Black and African American Therapists in 11756
Rosa Guillen Gonzalez
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Levittown, NY 11756 (Online Only)
As a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, I have dedicated my career to supporting individuals through some of the most challenging and transformative moments of their lives.I believe that therapy is a collaborative process where both the therapist and the client work together to achieve the client's goals. My approach is rooted in the belief that every individual has the capacity to grow, heal, and transform.
As a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, I have dedicated my career to supporting individuals through some of the most challenging and transformative moments of their lives.I believe that therapy is a collaborative process where both the therapist and the client work together to achieve the client's goals. My approach is rooted in the belief that every individual has the capacity to grow, heal, and transform.
First Step Directory
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW-R
Verified Verified
9 Endorsed
Levittown, NY 11756
Deirdre built First Step Therapy & Wellness Group from the ground up and has been hands on every step of the way. Her work ethic is indisputable and she is completely invested in creating a cohesive work environment adhering to values such as mutual respect and equality. She believes healthy doses of restraint combined with self discipline are key components to her success both personally and professionally. Deirdre is highly regarded by her peers and is a long-standing staple within the community where she is committed to creating a safe secure environment for her clients and colleagues. Ms. Holland currently maintains an established private practice
Deirdre built First Step Therapy & Wellness Group from the ground up and has been hands on every step of the way. Her work ethic is indisputable and she is completely invested in creating a cohesive work environment adhering to values such as mutual respect and equality. She believes healthy doses of restraint combined with self discipline are key components to her success both personally and professionally. Deirdre is highly regarded by her peers and is a long-standing staple within the community where she is committed to creating a safe secure environment for her clients and colleagues. Ms. Holland currently maintains an established private practice
Elizabeth Cennamo
Licensed Master Social Worker, LMSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Levittown, NY 11756
Elizabeth’s counseling style is candid, reality-based, un-prejudiced, collaborative, in-depth, and inclusive. She is an active listener who strives to not only listen to her clients, but also acknowledges that they need to be heard, as there is a difference. She possesses a coaching approach and response in providing effective feedback, therapeutic tools, skills, and assignments; goal-directed to always provide a non-judgmental, open-minded perspective in a confidential and safe therapeutic space.
Elizabeth’s counseling style is candid, reality-based, un-prejudiced, collaborative, in-depth, and inclusive. She is an active listener who strives to not only listen to her clients, but also acknowledges that they need to be heard, as there is a difference. She possesses a coaching approach and response in providing effective feedback, therapeutic tools, skills, and assignments; goal-directed to always provide a non-judgmental, open-minded perspective in a confidential and safe therapeutic space.
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Black and African American Therapists
As an African American, why might I wish to see a therapist who is African American?
African American clients may seek out African American 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 African American clients?
Clients can ask therapists directly about their experience working with clients of diverse backgrounds, including with African American 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 African American 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, recognizing 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.