Shifting Perspectives: Developing a Culturally Syntonic Approach for Working with Black Clients
Description
There has been considerable attention focused on the impact of racism, structural oppression, police brutality, and other abuses suffered by Black people. This presentation seeks to advance this conversation from a problem focused one to a healing focused one. While it is not within the scope of this presentation to teach a “treatment” approach, through the lens of culture, the presenter’s objective is to facilitate a shift in our default outlook, to a culturally-informed, culturally syntonic view of the black client. In this presentation, we will build a framework from which racially-informed therapeutic ideas, technique, and strategy can evolve. The presenter will also provide a cursory overview of healing approaches that are often overlooked in mainstream literature.
Learning Objectives
Participants will be able to:
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Describe the structural underpinnings of anti-black, race-based wounds.
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Identify the 4 levels of trauma impact experienced by Black people.
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Define error resulting from examining the Black client through a white racial frame.
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Apply African-centered, culturally-informed healing approaches.
Instructor Bio
Dr. Monique Swift, proprietor of Swift Solutions Consultant Services, LLC, is a psychologist, a NJ Licensed Professional Counselor, and a NY Licensed Mental Health Counselor. She has over 20 years of clinical experience in the field of mental health and operates a private practice in Rahway, NJ where she specializes in couple's therapy and trauma.
In addition to her clinical work, Dr. Swift also offers keynote talks, curriculum design, personal development workshops, and professional training. She consults with religious, community-based, and non-profit organizations, public and private schools, as well as with private groups. As a trauma expert, she offers consultation to organizations that want to become trauma-informed. She furthermore specializes in issues that form at the intersection of trauma and race.
Dr. Swift is actively involved in racial social justice efforts and initiatives. Her extensive volunteer work typically benefits the Black community specifically, and oppressed and under-served populations, in general. Her volunteer activity often involves grassroots and civic organizing, personal and community empowerment building, and addressing issues of racial inequality, and racial trauma.
Dr. Swift serves as a member of the Board of Advisors for Volunteers of America, the Newark Community Collaborative Board, Torchlight Educational Academy, and the Union County Juvenile Conference Committee under the Family Division of the Superior Court. Since 2014, she has also served as an executive board member for the New Jersey Chapter of The Association of Black Psychologist and is immediate Past President of the chapter. Dr. Swift additionally serves on the national board of The Association of Black Psychologist as Eastern Regional Representative.
Dr. Swift’s special interests include youth empowerment, race and social issues, and holistic health.
Dr. Swift has no conflicts of interest for this program.
Contact Us
For questions, please contact: ce@gsapp.rutgers.edu
Continuing Education Information
Rutgers Graduate School of Applied and Professional Psychology (GSAPP) is recognized by the New York State Education Department's State Board for Psychology as an approved provider of continuing education for licensed psychologists #PSY-0123.
LMFT/MFT and LPC/LAC Licensed in New Jersey: Programs approved by the American Psychological Association are acceptable sources of continuing education credits. Please see https://www.njconsumeraffairs.gov/regulations/Chapter-34-Subchapters-10-31-Professional-Counselors.pdf, Section: 13:34-15.4 APPROVAL OF COURSES OR PROGRAMS on page 27. For all other professional licenses and certifications, please reference your issuing state board regulations regarding reciprocity of continuing education credits.
Rutgers Graduate School of Applied & Professional Psychology is approved by the American Psychological Association to sponsor continuing education for psychologists. Rutgers Graduate School of Applied & Professional Psychology maintains responsibility for this program and its content.