Culture, Identity and Race

WHAT IS IDENTITY?

Identity addresses the million-dollar question: “Who are you?” What does it mean to be who you are? Identity is composed of the qualities, beliefs, personality, and expressions that make a person (or in some cases a group). Identity relates to our basic values that dictate the choices we make; these choices reflect who we are and what we value.

WHAT IS CULTURAL IDENTITY AND HOW DOES BEWELL HELP SUPPORT ME?

Cultural identity remarks upon place, gender, race, history, nationality, sexual orientation, religious beliefs and ethnicity. We rely on cultural identity to help shape our personalities and form our defenses. We are often attacked and threatened for the very thing that we have no choice in. We may also find ourselves at odds with our history and confused with gender, threatened because of race and sexual orientation.

This confusion, and our conflicts with it all, are addressed in therapy with a BeWELL therapist.

 

CAN I OPENLY TALK ABOUT MY EXPERIENCES WITH RACE AND CULTURE IN BEWELL THERAPY?

Our therapy office in Manhattan and Hoboken, NJ is very intentionally a diverse group of clinicians – because all people should be made to feel comfortable and supported at all times. We understand the importance of finding a therapist who looks like you or if that is not possible to feel safe that the therapist in front of you is culturally competent and will be empathic and open to holding space for your experience in the world. 

BeWELL therapists are all experienced in the conversation of identity, diversity, and inclusion. A BeWELL therapist has a deep understanding and proficiency in empowering patients to safely explore their identities. This often involves exploring the fears and strengths associated with identity in order to deconstruct negative thinking patterns. Once these negative patterns are undermined, BeWELL therapists explore valuable conditioning techniques to unapologetically and powerfully recreate healthier, happier and optimal lives.

WHAT ARE COMMON IDENTITY SCENARIOS THAT ENCOURAGE CLIENTS TO SEEK SUPPORT THROUGH BEWELL?

Anyone struggling with the questions who am I? Why is it so hard to be accepted? How can I be seen for who I really am? is asking the right questions. Therapy is a pivotal step to getting those questions answered. If you are someone who is feeling the trauma of daily microaggressive comments, hiding your fullest expression of yourself from the world, or otherwise looking to find the support necessary to connect with yourself and others in a new way — therapy is the next step. You deserve to know the freedom of a strengthened and empowered identity.

WHAT TYPES OF THERAPY DO BEWELL THERAPISTS EMPLOY TO SUPPORT CLIENTS QUESTIONING AND CURIOUS ABOUT RACE, CULTURE AND IDENTITY?

BeWELL therapists employ Psychodynamic Psychotherapy as well as trauma work. In our decades of experience, we find that talking is the best place to start. Finding an empathic ear to listen and understand the trauma is the first step to shifting toward positive mental health.

HOW DO I KNOW WHEN I’M MAKING PROGRESS WITH THERAPY? WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS?

Progress in therapy comes both meeting goals and emotional shifts. You will know when you are making progress when your reactions are different, your relationships are more satisfying, you feel more in control of situations, and you ultimately have a more connected internal feeling of alignment.

Our BeWELL therapists are well learned in a variety of fields and are here to help you become your best self. Whether you are struggling with issues related to Anxiety, Depression, Sexual Orientation, Race and Identity, school, or relationships, BeWELL therapists welcome you with an open ear.

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