Acknowledging Minority Mental Health Awareness Month

July is minority mental health awareness month. I would like to share my perspective as minority clinician and client.

I had the privilege of joining the field of marriage and family therapy in 2008. At the beginning of my career, I had an idealist view about my position and influence as clinician. I wanted to save the world. At 17 years of providing clinical treatment, I see the process of healing differently. Here’s what I learned.

- Every person has their own healing process and path. Equifinality is the genuine healing process of many paths to the same goal. The repetitive process of treating clients solely based on the diagnosis is an antiquated viewpoint. Currently, individualized client-centered treatment means providing tailored clinical services for each client. Similar is NOT the same, from my clinical perspective.

- I am grounded in knowing when to refer clients because I am aware of my strengths & areas of expertise. Wisdom and ethical practice as clinician is knowing when to continue the work and when to end the treatment appropriately.

As minority clinician, who continues my own wellness journey, here's what I learned.

- Meeting virtually with my black male therapist from California (while residing in California since January 2024) was an excellent idea and approach for me. Do not limit your provider choice based on race, gender or other cultural identifiers. Cultural bias is real. I think providers chosen based on connection and expertise (not just culture) leads to better clinical results.

- My wellness journey made me better as provider/clinician/business owner/person overall. I have my personal experience with navigating meetings with my mentors, spiritual leaders, psychotherapist, PCP, endocrinologist, dermatologist, massage therapist, nature as healer, fitness trainer, nutritionist, etc. Wellness is not just about psychotherapy. Wellness is really about healing the entire person (spirit, soul, body).

My results are measurable and metaphysical. I dropped a few pounds. 2024, I was size 18 and today I am size 10. I think clearly & am better at navigating high stress and high demand seasons. I lean into my journey (especially during difficult times) rather than hiding or satiating with food or other drugs. I am also humble and gracious toward myself because I recognize wellness is about lifestyle, longevity and on-going shifts with each phase of life. I do not expect perfection. I just will not quit. I will continuously find better solutions as I navigate my wellness journey. My relationship with myself improved my boundaries and my communication in my relationships. I think my connection with GOD & my divine gifts (i.e. discernment) grew as I improved my personal wellness.

You see, wellness through my experience as clinician and client has taught me, every culture benefits from comprehensive healthcare. Every provider/clinician is beneficial, especially when clear about your expertise and confidently intervening. Ultimately, telling the truth is the first step to freedom. If you lie about your narrative, how do you expect people to trust you or obtain the results you hope to achieve? You're only as beneficial as you are honest.

That is my story and my story continues. One beautiful chapter to the next. I wish everybody well as you navigate your wellness journey. Happy Friday!

With gratitude,

Norja E. Cunningham, PhD, LMFT, A.R.T.