Therapists in Winnipeg, MB
Nelson Therapy and Consulting
Registered Social Worker, MSW, RSW, PhD Can
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Winnipeg, MB R2X
Do you want a therapist that understands the importance of how culture is integral to the healing process? As an Indigenous expressive arts therapist, I believe that traditional Indigenous knowledge is as vital as Western therapeutic approaches when combined respectfully, allowing people to be at the center of their healing. Among the services provided are one-on-one therapy as well as access to wholistic wellness workers (action therapy), which provides wrap-around approaches to therapy that address the unique needs of youth through integrative healing models that emphasize the importance of positive and supportive relationships.
Do you want a therapist that understands the importance of how culture is integral to the healing process? As an Indigenous expressive arts therapist, I believe that traditional Indigenous knowledge is as vital as Western therapeutic approaches when combined respectfully, allowing people to be at the center of their healing. Among the services provided are one-on-one therapy as well as access to wholistic wellness workers (action therapy), which provides wrap-around approaches to therapy that address the unique needs of youth through integrative healing models that emphasize the importance of positive and supportive relationships.
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Black Counsellors
As a Black Canadian, why might I wish to see a therapist who is Black Canadian?
Black Canadian clients may seek out Black Canadian therapists for several reasons, foremost being a sense of cultural understanding and the possibility of shared experiences. Cultural sensitivity and context on the part of the therapist may make it easier to form a therapeutic alliance and to focus on the work of therapy without the need to explain or educate a therapist on cultural matters. It may also be empowering to work with a therapist who shares one’s racial or ethnic background. It is important to note that a therapist who demonstrates cultural sensitivity can be highly effective even if they do not share a client’s background or race.
Can clients benefit from working with a therapist who shares their race or ethnicity?
Yes, having a therapist who shares a client’s race or ethnicity is often valuable, especially if it fosters a strong therapeutic alliance between the two. While training, qualifications, and experience are always important, a strong alliance between client and therapist is a major contributor to therapeutic effectiveness. An alliance is likely to be strengthened with a therapist who has an understanding of a client’s background and perhaps also shared life experiences. It should be noted that many clients form a strong bond with their therapist regardless of their race or ethnicity. This is a personal decision, and it depends on the therapist, the client, and the connection between the two.
How might I inquire about a therapist’s experience working with Black Canadian clients?
Clients can ask therapists directly about their experience working with clients of diverse backgrounds, including with Black Canadian individuals. You may wish to inquire whether a therapist has undertaken training in cultural competence broadly, and how specifically they would ensure that their approach is sensitive to the needs of Black Canadian clients. Therapy involves honesty and trust, so it’s best for clients to share concerns about their therapist’s cultural competence at the outset. And a good clinician who is nonetheless not the right fit for you is often happy to make referrals based on the concerns you articulate.
Why is it important for a therapist to be culturally sensitive?
It’s important for a therapist to be culturally sensitive because everyone comes to therapy with a unique background and set of experiences. Being aware of culture and cultural differences between people is important for understanding clients, as is coming to therapy with an open mind, recognising that the therapist doesn’t necessarily understand everything and that the client can help guide the way.
Who is included in Psychology Today's directory of Black therapists?
The directory of Black therapists includes therapists who have self-identified their ethnicity in their profiles. Psychology Today uses this information to assist clients in finding a therapist who can provide a cultural match. However, not all therapists choose to disclose their ethnicity in their profile, and they may not appear in search results for this reason. In situations where the number of therapists who have identified as Black is limited, the directory will also show therapists who have undergone specific multicultural training or have extensive experience working with clients from relevant cultural backgrounds.