Black Folks do Therapy: Recent Episodes
Dr. Anthony Smith
Welcome to Black Folks do Therapy where we endeavor to challenge you to think critically about your mental health and overall wellness. Our goal is to inspire you to align your values and actions and live your life fully 86400 seconds every single day. We do this in part by asking questions and raising issues that you may not have previously considered. Ultimately, we encourage you to do those things that help you to live your best life consistently, always working towards balance.
In this session, I am interviewed by Vanessa O'neal and Barry Saunders about my upcoming book. We discuss the trauma that has impacted the African American community, my own history of trauma and what it means to heal from trauma. We discuss the practical usefulness of the book as an example of the stories and challenges that we all face.
In this second episode with Dr. Ajamu we continue our discussion with an analysis of the novel The Healers by Ayi Kweh Armah. We process the manner in which Armah weaves psychology into his work, challenging us to critically look at what it means to assist the healing process in an inspirational manner. This fun and lively conversation is a bit different than our normal conversations, but one our listeners are sure to enjoy.
I met with Dr. Ajamu to discuss his path to becoming a psychologist and his interactions with the psychologists who influenced his path. We processed the importance of developmental psychologists creating a new paradigm for understanding the African American community and creating new paradigms for healing. Finally, we discussed a framework for discussing and understanding the psychological impact of the work of author Ayi Kwei Armah.
In this episode we talk with Ms. Dearta Smith about her work as a Speech Language Pathologist, and how this relates to mental health. During the podcast she describes her role within the public school system, provides some of the reasons why speech and language services are provided to children, discusses some of her experiences working with children diagnosed on the Autism Spectrum and explains how Assistive Technology can facilitate communication. She also briefly examined the role of parenting in observing and identifying warning signs of communication concerns. Lastly we discussed her inspiration for authoring several children's books and discussed how parents can facilitate a lifelong love for literacy with their children.
In this interview, we discussed the impact of policy and the effectiveness of policy making on the mental health of underserved communities. We discussed the legal and political hurdles that must be navigated to allow for access to programs that will bring about equity and healing. We discussed the impact of the current racial climate and how this affects the Black community in addition to interventions for healing.
Talked with Dr. Washington about his career path into psychology and how it has manifested. We discussed issues related to Black Psychology and managing our spirit during this time in our country. Discussed issues related to Black men and mental health. We also touched on some of the historical aspects of etiology of Black Psychology and the current and future states.
We talked with Dr. Kristee Haggins about her work with Emotional Emancipation Circles, Ubuntu Circles and Black Safe Spaces. We processed the need for the healing these circles provide and looked at the format that they take. Discussed the origins of these healing modalities as a result of unfounded murders by police within the Black community as a means to cope with the trauma these experiences create. Offered methods for people to get engaged with these circles moving forward.
Talked with Dr. Swift about the nature of change in the time of protest regarding injustice. Discussed racial disparities and interventions for healthy living. Also discussed specific strategies for remaining healthy.
We discussed the recent murder of George Floyd in Minneapolis and the catastrophic mental health impact this is having on the African American community. Dr. Barner relates personal history related to his proximity to the murder of Emmit Till in Mississippi and the current murder in Minneapolis. We discussed the psychological trauma and conditioning that takes place in the African American community and the long term effect on individuals. We also considered the necessity of studying the evil nature that allows someone to commit such an atrocious act.
Topics covered include what it means to be an African centered therapist, managing stress in the age of Covid-19, ways to manage negative emotions and being your best self.
Mental health is being recognized as a necessary component of overal health in Zimbabwe but is slow to gain full acceptance. Ms. Machando is doing work to help her community to recognize the benefits and how they can access these services. We discuss the trauma women face and how she helps them to heal from this using various techniques. Also discuss the treatment process as it exists in Harare.
Dr. Jenkins is a licensed psychologist practicing in Atlanta Georgia. She founded her practice in Atlanta in 2012 and had been in practice previously in San Francisco, CA and brings a wealth of experience to her work with clients. You can reach her at her website http://www.mettahealingoasis.com/. She specializes in the treatment of Trauma, Depression, Anxiety, Women's Issues, Cultural Issues, Schizophrenia, Bipolar, and other Psychological Diagnoses. Reach her at (404) 590-8156 askdrj08@gmail.com @drpamelajenkins for facebook, twitter and linkedin.
We discuss issues related to parenting and setting expectations that will allow your child to acheive at the highest levels. Strategies that can be utilized to inspire your child will be discussed.
In today's episode, we talk with Dr. Bishop and Dr. Mansaray about their experiences as African American male psychologists and the importance of their roles in the community. We discussed techniques they utilize in working with their clients as well as methods for empowerment. Dialogue about racism and managing microaggressions were also discussed.
Black Folks Do Therapy is a podcast dedicated to helping reduce the stigma about mental health amongst the African American community. Dr. Anthony Smith is a licensed psychologist in Durham North Carolina and the owner of Alase Center For Enrichment and has been in business for 20 years. This podcast will incorporate a variety of topics dealing with mental health in addition to interviewing Black Psychologists around the world to bring a variety of perspectives on Black Mental Health. In today’s episode we discuss the benefits of having a culturally competent psychologist. Please remember to visit my website at www.alase.net for more information. You can reach me on twitter at @heartmindhealer. Our instagram and facebook are alasecenter.
Mental health in South Africa is a significant area that deserves a lot of attention. There is a significant amount of trauma that has been imposed on the society, particularly given the historical antecedants of apartheid. This generational trauma continues to manifest and there is a need to do significant work to bring about true healing. We discuss methods for providing this healing and creating peace for those in this society. Please remember to visit my website at www.alase.net for more information. You can reach me on twitter at @heartmindhealer. Our instagram and facebook are alasecenter.
We talked with Dr. Streeter about her private practice and the population she works with in Washington D.C. We also discussed her approach to working with clients and helping them to manage trauma. We discussed her approach to dealing with domestic violence and strategies for recovery. We also discussed the things that led her to be a therapist and what it means to work with an African American population. Please remember to visit my website at www.alase.net for more information. You can reach me on twitter at @heartmindhealer. Our instagram and facebook are alasecenter.
In this episode Dr. Russell discussed her path to being a therapist and the things that inspired her along this path. We discussed her approach to working with couples and assisting with communication skills. We also discussed her perspective on helping people to heal. Finally we discussed cultural issues within various segments of the African/Carribean/African American communities. Please remember to visit my website at www.alase.net for more information. You can reach me on twitter at @heartmindhealer. Our instagram and facebook are alasecenter.
Welcome back to another episode of Black Folks Do Therapy. In today's episode I want to take you through a bit of my though process in terms of providing therapy for clients. Please remember to visit my website at www.alase.net for more information. You can reach me on twitter at @heartmindhealer. Our instagram and facebook are alasecenter.
Please remember to visit my website at www.alase.net for more information. You can reach me on twitter at @heartmindhealer. Our instagram and facebook are alasecenter.