BIPOC
I provide a safe place for BIPOC (Black, Indigenous and People of Color) individuals. Your cultural background and racial identity is an integral part of you, with many layers and dimensions. The effects of invalidation, racism and discrimination remain unique to specific groups.
BIPOC communities struggle disproportionately to other cultures due to multidimensional and systematic racism, oppression, inequality and injustice . I want to affirm the many facets of your specific and individual values, identity, and historical trauma. I honor your identity and respect your unique cultural experience and want to learn how those experiences have affected you.
I am also committed in encouraging BIPOC women to create ample opportunities to build safe and stable lives filled with opportunities to thrive and wellness.
Acculturation
Acculturation refers to the assimilation (or adaption) to the dominant or mainstream culture and involves the psychosocial and emotional change of balancing two cultures. It can result in someone adopting the new beliefs, practices, and values of another culture.
Acculturation issues between first generation individuals versus later generations can create tension in families, making some members feel marginalized or separated from relatives or loved ones.
Regardless of which parts of culture you identify with or how you integrate them, I can help you understand how these can promote or impact your mental health.
I also can help you explore where you fit in the mix, how this plays out in your personal and professional relationships and how to navigate it all safely and assertively, with boundaries.
Barriers
Many people express cultural barriers to treatment due to feeling stigmatized and misunderstood. One reason for this, may be the lack of diversity in providers of mental health and finding someone that looks like you or you feel "gets you".
Clients may also perceive slight, internalized feelings of discrimination or micro-aggressions, from providers they do not trust. They may also be provided a "one size fits all" treatment plan that is not attainable or motivating.
Barriers to treatment may also stem from differing understanding about illness and health, especially in mental health. Language barriers may also result in ineffective communication, and present challenges in treatment. Childcare and transportation may also contribute to barriers to accessing treatment.
Lastly, important factors affecting therapeutic rapport may be due to mistrust or fear of treatment . Lack of a support system can exacerbate these barriers, as well as, stigma and shame for seeking mental health treatment.
Bee Well is Culturally Competent!.
Therapy is not a "one size fits all" plan and each culture responds to different treatment modalities, in different ways.
To minimize cultural barriers to therapy, I am versed on tailoring your treatment goals based on your culture and racial identity. I pride myself on being a culturally competent practice owner.
I take the time needed to understand your perspectives and messaging about mental health within your culture. Together, we will explore deep issues with you about your experiences of discrimination in various areas of your life as well as your concerns on what therapy might look like for you. I also can provide therapy in Spanish, for monolingual Spanish speakers, or for those who feel more understood speaking in Spanish versus English. I also provide these services online so there is no issue securing transportation to have therapy.
I have extensive education, training and experience in cultural diversity and cultural barriers to treatment. In fact, my doctoral dissertation focused on cultural issues and acculturation factors within mental health, as well as other variables, for Mexican women.
You deserve to be understood by a qualified, culturally competent professional for exactly who you are (every part of you). Let me help you create the life you want.