In this episode, we dive into the world of psychotherapy with Elliott Connie, a leading therapist in the field of solution-focused brief therapy. Elliott shares his journey towards becoming a therapist and how he discovered his approach to therapy that focuses on solutions rather than problems. He discusses how parenting in the black culture is influenced by the legacy of slavery and suggests that parents should listen to their children and give them space to express themselves rather than resorting to physical discipline. Finally, he stresses the importance of seeking help from professionals when struggling with issues and believes that change requires people to be uncomfortable.

Join us for this engaging discussion on parenting, respecting authority, trauma, and breaking down barriers in psychotherapy.

[00:00 - 08:36] Bringing healing and hope to African American culture through solution-focused brief therapy

• Elliot became a psychotherapist to help his African American community overcome the stigma towards therapy.

• Using solution-focused in brief therapy helps to focus on the future rather than past trauma.

• His journey toward healing saved his life, and he wants to spread hope and love to everyone.

[08:37 - 17:07] From Solution-Focused Brief Therapy to Leading the Field and Inspiring Greatness

• Elliott discovered solution-focused brief therapy and was on fire to learn more, becoming a leader in the field

• Solution-focused brief therapy focuses on outcomes and resources, not the origins of problems.

• The therapist helps clients activate their greatness and apply it to multiple areas of life.

• Parenting involves finding a balance between discipline and flexibility while maintaining expectations.

[17:07 - 26:00] Parenting with intellect and divorcing from the legacy of slavery

• Parenting in black culture is influenced by the legacy of slavery

• Physical discipline is a common practice, but it's time to divorce from it

• Children should be given the bandwidth to express themselves and learn to use their voice

• Listening to children and giving them attention is important for teaching them value

• Compliance does not guarantee safety; understanding our value starts at home

[26:00 - 34:22] Parenting expert encourages allowing children to use their voice while also teaching them about societal consequences

• Encourages parents to allow their children to use their voices and practice standing up for themselves

• Acknowledging the potential risks of police brutality and the need for parents to educate their children about it

• Urges parents to coach, punish, and influence their children's behavior when necessary

• Criticizing the legacy of slavery and its impact on societal attitudes toward black people

• Elliott advocates for breaking this pattern and taking ownership of our own behavior and culture

[34:23 - 42:15] Psychotherapist encourages parents to explain the importance of respecting authority to their children

• Importance of explaining to children why they need to respect authority

• Advocating for talking to children about what parents are trying to build within them

• The importance of giving children the gift of attention and time

• Understanding the value of seeking help from professionals when struggling with trauma or pain

• Importance of cultural competency in psychotherapy

[42:15 - 48:25] Breaking Barriers and Saving Lives through Solution-Focused Therapy

• Elliott Connie discusses his journey to change the field of therapy and counseling

• He emphasizes the importance of being dedicated to change and accepting pushback

• He urges listeners to recognize that being black is a gift and that legacy is one of strength, not oppression

• Elliott encourages people to divorce themselves from the difficult habits of the legacy of slavery and be bold enough to think freely.

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Join the movement for justice and power with the "Justice & Power'' podcast. Listen to stimulating conversations on tough topics affecting Black and Brown America with host Nekima Levy Armstrong. Reach out to us on Instagram, YouTube, and Facebook. To know more about us connect with us at Wayfinder Foundation and www.nekimalevyarmstrong.com. Let's make change happen together!

Tweetable Quotes:

"I'm trying to tell our truth in a way that leads towards progress." - Elliott Connie

"Your journey is significantly more important than your origin." - Elliott Connie

"The most important thing you have in this world, the most precious commodity you have in this world, is your time and your attention. Those are two things that we cannot get back." - Elliott Connie