Developing a Black Feminist Analysis for Mental Health Practice: From Theory to Praxis

Abstract

The use of a Black feminist therapeutic perspective represents an intellectual and practical effort to use racial consciousness to place the authentic reality of Black women at the center of the therapeutic process. From this space, participants formulate the therapeutic assessment, treatment plan, and goals. The ethos of therapy is shaped toward one that is more self-reflective about the limitations of one’s knowledge and ultimately more acknowledging of diversity. This article outlines a blueprint for the use of Black feminism in therapy by providing culturally congruent recommendations for therapists to develop their skills in practice with Black women.

Keywords:

• Black feminism
• Black women
• clinical practice
• Strong Black Woman
• therapy