Counseling African American Women: Examining Strengths and Vulnerabilities

African American women cope with life stressors in a variety of ways. Often times, talking to a mental health professional is the last resort. When they do, they report feeling misunderstood and unheard.

In this beginning-level course, which includes a video, audio and text transcript of her webinar, Dr. Tamika Damond discusses how African American women may present in therapy, commonly used coping strategies, factors related to the under-utilization of counseling services and the resulting maladaptive stress-related behaviors that threaten their mental health. Culturally responsive strategies and treatment options are discussed that can more effectively address underlying concerns that may not be readily apparent.