (she/her) is a compassionate and dedicated counsellor, clinical social worker, Professor and social justice advocate who grounds her practice in an Anti-oppression, Anti-colonial and decolonizing methods. I firmly believes that interlocking systems of oppression ingrained in our society contribute to personal life challenges children, youth and adults experience. As a counsellor I work to explore these intersections through a holistic perspective to help clients recognize their strength and resilience to reach their personal goals.
My clinical work is also dedicated to working with African, Caribbean, Black & racialized peoples impacted by systemic forms of oppression.
Marty Lampkin (she/her) is a compassionate and dedicated counsellor, clinical social worker, Professor and social justice advocate who grounds her practice in an Anti-oppression, Anti-colonial and decolonizing methods. I firmly believes that interlocking systems of oppression ingrained in our society contribute to personal life challenges children, youth and adults experience. As a counsellor I work to explore these intersections through a holistic perspective to help clients recognize their strength and resilience to reach their personal goals.
![Photo of Nadiatou Fagbemi, RP(Q), Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying)](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/f6f89415-205b-4f01-9a02-3c1c083dfc3f/2/320x400.png)
Nadiatou Fagbemi
Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying), RP(Q)
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Toronto, ON M3C (Online Only)
Leveraging on my experience as a Black woman and first-generation immigrant, I offer a culturally aware and person-centred space.
Have others' expectations shaped how your life is? Do you feel stuck and not able to be who you want to be? Do you feel anxious or uncertain about your relationships? Do you frequently feel sad? Has a recent event created a sense of imbalance in your life? As a psychotherapist, I aim to use my own lived experiences and education to accompany you on the path to reclaiming and living the life that you want.
Leveraging on my experience as a Black woman and first-generation immigrant, I offer a culturally aware and person-centred space.
Have others' expectations shaped how your life is? Do you feel stuck and not able to be who you want to be? Do you feel anxious or uncertain about your relationships? Do you frequently feel sad? Has a recent event created a sense of imbalance in your life? As a psychotherapist, I aim to use my own lived experiences and education to accompany you on the path to reclaiming and living the life that you want.
![Photo of Natalie Guimond, BA, MSW, RSW, Registered Social Worker](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/de02ca40-37d5-4d39-9792-1147b20b8bd7/5/320x400.jpeg)
We might be a good fit if it is important to you that your therapist holds anti-racist, anti-oppressive values, is trauma-informed and goes at your own pace, has lived experience (of Black-mixed race identity, being a child of an immigrant/Caribbean parent, mental health challenges, gender-based trauma, queerness), and has a good sense of humour!.
As a human being on my own healing and wellness journey, I believe we all have the capacity to heal from and grow through whatever life challenges we may be facing, have faced in the past, or will encounter in the future. But we're not meant to do it alone. As your therapist, sharing a genuine (not clinical feeling) connection is important to me. My aim is to create a warm, affirming and non-judgemental space to share, learn, grow and heal.
We might be a good fit if it is important to you that your therapist holds anti-racist, anti-oppressive values, is trauma-informed and goes at your own pace, has lived experience (of Black-mixed race identity, being a child of an immigrant/Caribbean parent, mental health challenges, gender-based trauma, queerness), and has a good sense of humour!.
As a human being on my own healing and wellness journey, I believe we all have the capacity to heal from and grow through whatever life challenges we may be facing, have faced in the past, or will encounter in the future. But we're not meant to do it alone. As your therapist, sharing a genuine (not clinical feeling) connection is important to me. My aim is to create a warm, affirming and non-judgemental space to share, learn, grow and heal.
![Photo of Karyl Morong, MA, Registered Psychotherapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/b3a88080-d3f4-4a2a-97e2-cf3a315c5dcc/1/320x400.jpeg)
Karyl Morong
Registered Psychotherapist, MA
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
North York, ON M3K (Online Only)
I work with Black and other racialized adults in search of your peace and joy.
Are you always worried about what people think about you? You don't seem to measure up, compared to others. Maybe you’ve found a formula to get people to keep you around except now you're exhausted and lonely. You feel pulled in different directions, terrified to make mistakes. This trapped feeling is making it harder to perform and life is scary without your game face on. You've worked so hard to reveal only the likeable parts of yourself. Even if it seems to be working, what if it isn’t enough?
I work with Black and other racialized adults in search of your peace and joy.
Are you always worried about what people think about you? You don't seem to measure up, compared to others. Maybe you’ve found a formula to get people to keep you around except now you're exhausted and lonely. You feel pulled in different directions, terrified to make mistakes. This trapped feeling is making it harder to perform and life is scary without your game face on. You've worked so hard to reveal only the likeable parts of yourself. Even if it seems to be working, what if it isn’t enough?
See more therapy options for Woodstock
Black Counsellors
As a Black Canadian, why might I wish to see a therapist who is Black Canadian?
Black Canadian clients may seek out Black Canadian therapists for several reasons, foremost being a sense of cultural understanding and the possibility of shared experiences. Cultural sensitivity and context on the part of the therapist may make it easier to form a therapeutic alliance and to focus on the work of therapy without the need to explain or educate a therapist on cultural matters. It may also be empowering to work with a therapist who shares one’s racial or ethnic background. It is important to note that a therapist who demonstrates cultural sensitivity can be highly effective even if they do not share a client’s background or race.
Can clients benefit from working with a therapist who shares their race or ethnicity?
Yes, having a therapist who shares a client’s race or ethnicity is often valuable, especially if it fosters a strong therapeutic alliance between the two. While training, qualifications, and experience are always important, a strong alliance between client and therapist is a major contributor to therapeutic effectiveness. An alliance is likely to be strengthened with a therapist who has an understanding of a client’s background and perhaps also shared life experiences. It should be noted that many clients form a strong bond with their therapist regardless of their race or ethnicity. This is a personal decision, and it depends on the therapist, the client, and the connection between the two.
How might I inquire about a therapist’s experience working with Black Canadian clients?
Clients can ask therapists directly about their experience working with clients of diverse backgrounds, including with Black Canadian individuals. You may wish to inquire whether a therapist has undertaken training in cultural competence broadly, and how specifically they would ensure that their approach is sensitive to the needs of Black Canadian clients. Therapy involves honesty and trust, so it’s best for clients to share concerns about their therapist’s cultural competence at the outset. And a good clinician who is nonetheless not the right fit for you is often happy to make referrals based on the concerns you articulate.
Why is it important for a therapist to be culturally sensitive?
It’s important for a therapist to be culturally sensitive because everyone comes to therapy with a unique background and set of experiences. Being aware of culture and cultural differences between people is important for understanding clients, as is coming to therapy with an open mind, recognising that the therapist doesn’t necessarily understand everything and that the client can help guide the way.
Who is included in Psychology Today's directory of Black therapists?
The directory of Black therapists includes therapists who have self-identified their ethnicity in their profiles. Psychology Today uses this information to assist clients in finding a therapist who can provide a cultural match. However, not all therapists choose to disclose their ethnicity in their profile, and they may not appear in search results for this reason. In situations where the number of therapists who have identified as Black is limited, the directory will also show therapists who have undergone specific multicultural training or have extensive experience working with clients from relevant cultural backgrounds.