What Therapists Need to Know

Microaggressions and Mental Health

For BIPOC and other marginalized populations, brief, everyday insults known as microaggressions can be a significant source of psychological distress. During this podcast, Drs. Char Newton and Janeé Steele draw on their clinical and personal experiences to discuss the mental health impact of microaggressions, how you can respond to microaggressions, and what you should do if you commit a microaggression. Moderated by Tatyana Smith.

Mending the Wounds of Racial Trauma

During this podcast, Drs. Char Newton and Janeé Steele discuss racial trauma and ways to heal, emphasizing strategies presented in their recently published book, Black Lives Are Beautiful. Strategies to increase clinician comfort during discussions of race are also explored. Moderated by Tatyana Smith.

Culturally Adapted CBT

Cognitive Behavior Therapy is considered the gold standard of psychological care; however, this theory is often criticized for limitations due to the Eurocentric worldview from which it was derived. In this episode of What Therapists Need to Know, Drs. Char Newton and Janeé Steele discuss use of CBT with people of the global majority, including cultural adaptations to transform the therapeutic relationship, assessment, case conceptualization, and treatment planning. Integration of culturally derived healing practices and liberation frameworks will also be discussed. Moderated by Tatyana Smith.

Black Love: The Tie That Binds Us Together

Black love (i.e., romantic, familial, friendships, community) is often characterized in popular culture by conflictual relationships, strained family ties, competition, and disconnectedness. However, this deficit perspective of Black love fails to capture its true nature and its importance to the survival and flourishment of Black communities. In this episode of What Therapists Need to Know, moderator Tatyana Smith takes the lead as she and Drs. Char Newton and Janeé Steele discuss these perceptions, exploring the importance of Black love as a cultural institution and therapeutic strategies that can be used to support these relationships.

Countering Mental Health Stigma in BIPOC Communities

It’s BIPOC Mental Health Month! BIPOC populations are less likely to seek help and it may take them longer to reach out for help. This month, we discuss mental health stigma and messages that often stop BIPOC populations from entering therapy. In this episode, Drs. Char Newton and Janeé Steele look at “anti-therapy” messages, the purpose they serve within some BIPOC populations, and how we can counter these messages. We hope this episode offers insight and encourages individuals to reach out for help. Moderated by Tatyana Smith.