Brought to you by the Virginia Mental Health Counselors Association
About the Event
This training is designed to explain the historical and cultural origin of colorism and its far-reaching impact on identity, self-esteem, and mental health of Black Americans. The training will demonstrate how colorism intersects with gender, age, culture, and socioeconomic status, further complicating the mental health challenges for Black Americans. The training will also outline culturally relevant and responsive strategies for participants to utilize when working with clients experiencing colorism-related trauma. By the end of the training, participants will be able to apply effective strategies and culturally relevant interventions that are specifically tailored to the unique experiences and cultural context of Black American clients.
Learning Objectives
Describe the historical and cultural origins of colorism: Participants will be able to describe the historical and cultural foundations of colorism and its influence on the identity, self-esteem, and mental health of Black American clients.
Analyze the intersectionality of colorism through gender, age, culture, and socioeconomic status: Participants will analyze how the intersectionality of colorism through gender, age, culture, and socioeconomic status deepens the complexity of mental health experiences of Black Americans with colorism-related trauma.
Identify culturally relevant and responsive strategies: Participants will identify culturally relevant and responsive counseling strategies to address the mental health challenges associated with colorism-related trauma.
Demonstrate culturally sensitive interventions: Participants will demonstrate application of culturally relevant interventions that are tailored to the unique cultural context and lived experiences of Black American clients experiencing colorism-related trauma.
About the Presenter
Dr. Harris holds a PhD in Psychology from Walden University, a Master of Arts in Professional Counseling from Liberty University, and a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Fayetteville State University. She is a Licensed Professional Counselor Supervisor (LPC-S) and a Certified Substance Abuse Counselor Supervisor (CSAC-S). As the founder of Healing Season, a private practice counseling and wellness center, Dr. Harris provides culturally relevant therapeutic services to diverse clients, specializing in trauma related to colorism, race, and ethnicity. Through her work, she has supported clients from various backgrounds in their journey toward healing from these pervasive forms of trauma.
In addition to her clinical practice, Dr. Harris is the founder of Ladies Like Us, an organization dedicated to addressing the unique mental health and social challenges faced by women of color, particularly those impacted by racial and gender-based issues. She also provides Beauty Shop Talk, a culturally relevant, community-centered wellness experience that takes the sofa from the office to the virtual beauty shop, where women of color can openly discuss the issues that impact them in a safe, supportive, and encouraging environment. Dr. Harris is an active member of the Colorism Institute, where her research centers on the mental health consequences of colorism-related trauma among Black Americans.
Her academic pursuits include evaluating the cultural relevance and usefulness of mental health guides for faith leaders, emphasizing the importance of faith-based mental health support in addressing mental health challenges within the Black community. As an adjunct professor in counseling and psychology departments across multiple universities, Dr. Harris shares her expertise in culturally relevant counseling and trauma-informed care.
In addition to her clinical and academic roles, Dr. Harris is a published author whose work bridges research, ministry, and practical application. Her forthcoming book, If I Can Just Make It to Church, developed from her doctoral research, equips clergy and ministry leaders to recognize mental health concerns, implement culturally relevant strategies of support, and build collaborative partnerships with mental health professionals within their communities. She is also the author of Rebuilding the Temple: A Practical Guide to Health and Wellness and The Five Pillars of Wellness, which offer accessible guidance on holistic well-being by integrating mental, physical, and spiritual health practices. Additionally, she has authored Radiant Reflections, a guided journal that promotes self-love, healing, and empowerment for women of color. Through her scholarship, authorship, and advocacy, Dr. Harris has established herself as a respected thought leader in mental health, racial and colorism-related trauma, and integrative wellness, making her a highly sought-after speaker and advocate for BIPOC mental health and community well-being.