Pragmatic Applications for Therapeutic Engagement With Marginalized Men: An Intersectional Exploration of Two Emerging Adult African American Male Clients

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2 Scopus citations

Abstract

High-quality and accessible mental health services, though integral to general health and well-being, continue to be overlooked and underfunded by society and especially to the detriment of people of color. A population that experiences notable difficulty accessing services and engaging in therapy due to stigma, discrimination, and resistance to help seeking is African American men. Some of the factors that hinder many African American men from pursuing or engaging in therapeutic services include rigid conformity to masculine norms; low socioeconomic status; lack of access; and cultural barriers, including a dearth of African American providers and cultural mistrust of health systems fueled by racism and inequity. Whether walking into a doctor’s office or attending a therapy session, for most male clients of color, the intake session(s) is essential to destigmatizing therapy, supporting that individual to feel empowered and in control, and longer term engagement. The help-seeking professions have made strides in embracing the importance of cultural humility and intersectional exploration as key elements of a successful therapeutic process, and therapy engagement for historically marginalized men is an area in need of much greater attention and understanding. Through case study explorations of two African American, emerging-adult men, we investigate interventions used during the intake process and illustrate the integration of multiple therapeutic approaches that can contribute to successful initial engagement and positive longer term treatment outcomes.

Original languageEnglish (US)
JournalJournal of Psychotherapy Integration
DOIs
StatePublished - 2022
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • African american men
  • Cultural humility
  • Emerging adulthood
  • Masculinity
  • Therapy engagement

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Clinical Psychology
  • Psychiatry and Mental health

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