WP 46 | How to Market to BIPOC Clients with Diana Rice

Hello lovely listeners. In today's enriching episode our brilliant host, Whitney Owens, engages in a profound conversation with the vibrant and experienced Diana Rice, a therapist with a diverse background and a deep understanding of the BIPOC community. Embark on a journey through their dialogue, filled with stories, wisdom, and warmth that seeks to touch hearts and open minds. Diana is a certified integrative mental health professional who prides herself in providing a "safe and inclusive space where clients can find healing and empowerment." Based in South Florida, she speaks warmly of her surroundings, noting the diverse population and the unique challenges and beauties that come with it.

In this episode, Whitney and Diana paint a vivid tapestry of experiences that explores the life journey of a BIPOC therapist, touching upon topics like personal resilience, fostering diversity in practice, and the intricate dance between cognitive behavioral therapy and cross-cultural sensitivities.

Embracing Diversity with Grace

Both Diana and Whitney echo the sentiment that as therapists, there is a need to cater to the diverse clientele, including the BIPOC community. They urge fellow therapists to approach this with a willingness to learn, grow, and foster inclusivity in their practices, highlighting the opportunities for healing and empowerment that lie within.

Diana passionately advocates for fostering diversity and inclusivity within the therapy space. She encourages therapists to actively seek out diverse groups and to offer their guidance and mentorship to aspiring counselors from various backgrounds. "Go to the black colleges. And see who's a mental health counselor and then become that qualified supervisor for them", she advises. Diana emphasizes the importance of respecting and acknowledging the wealth of knowledge and cultural awareness these new counselors bring to the table, fostering a space of understanding and mutual respect.

Creating a Safe Haven for Diverse Faith Backgrounds

Further into their discussion, Diana touches upon the interweaving of diverse faith backgrounds into therapy practice. She shares her approach to counseling clients from various religious backgrounds, emphasizing her role as a listener and guide, rather than imposing her beliefs onto others. "You're hiring me to help you because you're in a crisis. So this is not about, you know, I can help you with the clinical skills that I have. Yeah. Right. I am a believer in Jesus Christ. That is my guide post. That is my stability", she notes, underlining her commitment to providing a space where clients can feel accepted and understood, irrespective of their faith backgrounds.

Marketing to BIPOC Clients with Understanding and Inclusivity

Defining 'BIPOC': Diana and Whitney delve into the essence of the term 'BIPOC', which encapsulates Black, Indigenous People of Color. The discussion gradually steers towards fostering inclusivity and understanding within the community, urging for a mature and respectful dialogue.

Building Inclusivity in Practice: Diana passionately promotes diversity and inclusivity within the therapy space, encouraging therapists to mentor aspiring counselors from diverse backgrounds. She advises, "Go to the black colleges. And see who's a mental health counselor and then become that qualified supervisor for them".

Interweaving Faith: Diana discusses how she respects and incorporates diverse faith backgrounds into her therapy practices, underlining her role as a listener and guide.

Cultural Understanding for Therapists:

Diana voices her concerns about the DSM not taking into account the spiritual and cultural aspects of various communities. She highlights the importance of understanding and respecting different cultures, urging professionals to be critical thinkers who are willing to question existing norms: "I had question after question after question, and one professor loved that I was spry and feisty like that. Questioning things."

Diana opened up about her initial experiences in the field around 2004, where she worked in a school with a significant number of therapists and psychiatric nurses. During this time, she observed a disconnect between the psychiatric system and the unique experiences and perspectives of people from different backgrounds, particularly those from the Caribbean. She stresses the importance of understanding where others are coming from, saying, "I just need to listen. To see where they're coming from..."

Tips when working with the BIPOC Community:

• Understand Before Labeling: Diana advocates for looking beyond diagnoses, urging therapists to first understand a client's background and personal experiences.

• Building Community Relations: Engage with the community, seeking to genuinely understand their experiences through active and empathetic listening.

• Encourage Critical Thinking: Encourage a spirit of questioning and critical thinking, especially regarding existing norms and systems within the psychiatric field.

• Promote Cultural Understanding: Develop a deeper understanding and respect for the varied cultural and spiritual perspectives that clients bring into the therapy space.

Conclusion:

In this heartwarming and insightful episode, Whitney and Diana have woven a rich tapestry of experiences, offering listeners a glimpse into the world of a BIPOC therapist navigating the complex landscapes of identity, diversity, and inclusivity in their practice. Through personal anecdotes and wise insights, this conversation invites listeners to rethink and reshape their perspectives on inclusivity and understanding.

Show Sponsors

• Check the podcasts on the PsychCraft Network: PsychCraftnetwork.com 

• Mayan Rainforest Retreat: Breaking Free in Belize

Links and Resources Mentioned:

• Through The Valley Therapy

• Through the Valley on Social Media: @throughthevalleytherapy

• Diana S Rice Web page

• Wise Practice Summit

• Whitney Ownes on Instagram

 

Podcast Production and Show Notes by Course Creation Studio