Mental health stigma in the Black community is a pervasive barrier to seeking therapy, particularly for marital issues. Most African Americans have historically rooted misconceptions, leading them to label mental illness as a weakness. This stigma can also strain marriages, as couples may avoid therapy so as not to appear vulnerable or flawed. Alarmingly, a 1990s survey revealed that 63%...[ read more ]
Emotional abuse within marriages and relationships often operates covertly, making it crucial to recognize the signs early on. Unlike physical abuse, emotional abuse can be harder to detect as it doesn't leave visible scars. Instead, it chips away at a person's self-esteem, sense of worth, and autonomy. Tactics such as gaslighting, manipulation, and shaming are common in emotionally abusive relationships....[ read more ]
Hello, social workers of Alabama! In this blog I will address a crucial aspect of our profession: continuing education units (CEUs). Let's delve into the essentials of CEUs and ensure everyone stays informed. Firstly, it's vital to understand the required continuing education hours mandated by the Alabama Social Work Board of Examiners. Whether you're an LBSW (Licensed Bachelor Social Worker),...[ read more ]
Black youth face many challenges that affect their mental health and well-being, such as racism, discrimination, poverty, and trauma. Despite this problem, they are less likely to receive adequate and culturally responsive mental health care than their white peers. This unavailability of proper mental health care for black youth is due to the stigma in the community where therapy is...[ read more ]
Congratulations! You have completed marriage counseling or couples therapy. You have taken a positive step towards improving your relationship and resolving your issues. However, your journey does not end here. Being able to maintain the progress you made in therapy is equally as important as achieving it in the first place. In this blog post, I will share some tips...[ read more ]
Wondering if you are in a relationship with a narcissist has become a common question. It is not that the "red flags" did not present themselves during the dating phase, but they become more pronounced once in a solid relationship or marriage. Relationships with a narcissist can be challenging and can damage your emotional and mental well-being. Narcissists have a...[ read more ]
Are you and your partner struggling to communicate, trust, or connect? Do you feel like your relationship is on the verge of falling apart? If so, you are not alone. According to a survey, 49% of couples have attended some form of counseling with their spouse. But does marriage counseling work? And how can you find a good marriage counselor who...[ read more ]
Do you feel like you and your partner are drifting apart or stuck in a cycle of conflict and resentment? Do you wish you could improve your communication, intimacy, and trust, but not sure how? If yes, then try couples counseling. Couples counseling is a form of therapy that helps couples address and resolve their issues, resorting to happiness in...[ read more ]
Finding an African-American therapist is tricky for the black community. This is due to the low number of black therapists, only 4.0% of the demographic. Despite the low number, having a African-American therapist is crucial for the black community because your mental health and physical health are equally important. They are also connected to one another. Depression linked to cardiovascular disease, cancer,...[ read more ]
Dating can be magical or hellish, depending on the person you fall in love with. Sometimes, we end up with self-absorbed narcissists. Also, it's difficult to tell during the first few months of your relationship since you're fascinated and filled with awe for your lover. However, as time passes, you begin to notice traits that make you uncomfortable. This feeling...[ read more ]
