Racial Identity

Racial identity is a multifaceted construct, the development of which is a lifelong process that involves how a person interprets messages about racial groups. Racial identity has been described as the significance and meaning of race in one’s life. Our racial identity is an important part of how we see ourselves and how others see us. Racial identity development is relevant to all racial groups – but typically plays a larger role in the experiences of minorities. Many things can influence an individual’s racial identity, including pop culture and current events. If you are working through issues related to racial identity, reach out to one of TherapyDen’s experts today.

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I am a mixed raced/Black person. Living in this body has come with lots of experiences connected to race. Unfortunately, I have experienced more than my fair share of racism in my life. However, I also have a White mother and have experienced some light-skinned privilege. In short, I am no stranger to exploring and processing racialized experiences. I am excited to work with people seeking to express and step into their full selves and welcome client of all racial backgrounds.

— Mahesh Francis, Associate Marriage & Family Therapist in Oakland, CA

Exploring topics of racial, cultural, and ethnic background as it relates to one’s family origins and personal identity.

— Ruann Ibrahim, Creative Art Therapist in New York, NY
 

Exploring topics of racial, cultural, and ethnic background as it relates to one’s family origins and personal identity.

— Carmen Lo, Psychotherapist in New York, NY

There are many individuals who are facing multiple forms of violence through relationships with toxic systems. In my work, I stress that real love does not require one to give up their freedom for the sake of belonging. It’s in the power of our ability to use our voice and to think and feel for ourselves that we find the power to stand alone and stand with others. The ability to do both is what real freedom and real love requires. You deserve to be free and to feel love.

— Julius Peterson, Clinical Social Worker in Decatur, GA
 

Much of my graduate level research and training has been in understanding the complex racial identity development of people of color and White individuals. My dissertation research included examining how Black clients responded to White therapists who overtly broach cross-racial differences in the therapy session.

— Catherine Bitney, Clinical Psychologist in Austin, TX

Today’s cultural climate is taxing—your life matters. Through the Woods offers counseling that’s sensitive to cultural issues and the experiences of people of color. Counseling at Through the Woods lets you process trauma, think out loud in a safe place, and genuinely feel seen. Let your experience be witnessed.

— Rosalind Herrington-Moxon, Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor Associate in Olympia, WA
 

Today’s cultural climate is taxing—your life matters. Through the Woods offers counseling that’s sensitive to cultural issues and the experiences of people of color. Counseling at Through the Woods lets you process trauma, think out loud in a safe place, and genuinely feel seen. Let your experience be witnessed.

— Rosalind Herrington-Moxon, Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor Associate in Olympia, WA

As a Black therapist, I will give you the space to process your identity and racial trauma, as well as, any challenges that come with navigating a white supremacy society.

— Marc Campbell, Licensed Mental Health Counselor in ,
 

I work with racial trauma in my practice. I am the child of immigrants and I draw upon my lived experience and professional training to create a safe and healing environment.

— Sara Alkhedairy, Associate Professional Clinical Counselor in San Diego, CA

As a multiracial/mixed person, I have several years of experience learning about mixed race identities and racial identity development. In addition to my own lived experience, I draw on academic research, films, novels, personal accounts and more in my approach to this topic.

— Matt Bouse, Therapist in Ann Arbor, MI
 

As a person of color raised in the U.S., I understand it is extemeley difficult and traumatizing to deal with the daily issues that racism and systemic racism create. I work with individuals that seek to understand how their racial identity humanizes and empowers their being in this world.

— Julio Garibay, Licensed Clinical Social Worker in Gardena, CA

I prioritize greater contexts of generational, ancestral and community strength as we navigate difficulties you may be experiencing. I also strive to support you in re-discovering your power by examining the sociopolitical histories of the many physical places we inhabit.

— Alex Subbaraman, Psychotherapist in Richfield, MN
 

As a black man in America i first hand understand and have the lived experience of what it is like being black in this country. As a first generation African American, i also have the lived experience of being raised in two different cultures and navigating the different cultural dynamics.

— Eric Katende, Associate Marriage & Family Therapist in Los Angeles, CA

Master's emphasis in counseling urban youth, experience working with BIPOC communities, personal and professional experience as a black woman, continuing education in race-based trauma.

— Olivia White, Licensed Mental Health Counselor in TACOMA, WA
 

Today’s cultural climate is taxing—your life matters. Through the Woods offers counseling that’s sensitive to cultural issues and the experiences of people of color. Counseling at Through the Woods lets you process trauma, think out loud in a safe place, and genuinely feel seen. Let your experience be witnessed.

— Rosalind Herrington-Moxon, Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor Associate in Olympia, WA

I am a member of the Anti-Racism Committee of the Mid-Atlantic Group Psychotherapy Association and I work with the Center for the Study of Race, Ethnicity and Culture at the Washington School of Psychiatry.

— Jonathan Lebolt, PhD, Psychotherapist in Montclair, NJ
 

In the U.S., colonization and imperialism have functioned to extract power and voice from many. As a result, the line between trauma & culture for many folks of color (especially Black & Indigenous) can become blurred. My approach is rooted in celebrating & exploring identities, and understanding how our stories can nourish connection to self and others.

— Alex Subbaraman, Psychotherapist in Richfield, MN

Today’s cultural climate is taxing. Your life matters. Through the Woods offers counseling that’s sensitive to cultural issues and the experiences of people of color. Counseling at Through the Woods lets you process trauma, think out loud in a safe place, and truly feel seen. Let your experience be witnessed.

— Rosalind Herrington-Moxon, Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor Associate in Olympia, WA