Shifting Perspectives: The Crucial Role of Therapists of Color

While the Bay Area is one of the hyphiest cities in the United States, filled with many different cultures and ethnicities,  the truth is it can be a hard place for POC to talk about mental health and to find a POC mental health practitioner. 

It is no secret that the stereotype in many POC communities is to not talk about mental health and to keep your problems “on hush” and “stay strong,” like many of our older generations did. Nowadays, we understand that keeping things on “hush” and “staying strong” have led to generational trauma, which has gravely negatively impacted our communities.

The Bay Area is a melting pot of multiple people and cultures. But some ingredients in the soup are less prevalent than others, and it can be difficult to connect and create a healing space in such a diverse soup. Finding a therapist who understands your background is really important. POC therapists get what it's like to deal with issues like race and identity. They create a safe space where you can talk freely without worrying about being judged or misunderstood.

Nahrie Pierce, Kinship Counseling Collective Therapist

For me, becoming a therapist was personal. I grew up in a Black household where mental health wasn't talked about much. But when I faced my own struggles, therapy made a big difference, and I have seen the benefit of a safe place and good rapport.  Growing up in San Francisco, I have been in spaces where I was the only one who looked like me. I was also able to experience life at an HBCU and be in a nurturing environment. These spaces allow me to broaden my perspective and identify with multiple experiences as a person of color in the world.

Breaking the cycle of hurt isn't easy, but together, we can do it. By talking openly about mental health and finding the right support, we can make the Bay Area a better place for everyone, regardless of their background.

Joining a therapy practice, Kinship Counseling Collective, that cares about diversity inclusion was a natural choice. We make sure everyone feels valued and understood, no matter where they come from.

The Kinship Counseling Collective is an online bipoc & queer therapy group committed to working closely with our clients at every stage. Kinship therapists are culturally responsive and approach their work with vulnerability and authenticity. We use creative interventions tailored to each client's unique needs, providing them with tools to live a more liberated life.

Kinship Counseling Collectives Core Values

  • Culturally Responsive & Anti-Oppression

    • As therapists, we deeply respect and appreciate the significance of cultural diversity in the lives of our clients. We understand that each individual has a unique cultural identity and background that shapes their experiences and perspectives. We aim to create a safe and supportive environment where our clients feel not just heard but truly understood and valued. We strive to understand and respect our clients' cultural needs and work to tailor our approach to meet those needs. Anti-oppression therapy is a powerful tool that empowers individuals to challenge and resist oppressive systems and work toward social justice. We can help our clients achieve greater well-being and fulfillment by embracing cultural diversity and promoting social justice. We are committed to supporting our clients on their journey toward healing and growth, and we are honored to be a part of that journey.

  • Creative & Versatile

    • Our therapists are trained in various therapeutic modalities, including cognitive-behavioral therapy, psychodynamic therapy, and mindfulness-based therapy. We believe in the importance of flexibility and adaptability in therapy and encourage therapists to use various techniques and interventions to meet the needs of their clients.

  • Collaborative & Authentic

    • We understand that seeking therapy can be a vulnerable and challenging experience. However, the Kinship Counseling Collective strives to create a safe and supportive environment that empowers our clients. Therapy is a collaborative process where the therapist and the client work together to identify and address the client's concerns. Our therapists are committed to building strong and authentic relationships with their clients, creating a space where clients feel comfortable sharing their thoughts and feelings. We also understand that therapy is not a one-size-fits-all approach, and our therapists work to tailor their approach to meet the unique needs of each client. We believe in staying current with the latest research and best practices in the field, and we are committed to ongoing training and education to ensure we provide the best possible care to our clients.

  • Professionalism & Continuous Learning

    • Your consent and confidentiality are critical to our work together. As a therapy group practice, it is crucial to maintain professionalism in all aspects of operations. Our work with clients includes adhering to ethical guidelines and standards of practice and maintaining appropriate boundaries with them. Kinship Therapists must stay current with the latest research and best practices and engage in ongoing training and education to ensure they provide their clients with the best possible care.
      At Kinship, we strive to create a safe space for our clients to be their full selves and feel seen and cared for as they work to break the harmful cycles in their lives. We are working on “healing the line,” breaking the bonds of “generational trauma,” and countering the systems of oppression that are all impacting us. We would love to support you, so please contact us at 415 294-0032 or info@kinshipcounselingcollective.com, and we can set up a free consultation. 

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