Three alumnae write handbook on counseling African American women

Several alumnae of the Mary Frances Early College of Education edited and contributed to a new handbook, “A Handbook on Counseling African American Women: Psychological Symptoms, Treatments, and Case Studies.”

Kimber Shelton (Ph.D. ‘09), Michelle King Lyn (Ph.D. ‘01), and Mahlet Endale (B.S. ’01, M.Ed. ’03, Ph.D. ‘07), alumnae of the College’s counseling psychology doctoral program, edited the book.

The book traces the historical context of mental health issues faced by Black women and the importance of increasing cultural competency to meet their needs.

“It is no small feat for Black women to enter therapy. Black women often have to overcome cultural stigma about seeking help, the superwoman schema that commands us to always be strong, and internalized oppression that equates self-care with selfishness,” Shelton said.

“Given the obstacles Black women face in even making it to therapy, when they arrive, Black women need to be met with culturally competent care that celebrates their resilience, honors their Blackness, and empowers change.”

Additionally, several College alumni of the Counseling Psychology program contributed to the book:

• Candice Nicole Hargons (Ph.D. ’15)
• Lauren Simone Harper (Ph.D. ’19, certificate in Interdisciplinary Qualitative Studies ’19)
• Judi-Lee Webb (Ph.D. ’02)
• Courtney Williams (Ph.D. ’19)

Shelton said the handbook focuses on providing mental health professionals with the knowledge, resources, and tools to promote healing and wellness with the Black women they serve.

“We are so excited about the release of this book,” she said. “It is an essential addition to the mental health field.”

Read more about the book on the publisher’s website.