Research shows African Americans have historically experienced higher levels of daily psychological distress due to issues surrounding race and racism. Current sociopolitical events have resulted in even higher levels of stress and racialized trauma among members of this community, necessitating a response from mental health professionals. Unfortunately, many mental health professionals are challenged in their ability to address issues of race and racism during therapy. Hands-on, experiential learning can be an effective way to enhance multicultural competence when working with African American clients. The goal of this workshop is to explore the knowledge, awareness, and skills necessary to achieve this competence. To this end, the presenters will: (a) guide participants in exploration of personal values and biases that may influence the therapeutic process, (b) discuss the psychosocial context of African American clients, and (c) present theoretically based case conceptualization and intervention strategies for use with this population. Participants will then have the opportunity to practice application of these aspects of multicultural competence through values clarification work, case studies, and role plays.
During this webinar you will learn to:
Acknowledge personal values and biases that may influence one’s counseling style and work with African American clients.
Describe the psychosocial context of African American mental health.
Implement culturally sensitive case conceptualization and intervention strategies with African American clients.
Dr. Charmeka Newton is a fully licensed psychologist and in full time practice at Pine Rest Christian Mental Health Services. She has over 10 years of experience in clinical, academic, and community settings, including teaching experience at both undergraduate and graduate levels of higher education. Her areas of expertise include multicultural counseling, research methods, tests and measurement, career counseling, and clinical supervision of master’s-level counseling practitioners and students. In addition to her clinical and teaching expertise, Dr. Newton is also a member of the Michigan Board of Psychology, appointed by Governor Gretchen Whitmer. She is a sought after psychology expert featured in prominent magazines and newscasts, recently featured on the June 2020 broadcast of West Michigan Woman, where she discussed how to have difficult conversations with your family about race.
Dr. Janeé Steele is a licensed professional counselor, counselor educator, and diplomate of the Academy of Cognitive and Behavioral Therapies. Dr. Steele is also the co-owner and clinical director of Kalamazoo Cognitive and Behavioral Therapy, PLLC, where she provides therapy, supervision, and training in CBT. Her scholarly activity includes peer-reviewed articles focused in the areas of CBT, social justice advocacy, and counselor training. Her most recent article, published in the May 2020 issue of the International Journal for the Advancement of Counselling and Development, describes cognitive conceptualization and treatment planning using CBT and a proposed cognitive model of internalized racism.