Therapy for Racism and Racial Trauma in Atlanta, Georgia
Therapy for Racism and Racial Trauma in Atlanta, Georgia, Will Help You Dismantle The Damage That Has Been Caused to Your Spirit.
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 Atlanta comes in.
You’ve 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 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, as a BIPOC person, 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 feeling 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 Atlanta 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 in Atlanta 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 in Atlanta, Georgia, Will Help You Stop Living in Survival Mode.
During therapy for racism and racial trauma in Atlanta, 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 for racial trauma in Atlanta 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 plants 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 in Atlanta can help you to:
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 Atlanta, GA.
The harm from racism runs deep. Will therapy for racial trauma in Atlanta 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 racial trauma therapy conducted online or in-person in Atlanta?
Racial trauma therapy in Atlanta is conducted 100% remotely. Meet with me via a secure video platform 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 Atlanta is easy. Simply contact me here to schedule a phone consultation or to book your first therapy appointment. I look forward to meeting you.
If you’re ready to recover from racial trauma in Atlanta, contact me today.
Emergency Mental Health Resources in Atlanta, Georgia.
Driving Directions to Atlanta, Georgia.
From the North (around Alpharetta, GA area): Start by heading south on GA-400 S/US-19 S toward Atlanta. Continue on GA-400 S. As you approach the city, GA-400 S will merge with I-85 S. Continue on I-85 S into the heart of downtown Atlanta.
From the South (around McDonough, GA area): Begin by heading north on I-75 N toward Atlanta. Drive for about 30 miles, following I-75 N directly into Atlanta.
From the East (around Stone Mountain, GA area): Start off by taking US-78 W toward Atlanta. Continue to follow US-78 W, and it will become Scott Blvd and then Ponce De Leon Ave NE, bringing you into the eastern side of Atlanta.
From the West (around Douglasville, GA area): Begin your journey heading east on I-20 E toward Atlanta. After about 30 miles, continue on I-20 E directly into downtown Atlanta.
About Atlanta, Georgia.
Atlanta, Georgia, is the capital city of Georgia and is situated in Fulton County, with some parts extending into DeKalb County.
The city is famous for its role in the Civil Rights Movement and is home to the Martin Luther King Jr. National Historic Site.
Atlanta also boasts major landmarks such as the Georgia Aquarium and the World of Coca-Cola.
People appreciate Atlanta for its diverse culture, thriving business environment, and sports teams like the Atlanta Braves and Atlanta Falcons. The city’s rich history, bustling arts scene, and extensive green spaces, such as Piedmont Park, contribute to its appeal.