This collection of essays considers the role of spirituality and religion in the lives of American women from various ethnic backgrounds, showing how faith empowers those in populations often marginalized in the United States. Religion and spirituality are sources of strength and resilience for many women, particularly ethnically diverse women. This thought-provoking text examines this psychological trend, exploring the specific ways in which women from diverse backgrounds have benefited from their faith traditions, the various spiritual pathways they have chosen, and the impact of those choices on their lives. Essays in this informative compilation show how women from African American, Latina, American Indian, Asian American, and Caucasian backgrounds recover from difficulties and traumas with the help of their faith. Contributors consider why women are more likely to endorse religious engagement than men; why ethnically marginalized women tap into spirituality for comfort more than any other population; and why many believers embrace religion as a coping mechanism throughout their lives-from adolescence to older adulthood. The work suggests ways for counselors, leaders, and religious figures to utilize this knowledge to bolster the well-being of those they serve. Compares commonalities and differences across cultures Features many different religions including folk practices, Buddhism, Christianity, Sikhism, and Santeria Offers a multi-disciplinary perspective through coverage of cultural studies, psychology, and women's issues Includes personal vignettes to demonstrate the power of faith and religion

Race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, migration status, religion and many other cultural factors play an important role in recovery from a traumatic event. Most conventional attempts to help people recover from trauma do not anticipate or address these factors. Here, a psychologist describes how to recognize the cultural issues that need to be considered for healing. The author offers vignettes illustrating these issues, as well as activities for traumatized people to regain their sense of self-esteem, safety, strength and calm. Each chapter offers activities to aid recovery - from writing a journal, movement, music and spirituality to activism and social support.

This book describes the real-life journeys of women psychotherapists: why each woman chose this profession and what she learned about others and most importantly, about herself in this choice. Most critically, these women now share how they have integrated this wisdom into their everyday lives. While psychotherapists may also be authors, few write books about their journeys in the profession. Women Psychotherapists: Journeys in Healing is one of those rare books. Each contributor invites her readers onto the road traveled by the woman who listens to others needing her help and guides them into living a more joyous, successful life, even as she moves towards greater fulfillment in her own life."

Victims of sexual assault experience their trauma in different ways, and often one path to recovery and healing is right for one person, but not right for another. While there are some general mental health effects of sexual violence, this book outlines and describes the impact of particular types of sexual violation. Whether the survivor has experienced childhood sexual abuse, sexual assault during adulthood, marital rape, sexual harassment, sex trafficking, or sexual violence within the military, they will find aspects of her experience in these pages. Once survivors understand the ways in which they have been affected, they are introduced to various pathways to surviving sexual violence and moving forward. The chapters provide case examples and specific activities which give a fuller description of the ways survivors can make use of the particular approaches, which include mind-body practices, counseling, group therapies, self-defense training, and others. Anyone who has been a victim of sexual violence, or knows and cares about someone who has, will find relief in these pages, which offer practical approaches to finding balance and healing.

Your journey to healing and wholeness after domestic violence begins here. Domestic violence is about power and control. As a Black woman and a survivor of domestic violence, you have had your power taken away from you against your will. You are not alone, and there are tools you can use to feel whole and in control of your life again. Written by two psychologists and experts in BIPOC mental health, this book will show you how to start healing--mentally, emotionally, and spiritually. Grounded in cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), this compassionate book addresses the unique struggles faced by Black women who have experienced domestic violence. You'll find practical and empowering skills to help you understand and heal from trauma, leave harmful situations, and regain a sense of safety and freedom. You'll also learn how to build a safety net, trust yourself--and others--again, and let go of the shame and guilt resulting from your experience. Finally, you'll discover ways to reclaim your self-worth, set boundaries in your relationships, and make room for self-care in your day-to-day life. If you're ready to leave--or have already left--an abusive situation, this book can help you heal from the trauma of domestic violence and discover personal freedom in mind, body, and spirit.

Race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, migration status, religion, and numerous other cultural factors play important roles in recovery from traumatic events. Survivors of abuse, dislocation, disease, racism and other forms of trauma, however, are often treated only as individuals rather than as people with diverse beliefs and cultural affiliations. Thema Bryant-Davis examines the cultural issues that health-care professionals need to consider in caring for trauma survivors. She gives specific examples drawn in part from her own work as a clinician, and she describes activities that can help trauma victims not only survive, but also thrive and grow.

An antiracist society starts with you. Gain the psychological skills you need to adopt an antiracist mindset and make meaningful and equitable changes in your community--and in the world. Racism has reached epidemic levels in our country, and every single day we see acts of racial injustice. From police brutality and the prison industrial complex, to crumbling infrastructure and toxic drinking water in predominantly Black neighborhoods--many people have finally opened their eyes to the harsh realities of inequality and systemic racism in America. But awareness isn't enough. We need to take action to create real change. Written by two psychologists and experts in race, identity, equity, and inclusion, The Antiracism Handbook will empower you to make your own personal contribution to creating an antiracist society. You'll find practical, evidence-based tools grounded in psychology to help you recognize and resist racial stereotypes in day-to-day interactions; and strategies to help you communicate with family, loved ones, and children about race and racism. You'll also learn skills to help you navigate race in professional workspaces, and advocate for antiracist politics, policies, and practices in your community, civic, and spiritual life. By shifting your thought patterns and behaviors to cultivate an antiracist mindset, you can actively change your community--and the world--beginning with yourself. This handbook will help you get started now.

This book describes psychotherapeutic strategies for treating adolescent girls of color. It provides clinicians with a framework for offering culturally congruent care from a multicultural, feminist, strengths-based perspective, and helps mental health professionals to better understand the contextual lives and developmental pathways of adolescent girls of color. Chapters bridge various bodies of literature on psychotherapy with adolescent girls, with an emphasis on the intersectional cultural context in which the girls live.