Promoting Black Women''s Mental Health : What Practitioners Should Know and Do

This book discusses developmental, social, and cultural experiences that impact Black women's mental health and wellness. The conditions that Black women face in relating to self and others in varied life contexts are described. Research findings, case scenarios, and reflection questions are included to guide Black women's therapeutic services.

Promoting Black Women''s Mental Health celebrates the strengths and complexities of Black women in American life. Many misunderstand and mischaracterize Black women, and under appreciate their important contributions to families, communities, and the nation. In this book, a team of Black women mental health practitioners and scholars discuss a range of conditions that impact Black women''s self-concepts and mental health. Drawing on a study of Black women across the United States, authors explore the social determinants of Black women''s mental health and wellness and Black women''s girlhood experiences. The book also explores Black women''s stereotypes, their traumas, how they shift in relationships, and images that affect their racial and gender identity development. The book draws on scholarly and popular sources to present Black women''s strength and challenges. Authors include commentary, case examples, reflection questions, and resources to improve practitioners'' capacities to help Black women clients to recover, heal and thrive.