The Essential Guide for Counseling Black Women

Black women deserve a safe therapeutic space to process their experiences.

As the fastest growing population in education, economics, entrepreneurship, and international travel, Black women are forging a world of their own. They are breaking generational cycles, reinventing social norms, and developing new identities. However, as a double marginalized minority, Black women are also navigating socially constructed ideas of race, oppression, and privilege. Many well-intentioned clinicians lack the skills and knowledge to properly support, guide, and develop inquiries with these clients.

Clinicians will find foundational information on the types of experiences that cause many Black women to seek therapy as well as ways to support them on their therapeutic journey. Topics such as nontraditional lifestyles, work ethic and legacy, understanding friendships, embracing newfound freedoms and opportunities, moving beyond stereotypes, understanding and working with emotions, addressing trauma, and mental health disorders through a cultural lens are explored.

Throughout the book, therapist tips, catalyst questions (springboard questions on certain topics), examples, and journaling prompts are shared to help clinicians and clients work together to explore undiscovered depths, ways of healing, and improve mental health.

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LaNail R. Plummer, EdD, LPC, LCPC–S, NCC, ACS, BC–TMH, is the CEO and founder of Onyx Therapy Group and has over 18 years of experience working with a multitude of clients, specializing in the care of young women; Black & Brown communities; and members of the LGBTQ+ community. Headquartered in Washington, DC, Dr. Plummer and her team service the DC area as well as Maryland, Virginia, Pennsylvania, Louisiana and South Africa.