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[ghostofsparta]

Have any minorities been to therapy for racial issues?

Are therapists generally taught how to deal with issues that relate to being of a certain ethic background? Any tips on finding a therapist that could help me?

It may sound like a ridiculous question, but I come from a conservative family that thought me to keep it in and get over it. Well I can no longer keep it in, I'm going crazy and need help.

 

[ElectricBlanketFire]

I'm not a minority, but don't listen to your family. You're doing the right thing by seeking help. Best of luck!

 

[DOWN]

There are definitely therapists trained to help people deal with issues related to race and minority experiences

 

[ghostofsparta]

There are definitely therapists trained to help people deal with issues related to race and minority experiences

So generally speaking, they aren't trained on the matter, but there are specialists?

 

[BlackGoku03]

Damn, I feel like we had a thread on this very subject this year.... right?

And boy, I'm not sure if therapy will help. Trump headlines trigger me as it is.

 

[Escape Goat]

Just because they’re of the same race it doesn’t mean they’ll connect with you or vice versa. Try to find a therapist that shares your background.

I’ve seen so many gafers make threads saying they tried therapy and their therapist didn’t help. The first one you see may not help, but that just means you need to try another. If you don’t feel comfortable with your therapist you’re wasting your time and money. But seeing a therapist can help immensely.

 

[CHC]

Look for "racial identity therapy" - I'm not sure if that is exactly the service you will need, per se, but it should at least be a starting point. You can find lists (by city) here:

https://therapists.psychologytoday.com/rms/prof_results.php?city=New+York&state=NY&spec=584

That''s for New York, obviously. Most of the people will be social workers and licensed counselors, not psychiatrists or psychologists, most likely.

Hope you find what you need.

 

[Aztechnology]

Therapists can help with all kind of cognitive coping skills, nothing wrong with getting help when wading through the bullshit of life.

 

[ghostofsparta]

Damn, I feel like we had a thread on this very subject this year.... right?

And boy, I'm not sure if therapy will help. Trump headlines trigger me as it is.

Shoot, my bad. I admit, I didn't search before making this thread

Just because they’re of the same race it doesn’t mean they’ll connect with you or vice versa. Try to find a therapist that shares your background.

I’ve seen so many gafers make threads saying they tried therapy and their therapist didn’t help. The first one you see may not help, but that just means you need to try another. If you don’t feel comfortable with your therapist you’re wasting your time and money. But seeing a therapist can help immensely.

That is certainly true. My main question is, how do I go about looking for a therapist with my background? I've done some searching but can t find more than names, and if I'm lucky, a picture.

Look for "racial identity therapy" - I'm not sure if that is exactly the service you will need, per se, but it should at least be a starting point. You can find lists (by city) here:

https://therapists.psychologytoday.com/rms/prof_results.php?city=New+York&state=NY&spec=584

That''s for New York, obviously. Most of the people will be social workers and licensed counselors, not psychiatrists or psychologists, most likely.

Hope you find what you need.

Ooo this looks helpful, thank you!

 

[Andrew Korenchkin]

Yes, there are plenty of therapists who specialize in issues related to race.

 

[BlackGoku03]

Shoot, my bad. I admit, I didn't search before making this thread



That is certainly true. My main question is, how do I go about looking for a therapist with my background? I've done some searching but can t find more than names, and if I'm lucky, a picture.

Oh no, wasn't complaining or anything. The thread title just seemed familiar.

And good luck to you. Therapy has worked for members of my family. Took a while, but it worked.

 

[DOWN]

So generally speaking, they aren't trained on the matter, but there are specialists?

Generally, therapists are equipped to handle whatever is troubling you, but there are definitely therapists out there who specialize in it and mention it in online profiles or directories they can be found in. Sometimes they’ve specialized in it because they are minorities themselves and relate to it, other times they just have an interest and thus have made sure to mention it in their profiles because they’ve developed the skills to help those who are dealing with it

 

[watershed]

Have any minorities been to therapy for racial issues?

Are therapists generally taught how to deal with issues that relate to being of a certain ethic background? Any tips on finding a therapist that could help me?

It may sound like a ridiculous question, but I come from a conservative family that thought me to keep it in and get over it. Well I can no longer keep it in, I'm going crazy and need help.

I've seen some therapists who specialize in working with POC around racial issues on my Facebook. They're definitely out there. Search carefully and you should turns some up. I don't have any info more specific than that though.

 

[The Ummah]

Yeah, I would definitely need to speak with somebody who specializes in talking with POC.

Subbing to this thread, because lord knows I'm losing my mind and I could use a couple sessions right about now.

 

[Faustek]

No, just fuck this bullshit. fuck it.
You will go in there, the quack will tell you to not be mad, turn your back to them and walk away and you end up with a bottle to the back of your head or a knife in your back. If you're really unlucky you'll be shot.
These farts that are here to help you don't know jack, don't do jack. It's all about bending, accepting and dealing with it. Fuck them.

But hey, good luck. You might find one that isn't a total shithead.

 

[Socivol]

I talk about racial issues all the time with my therapist. It's something we talk about often actually. I would find one that shares your background. I have a therapist that is the same race and gender that I am so he experiences similar things.

 

[Linkura]

No, just fuck this bullshit. fuck it.
You will go in there, the quack will tell you to not be mad, turn your back to them and walk away and you end up with a bottle to the back of your head or a knife in your back. If you're really unlucky you'll be shot.
These farts that are here to help you don't know jack, don't do jack. It's all about bending, accepting and dealing with it. Fuck them.

But hey, good luck. You might find one that isn't a total shithead.

What the fuck

 

[Faustek]

What the fuck

Source me: Been forced to go to a few, sought up a few myself later on in life and it's still the same.
Don't be mad, turn your back, walk away.
And it always ends with me eating a blunt object or a knife and a few times a gun was drawn.

So yes, fuck it.

 

[Cocaloch]

And it always ends with me eating a blunt object or a knife and a few times a gun was drawn.

What?

 

[crooked spin]

What?

sounds like the poster went to a therapist hoping to learn some martial arts.

 

[Epcott]

I’ve asked my friends about this. The general consensus seems to be alcohol.

Ha, I kid

Spoiler

But not really kidding

 

[Mesousa]

How exactly could therapy work in this situation?

Theres nothing a doctor could tell you that would STOP you from being a minority.

 

[Faustek]

What?

Hey, you need to stop being mad at being unfairly treated, jumped or just fucked with because of your race. Go to a shrink.

I go to shrink: bs, kumbaya, bs, kumbaya, bs.

sounds like the poster went to a therapist hoping to learn some martial arts.

Well aren't you a funny one.

--

Nah, better accept that you are you and idiots out there are plentiful and the majority will never understand if they give a damn. Go if it makes you feel better. Still ain't your problem.

 

[TaterTots]

If you are having mental issues from the hell in the world there is nothing wrong with seeking out help. Don't let your family prevent that.

 

[pigeon]

If you're going to talk to a therapist about racial issues you'd better be extremely confident that your therapist understands racial issues.

 

[Ketkat]

Hey, you need to stop being mad at being unfairly treated, jumped or just fucked with because of your race. Go to a shrink.

I go to shrink: bs, kumbaya, bs, kumbaya, bs.




Well aren't you a funny one.

--

Nah, better accept that you are you and idiots out there are plentiful and the majority will never understand if they give a damn. Go if it makes you feel better. Still ain't your problem.

What did you expect your therapist to do? Fix all of America's racial issues? All they can do in that kind of situation is give you coping mechanisms.

 

[Faustek]

What did you expect your therapist to do? Fix all of America's racial issues? All they can do in that kind of situation is give you coping mechanisms.

Not to be a dumb ass. Turn your back and you leave yourself open. Literally.
Btw this was in Sweden but if there is one truth I've come to learn is that this shit stinks the same everywhere.

EDIT: ghostofsparta, no. You go if you want to. It might actually be good but remember that it isn't your fault. You do whatever it takes to be good with yourself but don't leave yourself open.

 

[Bakercat]

More than likely a therapist or psychologist will look into the problems you're dealing with as a result of racial issues you may be facing. Things like anxiety or depression will be helped with and general ways to think and how to work with the troubles of your daily life. If racism is causing such things then they will try to help find solutions to work within those situations. Don't go in expecting all your problems to go away though. They are there to help you deal and function with those problems in life, not take them away. Hope that helps OP.

 

[Aztechnology]

How exactly could therapy work in this situation?

Theres nothing a doctor could tell you that would STOP you from being a minority.

Have you ever seen a psychologist? Or gone for therapy? Generally in these situations (Depression for instance) Their goal is to help you break down negative thought patterns to better understand your emotions/reactions and find coping mechanisms so you don't completely shut down.

 

[Xe4]

Generally therapists are taught to deal with all sorts of situations, racial ones included. As with any medical speciation therapists, well, specialize. There are those that specialize in racial relations issues, LGBT issues, drug abuse, depression, psychosis, etc.

More important than any of that is a therapist that you can connect with and that helps you. Most of the techniques they use will be general, such as CBT. However someone who has experience going through what you went through or you connect with on more than a surface level can really help you a lot more. I personally would rather have a therapist who I feel comfortable with over one that's been trained for my specific circumstances any day.

I'm not a minority but I've been to therapy a lot for issues I have. I hope this post helps and I really hope you get the help you need : )

Also, we have a mental health OT. It's nowhere near as useful as getting help from a professional, but it's good to vent sometimes and everyone there may be those in the thread that have simmilar experiences as you.

 

[gatling]

I was actually referred to a trauma therapist for racial issues from early childhood from my psychiatrist. I was blown away when she mentioned it during my screening and I thought I misheard her. He basically broke down the years of my childhood through current adulthood and the consequences of those experiences throughout the years. How they manifest in my current issues, mostly with identity, validation, and anxiety.

 

[Aztechnology]

No, just fuck this bullshit. fuck it.
You will go in there, the quack will tell you to not be mad, turn your back to them and walk away and you end up with a bottle to the back of your head or a knife in your back. If you're really unlucky you'll be shot.
These farts that are here to help you don't know jack, don't do jack. It's all about bending, accepting and dealing with it. Fuck them.

But hey, good luck. You might find one that isn't a total shithead.

 

[Skellig Gra]

Most counselors deal with minorities on a regular basis so you’ll be fine seeing them.

 

[Linkura]

...Anyway. You might have to go through a few therapists to find a good one, but it is worth it once you find a good one. Hoping for the best, OP.

 

[MC_Hify]

My therapist is a minority and I am not. I'm not sure therapists are equipped to handle larger issues like racism in general, they would be more trying to figure out how racism affects you as an individual.

 

[C4Lukins]

Source me: Been forced to go to a few, sought up a few myself later on in life and it's still the same.
Don't be mad, turn your back, walk away.
And it always ends with me eating a blunt object or a knife and a few times a gun was drawn.

So yes, fuck it.

You need help.

I normally would just joke around with this sort of thing, but you are off the charts.

If I had the ability I would lock you up.

You are just spewing complete insanity.

Normally when I encounter someone on Neogaf who I find repugnant I just add them to my ignore list.

But you are scary. Super make me shot my pants and never want to walk out in public frighteningly off.

 

[Dreams-Visions]

hell yes to therapy.

 

[Mr. X]

You need help.

I normally would just joke around with this sort of thing, but you are off the charts.

If I had the ability I would lock you up.

You are just spewing complete insanity.

Seems like ptsd or he's tired of being the bigger man. Either way, he isn't wrong saying racial issues aren't a "you" problem.

 

[C4Lukins]

Seems like ptsd or he's tired of being the bigger man. Either way, he isn't wrong saying racial issues aren't a "you" problem.

Yeah it must be hard being the bigger man. I tried it once, and people tried to litterally stab me in the back....

I mean maybe he is speaking in metaphors, but it sounds like literal violent fights with psychiatrists where they attempted to murder him as he walked away. Take his words and not mine as an explanation.

 

[Haly]

Racial issues aren't a "you" problem but anxiety or stress caused by racial issues, perceived or real, is something worth considering therapy for.

The OP's situation definitely smells like the latter but finding a therapist is a crapshoot.

 

[The Awesomest]

Yeah it must be hard being the bigger man. I tried it once, and people tried to litterally stab me in the back....

I mean maybe he is speaking in metaphors, but it sounds like literal violent fights with psychiatrists where they attempted to murder him as he walked away. Take his words and not mine as an explanation.

Sounds to me more like the advice given to him by psychiatrists landed him in those violent situations, not that he engaged in violence with psychiatrists.

 

[hateradio]

There is a branch of psychology that examines multicultural aspects. I don't know if you can look for a psychologist/therapist with a multicultural understanding, but you can try.

 

[wandering]

A lot of what I’ve been obsessing about has been about my race so I’d very much like to find someone who can deal with racial issues as well.

 

[A Fish Aficionado]

I don't know many therapists who deal solely on race issues, but ptsd might be an area to look at.

 

[Bad_Boy]

Yeah, travel. Travel where you fit in. Its a refreshing feeling. Trust me.

 

[hateradio]

Yeah, travel. Travel where you fit in. Its a refreshing feeling. Trust me.

What if you don't feel like you belong anywhere.

Like you do not feel a connection to the ethnic culture that bore you, and you don't feel welcome into the ethnic culture where you're a minority.

 

[Johnny Cage In The Shower]

I think the OP is seeking some help to adjust to a new life, a life and culture he seeks, but not one that his parents/family has introduced and brought him up with so far. .

The whole "I come from a conservative family that have told me to bottle it up" tells me this.

So, I have no idea if it's just race/minority thing.

Care to be more specific OP?

Do you want to come out or something? or be less religious? There may be counsellors who specialize in such things, buuuut, feel free to look around if you are not happy with your first session, take it from me.

 

[wandering]

Yeah, travel. Travel where you fit in. Its a refreshing feeling. Trust me.

Eh. I’ve visited the country of my ethnic background several times and I’ve never felt I fit in there.

 

[Bad_Boy]

What if you don't feel like you belong anywhere.

Like you do not feel a connection to the ethnic culture that bore you, and you don't feel welcome into the ethnic culture where you're a minority.

But have you traveled everywhere? There are some cities that are more diverse so they are more accepting to anyone different.

Eh. I’ve visited the country of my ethnic background several times and I’ve never felt I fit in there.

I didnt say travel where your ethnic background is.

For example my first trip overseas was in the dominican republic. And i felt so at home and at peace with the locals. Im black and I dont speak spanish at all. Strange.

I think the OP is seeking some help to adjust to a new life, a life and culture he seeks, but not one that his parents/family has introduced and brought him up with so far. .

I agree. Sounds like more than a race issue. Which is why I suggest traveling to somewhere where people are more open minded. But most importantly like minded. Even better if they look like you.


Need more details OP.

 

[FlowersisBritish]

Hey OP, here's a couple things you should know about therapy no one really talks about.

1. Therapist are humans and naturally, there are human's you're not going to get along with. When people talk about common ground, they mostly mean people you could get along within a reasonable, professional manner. My friend went through three or four therapists until they found one who was into fanfiction, and they ended up talking a lot about fanfiction in general in their sessions.

2. It's okay to not like or get along with a therapist, see 1. above. And its also more than fine to stop seeing a therapist because you don't like them or because they're an ass to you. Just because someone has that magic title doesn't instantly mean they know what they're talking about. There are way more bad therapist in the world than good ones.

3. They're not doctors, and Faustek has a good point that if you're looking for someone to change your worldview and make you suddenly okay with the state of the world and your place in it in regards to your race, then they can't and won't. On the other hand, if the state of the world is giving you near constant anxiety bleeding into parts of your life where it shouldn't, like family, or even just the moments when you're alone, then that's what therapy is good for. Which leads into...

4. Psychotherapy can't cure your anxiety or depression (nothing in the field of psychology can cure anything) but what it can do is help you manage it. Sorry to say, managing is the best you can ever hope for, but still, you'd be amazed at the how much better the world can be when you're only half as anxious or depressed. It's good to keep your expectations in check.

Anyway, best of luck and my advice on the common ground thing is to check the demographic area around their office. If its some old white woman working out of her home in the suburbs, maybe not the best place. Look for stuff in the city in the less white neighborhoods. Feel free to ask them questions and mention a lot of your problems stem from race and try to gauge their reactions. If they stub their nose or something, fuck'em. If they nod, maybe. If they seem genuinely understanding then they might be good. But again, they could secretly be an ass because see #1