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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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 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 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

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
 

As a person of color, the world may not understand the things that we go through or how it impacts us. Do you feel misunderstood, ridiculed, unwanted or out of place? External pressures sometimes feel unbearable - as though you aren’t allowed to exist in the way you would like. You deserve a place. Through a culturally sensitive lens, I will meet you where you are and bring strength to our therapy as you grow in confidence and self-acceptance.

— Rian Richardson, Licensed Professional Counselor in Chicago, IL

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 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 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
 

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

Through my own journey and working with others I know the challenges facing those with mixed or complex identities. So many people can't know how the world, even family, is going to treat them at any given moment and it's exhausting. Some of us are fluent in two or more cultures that don't feel compatible. Also exhausting. Increasing your own inner resources will help you find you relief in a world that wants labels on everyone.

— Rafe Stepto, Psychotherapist in Brooklyn, 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

I help folks explore and connect with sources of cultural and racial respect, identity, & resilience. I believe racism is a collective and systemic trauma that can result in the fragmentation, denigration, erasure, & invisibilization of the narratives, stories, & experiences of BIPOC communities. By working to reconnect with your direct embodied, cultural, & ancestral sense of your social body, you can reclaim cultural and racial empowerment.

— Nima Saalabi, Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist in Sebastopol, CA
 

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

I have over 17 years of experience - both clinical and research - in racial identity development.

— Jacquelyn Strait, Psychologist in Friendswood, TX