Blog Post
Dina Johnson, MS MFT • Oct 09, 2023

Hey there, Wonderful Readers,


The beauty of being a Black female therapist transcends mere degrees or mastering therapy skills for individuals, couples, or families. It's a profound privilege to be in a space where a client feels at ease to share their story and seeks guidance in processing their primary and secondary emotions. It involves helping them understand themselves, amplify their strengths, and nurture their spiritual aspects, fostering hope and courage for healing and embracing positive perspectives. It also extends to a supportive professional sisterhood, aiding each other's growth to become the best holistic versions of ourselves and enrich our community.

Being a Black female therapist comes with both rewards and challenges. Personally, I derive immense fulfillment from my work and have no regrets. It's essential for everyone to recognize that we all face challenges in life, making it necessary to lean on a therapist for support—whether it's for grief, healing, communication issues, or family conflicts. However, the work is demanding, and I would never describe it as easy. Moreover, it's a blessing to guide individuals, couples, and families through their challenges, empowering them to feel a sense of belonging and contributing to society positively.

When working with a Black female client, Black female therapists may encounter unique challenges, such as being questioned about our understanding of their experiences due to our education and potential distance from certain disparities prevalent in Black communities. However, what our clients may not realize is that many of us have walked similar paths, undergone our healing through therapy, and emerged stronger and more motivated to support those with comparable experiences.

When a client asked me how I differ from other Black female therapists they've encountered, it took me by surprise. While I couldn't speak for all Black therapists, I conveyed my values and the approach I bring to the therapy room, aiming to provide services beneficial to their journey in life. It was a chance to explain that, despite differing paths, we share a commonality of facing a society marked by discrimination and prejudice. In our therapeutic relationship, I emphasized that I view them as the true experts of their own lives, and my role is that of a guide armed with evidence-based interventions to help build sustainable coping strategies for improved mental and emotional well-being. Establishing rapport and allowing clients to feel comfortable in our sessions is crucial, acknowledging their initial unfamiliarity with me.

Another contributing factor to why some of my Black female clients had negative experiences with Black female therapists stems from previous negative experiences, where they felt a lack of belonging and were belittled due to socioeconomic backgrounds and educational disparities. These experiences were compounded by adverse childhood trauma, often left unexpressed due to fear of judgment. Additionally, some clients had unhealthy past friendships, fostering distrust among females. Lastly, some were hesitant to open up to another "sister" they perceived as strong or having dissimilar life experiences. Recognizing these observations highlighted the necessity of building relationships and rapport to provide appropriate assistance and meaningful interventions.

To address this further, I conveyed my desire to invite them into my space, not as an expert but as the expert of their own life experiences. I positioned myself as a guide to assist them with evidence-based interventions proven to work in various scenarios. I emphasized that it's an opportunity for them to feel comfortable enough to share their experiences, enabling us to work through their issues together and develop sustainable life foundations and coping strategies for moments of self-doubt, depression, anxiety, and feelings of worthlessness. Ultimately, it's about empowering them to take charge, believe in their worth, and equip them with skills to navigate challenging times.

In conclusion, the central focus of my blog remains on competence, continuous growth, and genuine partnership—a journey we undertake together with our clients, striving to empower and succeed, one step at a time.

Sisters in it together,

Dina Johnson, MS MFT

Dina Johnson is a full-time Mental Health Provider at St. Joseph's Neighborhood Center. She began her tenure with us interning in our Counseling and Community Works department in October of 2022. Dina is a graduate of the University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry and holds a Master of Science in Marriage and Family Therapy/Counseling.

Chasing Away Winter Blues

By Dina Johnson, MS MFT-LP • 22 Nov, 2023
Hey Everyone, As we move into the cooler months, let's chat about something super important: Seasonal Affective Disorder, or SAD. Think of it as the winter blues saying a quiet hello as the days get shorter and colder. Knowing what SAD is and how to handle it is not just helpful; it's really important. Usually, feeling different can happen because of a big change or sad event, like losing someone we love or being tired and not getting enough light. But SAD is not just occasional—it sticks around more and is a bit tough to change. Understanding it can make a big difference in how we take care of ourselves. But what's SAD? Imagine feeling a bit down, tired, or grumpy during winter – that could be a sign of SAD. But it's not just a quick change in mood; it's something that needs attention. SAD goes beyond the usual "winter blues" and can make you feel not so great. About 5 out of every 100 adults in the U.S. feel this way because of SAD, and it usually lasts for about 40% of the year. More women tend to feel it than men (Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) 2023). Also, it's interesting to know that SAD is seen more in the Northern Region of the U.S. compared to the Southern Region. This is why many people choose to move to the South as a way to take better care of themselves, and sometimes this change in location helps them keep a positive attitude and maintain overall well-being. Here are some things to pay attention to that if persist (and are not just occasional) may be SAD: · Feeling sad or down a lot · Getting more nervous or worried · Wanting to eat lots of carbs and gaining weight · Feeling super tired all the time · Thinking sad or scary thoughts · Having trouble paying attention · Getting mad easily · Arms and legs feeling heavy · Not wanting to do things you used to enjoy · Sleeping a lot · Thinking about harming yourself It's also good to know that low levels of Vitamin D and Melatonin can make SAD worse. So, talking to your doctor or someone who helps with your health is really important if you're feeling this way. Now, let's do some things to feel better: Don't let SAD take over. Talk to your doctor – that's the first important step. And try these simple tips to make you feel more positive: · Make your space bright: Open your curtains, trim branches, or use a Light Therapy Lamp · Go outside and enjoy nature · Move around and play with your friends · Get back to a good sleep routine Ready to begin your winter wellness journey? Taking control of the winter blues is like stepping into a brighter season. Let's work together to beat those chilly feelings and make well-being our friend! Until next time, stay positive and take care! Stay Well, Dina Johnson, MS MFT-LP Additional References: https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/seasonal-affective-disorder/in-depth/seasonal-affective-disorder-treatment/art-20048298 https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4673349/ https://www.psychiatry.org/patients-families/seasonal-affective-disorder American Psychiatric Association. (2023). Seasonal affective disorder (SAD) . Psychiatry.org - Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD). https://www.psychiatry.org/Patients-Families/Seasonal-Affective-Disorder https://www.npr.org/2020/10/23/927135639/coping-with-sad-or-seasonal-affective-disorder
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