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Mental Health Care Through the Lens of POC Empowerment

Dr. Joy DeGruy is a highly respected researcher, educator, and author who is known for her work on the impact of slavery, institutional racism, and other forms of oppression on the mental and emotional health of African Americans. Dr. DeGruy earned her doctorate in social work from Portland State University and has gone on to teach at a number of universities, including Portland State, Portland Community College, and the University of Washington. She has also worked as a consultant and trainer for a wide range of organizations, including schools, social service agencies, and government agencies. In 2005, Dr. DeGruy published her groundbreaking book “Post Traumatic Slave Syndrome: America’s Legacy of Enduring Injury and Healing,” which explores the ongoing impact of slavery and racism on the psychological and emotional health of African Americans. The book has been widely praised for its insightful analysis and practical recommendations for healing and resilience.

Dr. Joy DeGruy’s philosophy on mental health care for the black community is rooted in a deep understanding of the historical and ongoing trauma experienced by African Americans. She argues that traditional mental health models, which are often focused on individual pathology and diagnosis, are not sufficient to address the complex mental and emotional health issues facing black people. Instead, Dr. DeGruy advocates for a more holistic approach to mental health care that takes into account the impact of systemic oppression and racism on the individual and collective psyche of black people. She emphasizes the need for a trauma-informed approach that recognizes the historical and ongoing trauma experienced by black people, and seeks to promote healing and resilience through a variety of culturally sensitive and empowering interventions.

According to Dr. DeGruy, effective mental health care for the black community must also involve a focus on community building and social justice advocacy. She asserts that mental health care providers must work to create spaces where black people can feel safe, supported, and heard, and where they can connect with others who share their experiences and struggles.

Overall, Dr. DeGruy’s philosophy on mental health care for the black community is grounded in a commitment to social justice and equity, and a recognition of the unique challenges and strengths of black people in the face of ongoing trauma and oppression.

By exploring and learning about Dr. Joy DeGruy’s philosophy AMR Therapy approach to mental health care for the black community, and other communities of color emphasizes the need for a trauma-informed, culturally sensitive, and community-based approach to care.

Through the framework of Dr. DeGruy’s therapeutic approach AMR Therapy is actively working to create a therapeutic environment that is free from judgment, bias, and oppression. This involves developing a strong therapeutic alliance between therapist and client, in which the client feels heard, understood, and validated. AMR clinicians are actively working towards holistic growth and trauma-informed care that takes into account the impact of systemic oppression and racism on mental health. 

Food for thought: Questions for Therapists

  • How do we take into account the impact of systemic racism and oppression on POC mental health?
  • What experience do we have in working with clients from diverse cultural backgrounds?
  • How do we approach diagnosis and labeling in practice, and how will this impact our work?
  • What is our philosophy on the role of community and social justice advocacy in mental health care?
  • What techniques or interventions do we use in your practice, and how do they align with a holistic and culturally sensitive approach to mental health care?
  • How will we work with clients of color to address issues related to historical and intergenerational trauma, and promote healing and resilience?
  • How will we ensure that clients feel safe, supported, and heard in therapeutic relationship, and how will we work to establish a strong therapeutic alliance with them?
  • What is my own background and experiences with racism and oppression, and how has this influenced my approach to mental health care?
  • How will we work together with clients to address issues related to cultural identity and the intersection of race, gender, and other aspects of identity in our work together? 

AMR Therapy seeks to learn and grow while continuing to empower clients by promoting community building and social justice advocacy. Reach out if we can be of help to you.

#socialjusticethroughhealthcare #blackmentalhealthmatters #therapyforall #blacklove #advocacy

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