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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Meet the specialists

 

I am a cultural worker and community organizer of Historic Filipinotown. Additionally, I have provided mental health services and inclusive programs for BIPOC communities that address ethnic development, acculturation, and cultural values.

— Eddy Gana, Licensed Clinical Social Worker in Monterey Park, CA

Working with individuals to explore their Racial Identity is what I love to do most. As a biracial, Chinese and White, individual, I grew up feeling alone in my experience. I felt confused about where I fit in, because I did not understand my own identity. I use my own lived experience to guide me as I incorporate resources, psychoeducation, and techniques to support others in building confidence around their racial identity. My goal is to aid you in taking control of your identity.

— Monica Bernards, Therapist in Minneapolis, MN
 

I specialize in helping clients navigate the complexities of their racial or ethnic identities, especially in the context of racism, discrimination, and systemic inequality. My approach provides a safe space to explore your experiences, process the trauma associated with racial prejudice, and develop effective coping strategies. I am sensitive to the cultural nuances and unique challenges faced by marginalized groups and work towards validating your experiences while promoting resilience.

— Lawrence Rodgers, Licensed Clinical Social Worker - Candidate in Southfield, MI

I aim to integrate social justice practices into my work as a therapist through acknowledgement of the many identities that make up my clients. Rather than taking a "I don't see color" approach, I acknowledge that oppression and discrimination still exists - not only towards BIPOC, but other marginalized communities as well. The impact that this has on my clients matters.

— Lauren Lee, Licensed Professional Counselor in Chicago, IL
 

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

I am Half-Korean and Half-Italian, and my parents are 1st and 2nd generation immigrants to the US. Therapy has historically been a "white" thing to do, and has not always been a safe experience for people of color. I enjoy working with people of all intersecting identities, and work to remain culturally humble as a person and clinician. Therapy can be a helpful place to address issues related to racial identity, racial trauma, or navigating multiple cultures.

— Sam Lenzi, Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor in Chicago, IL
 

Working with individuals to explore their Racial Identity is what drives my passion in this field. As a biracial, Chinese and White, individual, I grew up feeling alone in my experience. I struggled to fit into a group or to "check a box, because I did not even understand my cultural identity myself. I incorporate resources, psychoeducation, and techniques to support others in building confidence around their racial identity. My goal is to aid you in taking control of your identity.

— Monica Bernards, Therapist in Minneapolis, 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
 

I facilitate healing and growth, acknowledging the intersectionality of identities through earned wisdom and lived experience as an Asian American. I navigate sensitive issues, fostering trust and empowerment using cultural healing and incorporating decolonized approaches to therapy. My practice integrates evidence-based techniques with cultural sensitivity, ensuring clients receive affirming and effective support on their journey towards self-discovery and resilience.

— Harry Dixon, Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor in San Diego, CA

I use a mixture of lived experience and clinical knowledge to support my clients in exploring and feeling empowered within their racial identities. It can be a complex and vulnerable thing to explore what your racial identity means to you. Having a therapist that can guide and support that exploration and self-understanding without judging or having any kind of feels about it can be liberating! I love creating that space for BIPOC folks to exist and explore themselves without judgement.

— Alexis Castro, Associate Professional Clinical Counselor in San Diego, CA
 

As a multiracial person myself, I understand the complexity of race and culture and it impacts our sense of identity, self and belonging. In order to develop a positive sense of self, it is imperative that we be allowed to explore and connect to these aspects of ourselves. It is my passion and pleasure to be able to provide this space to my clients of all backgrounds and experiences, and especially to those who are trans or interracially adopted or those from multiracial homes.

— Elliott Odendahl, Licensed Clinical Social Worker in Bloomington, MN

I have experience working with folks who want to process their racial and cultural experiences and the ways in which they are impacted. I have also worked with people who feel disconnected from their racial and cultural identities.

— Meli Leilani Devencenzi, Psychologist in Cedar City, UT
 

We are a multicultural practice specializing in Asian American mental health and BIPOC populations. Our providers identify with AAPI identities in one way or another. We merge our lived experiences with specialized clinical training to give you the most effective, culturally sensitive mental health care.

— Amy King, Clinical Psychologist in Centennial, CO

As a mixed therapist, I have intersecting experiences of both privilege and oppression. I offer healing from impacts of systems of oppression alongside your personal healing and growth. Grounding our internal experiences in the external world helps us recognize, name, and intentionally navigate systems that often make us feel like we have no choice. Together, we can unpack how we have internalized–and maybe even recreated–these systems of oppression inside ourselves.

— Hannah Brumbaum, Therapist in Berkeley, CA
 

I am mixed-race Chicanx and racial identity is something that I have been navigating since early childhood. In that way, much of my relationship with racial identity and mental health is informed by the concept of belongingness and thwarted belongingness as well as systemic oppression.

— Sarah Brock Chavez, Licensed Clinical Social Worker in Los Angeles, CA

As a Black woman who experienced the harm of engaging with multiple systems of oppression, I have worked intentionally to learn how best to support individuals struggling to be themselves in unwelcoming environments. When exploring identity formation and challenging past ideas of self, I employ a step by step model to create space for reflection, acknowledgement of resilience, and integration of the full self.

— Brenda Reavis, Licensed Clinical Social Worker in Evanston, IL
 

I can accompany you in your journey of navigating the complexities of being your true self in a society that may not value your unique point of view. You may face competing demands to fit into mainstream American society and into your respective cultural groups. This may lead to having double or triple the expectations, as you are trying to please various audiences. I can assist you in making sense of the different contexts you have existed in and how these have influenced your wellbeing.

— Dr. Alina Aloma, Psychologist in Saint Paul, MN

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 Littleton, CO
 

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 ,