Therapy for Racism and Racial Trauma in Charlotte, North Carolina
Healing the Emotional Wounds of Racial Trauma in Charlotte, North Carolina
Living as a BIPOC person in today’s society means facing a barrage of racial microaggressions and discrimination on a daily basis. From the subtle to the overt, these experiences are dehumanizing and take a real toll on your mental health. This is where therapy for racism and racial trauma for BIPOC adults in Charlotte, North Carolina, comes in.
You’ve likely been praised for being "articulate" or speaking properly, as if it comes as a surprise based on your skin color. These backhanded compliments imply that most Black people can’t speak intelligently, fueling feelings of anger and inadequacy.
Or perhaps you’ve had strangers touch your hair without permission, treating you like an exotic specimen to be inspected and gawked at. Your body autonomy feels violated.
Other daily indignities build up, too…
Cashiers placing your change on the counter rather than in your outstretched hand…
People clutching their bags or crossing the street when they see you approaching…
Couples holding each other tighter as you walk by…
The constant message is that you are to be feared, are less than, and don’t belong.
Over time, the trauma from dealing with racial biases takes a mental and emotional toll. Anxiety simmers under the surface and being on edge becomes the norm.
Being seen only through the lens of harmful stereotypes is exhausting.
The mental task of always being on the lookout for threats leaves you mentally foggy and unable to focus. Thoughts race and it becomes hard to retain information or be fully present.
Additionally, you may feel depressed, anxious, and constantly stressed. Your world, the world, feels unsafe. You don’t feel like you can ever relax or let your guard down. Strong emotions get triggered easily by any reminder of racist experiences.
Maybe these experiences have taken a toll on your self-image and identity. You struggle with low self-worth, negative self-talk, and limiting beliefs about what someone like you is capable of achieving. The hurtful messaging of a racist society has shaped your perceptions of self.
Outwardly, there is pressure to assimilate and downplay aspects of your Black culture in order to be accepted by the dominant white culture. Perhaps you feel conflicted between who you are internally and who you pretend to be externally.
If this sounds like you, you’re in the right place. Your humanity is recognized and affirmed here.
Therapy for Racism and Racial Trauma in Charlotte, NC, Will Help You Feel Seen, Empowered, and Free.
It may seem impossible right now, but you can feel more like yourself and get your life back. Therapy for racism and racial trauma can help you feel:
Free. For too long, the effects of racism have been a heavy weight holding you down and holding you back. You are ready to shed fears, limitations, and the voice of inadequacy.
Empowered. Racism makes people feel powerless and inferior. You want to recenter your voice, values, and vision for your life.
Proud of your heritage and identity without shame or apology. No more minimizing yourself and your community.
Hopeful, lighthearted, content, and at peace.
Confident to move through the world, embracing who you are.
Therapy for Racism and Racial Trauma Will Help You Stop Living in Survival Mode.
During therapy for racism and racial trauma, your healing begins by recognizing these symptoms as valid responses to trauma, not personal shortcomings.
The hurt caused by racism can make you feel badly about yourself. It’s not your fault, but those hurtful messages can get stuck inside your head. Therapy will give you the tools to handle the unpleasant thoughts and feel better again.
In therapy, you and I will look at how your thoughts, feelings, and actions all connect. Racism puts thoughts in your mind, like you’re not smart or capable because of your race. But we can challenge those thoughts by looking at the evidence and finding a healthier way of thinking.
During our work together, you’ll get to tell your own story in your own words, on your own terms. Racism tries to write the story for you, but you’re the author of your life. We can change the narrative to reflect your strengths and talents.
You will find the inner motivation to make positive changes. Racism beats people down. But you have the power within to pursue your goals and dreams. I’ll help you see that potential waiting to unfold.
The most important thing is that you get to be yourself, not what racist narratives say you are or should be.
Therapy for racism and racial trauma can help you:
Break free from anxiety, uncertainty, and continuously having to look over your shoulder.
Get the tools to challenge your own negative thought patterns so that you can replace them with more helpful and productive ways of thinking.
Transform your inner voice to one of affirmation instead of self-doubt.
Respond with more self-compassion when you’re triggered so that you can feel more at peace.
Learn how to build trust so that you can connect with others authentically again.
Be vulnerable without fear so that you feel valued for who you are.
Manage stress through self-care tools: small, consistent actions to care for your mind, body and spirit.
Align your life with what truly matters to you so that you feel a sense of purpose.
Move through the world carrying a lighter load, making you even more resilient as life continues life-ing!
FAQs About Therapy for Racism and Racial Trauma in Charlotte, North Carolina
The harm from racism runs deep. Will therapy for racial trauma in Charlotte really help transform my pain?
Healing is a journey. I can’t instantly take away the trauma, but our work together can lessen its grip on you over time. Processing the pain, building coping tools, and strengthening your sense of empowerment will enable you to live your life more fully. I can’t fix all external realities, but I can walk with you towards inner freedom and restoration.
I’m concerned you will pressure me to forgive racism and/or racists before I’m ready.
Forgiveness is for you, not the person who wronged you. Forgiving someone frees us from the bondage another’s words or actions have over us. It benefits YOU and lifts a huge weight off your chest. It doesn’t mean we forget, but it does mean we release the sting the incident caused, and resist any urge to bring it back up. Carrying around a lack of forgiveness is heavy and exhausting! My role is to provide a space where you can unpack complex feelings and make sense of experiences. Your process is your own, and I'm here to support and validate you each step of the way.
Even if I work through my own racial trauma, that doesn’t mean racism will go away, so what’s the point?
You’re completely right that working through individual trauma doesn’t erase racism itself. Healing ourselves doesn’t equate to healing the world. But I believe that when more of us are empowered from the inside out, we are so much better equipped to envision and facilitate societal change. My aim is to support you in feeling emotionally liberated so that you can live and participate in the world more fully. Your freedom can ripple outwards.
Is therapy for racial trauma conducted online or in-person in Charlotte, NC?
Therapy for racial trauma in Charlotte is conducted 100% online. We’ll meet on a HIPAA-compliant video platform. Meet with me from the comfort of your own home, office, or car.
How do I get started?
Getting started in therapy for racism and racial trauma in Charlotte is easy. Simply contact me here to schedule a phone consultation or to book your first therapy appointment. I look forward to meeting you.
Contact me today to start racial trauma therapy in Charlotte, North Carolina.
Emergency Mental Health Resources in Charlotte, North Carolina
Driving Directions to Charlotte, North Carolina:
From the North of Charlotte:
Head south on the most direct route, possibly using local roads or highways like I-77 South.
From the South of Charlotte:
Head north on the most direct route, likely using local roads or highways such as I-77 North.
From the East of Charlotte:
Head west on the most direct route, possibly using local roads or highways like US-74 West or I-485 West.
From the West of Charlotte:
Head east on the most direct route, potentially using local roads or highways like US-74 East or I-85 South.
About Charlotte, North Carolina
Charlotte, North Carolina, stands as a major cultural and economic hub in the Southeast, offering a diverse range of attractions and experiences. Known as the “Queen City,” Charlotte is a financial powerhouse, hosting the headquarters of major banks and corporations.
Beyond its economic significance, the city boasts a rich cultural scene, featuring renowned institutions like the Levine Museum of the New South, which delves into the region’s history, and the Mint Museum, showcasing impressive art collections.
Sports enthusiasts are drawn to Charlotte for its professional teams, including the Carolina Panthers (NFL) and Charlotte Hornets (NBA).
The city’s commitment to green spaces is evident in places like Freedom Park and the U.S. National Whitewater Center, offering outdoor recreation opportunities.
Additionally, Charlotte’s Uptown district serves as a bustling center for dining, entertainment, and nightlife.
With a blend of history, modernity, and Southern charm, Charlotte stands as a remarkable destination that caters to a diverse array of interests.