Happy Black History Month

Happy Black History Month from Wholehearted Psychological Services!
As a person and mental health professional who advocates for equity and equality, here are some ways I celebrate Black History month as a non-Black ally.

1) Self-education: While it is important to always be reading, advocating, and celebrating diversely year-round, having the specific month of February can create an opportunity to prioritize educating oneself about Black history. So many Black educators, content creators, and small-business owners will create and release educational material for the general population to consume. If you want to ally for the Black community, search for Black creators on your social media, patronize Black owned businesses in your area, and read books written by Black authors this month (and beyond!). I follow Blair Imani, Dr. Afiya Mbilishaka, Colin Kapernick, and Ginger Dean (psychotherapist) on Instagram just to name a few. I’m currently reading “How to be Antiracist” by Ibram X. Kendi.

2) Highlight: While I strive to create a therapeutic space for my Black clients that allow them the space to share and speak freely without worry about how they may be perceived, I recognize the psychological safety that can be created simply by working with someone who looks like you. So below are resources I regularly refer to when a Black client expresses a desire for a Black clinician:
- https://therapyforblackgirls.com/ Therapy for Black girls has a podcast, a blog, an online community, and a directory for Black therapists.
- https://beam.community/about/ Black Emotional and Mental Health Collective (BEAM) is a grassroots organization dedicated to the healing, wellness, and liberation of Black and marginalized communities.
- https://blackmenheal.org/ Black Men Heal is an organization that provides 8 free therapy sessions for Black men who otherwise may not have access to mental health services.
- https://communitycare.sistaafya.com/about-sista-afya-community-care Sista Afya Community Care is an organization located in Chicago, IL that provides low-cost services for Black women.

3) Challenge: I challenge fellow mental health professionals to do their homework to be antiracist and create a safe space for their Black clients. If I hear something that is dismissive or potentially harmful, I call it out. I can’t be in the room with a client, creating a safe space in therapy, if I’m not matching that energy in the room with voices that contribute to the harm my clients experience.

Happy Black History Month, readers. Let’s keep doing the work.

Until next time,
Dr. Riojas