Valencia Counselors Student Care and Concern: #BlackLivesMatter

The #BlackLivesMatter movement began in 2013 after the acquittal of Trayvon Martin’s killer, George Zimmerman in Seminole County, Florida. The movement began with organizers Alicia Garza, Patrisse Cullors, and Opal Tometi.

Why a Black Student May want to seek out a Black Therapist:

For some Black and African American students, one of the most important factors in finding a therapist is having a shared racial identity. Many students find comfort in knowing that there’s a level of cultural competence, values and experiences; including racism, oppression and intergenerational trauma. There are several other reasons that might prevent Black/African American students from seeking therapy such as:

• Stigma
• Distrust of sharing personal information to those on the outside
• Lack of Health Equity; Healthcare disparities
• Conscious and Unconscious Bias of providers
•  Lack of understanding

Use the lists below as a starting place to help you find a therapist or wellness resource: