Black Therapist in Kansas City, MO.
Hey! I’m Liz Davis, M.S., LMFT - A Black Counselor in Kansas City.
When thinking about starting a new journey of healing and wellness through therapy or counseling, we all want to find a therapist who we can identify with - one who can truly make us feel known, understood, and fully accepted. As a Black woman in Kansas City, I am honored to offer a safe therapeutic space for all People of Color. Many people who identify as Black struggle to find a therapist in the Midwest. I want you to know that I am here, and so ready and willing to walk alongside you on your path to healing.
Black Counseling Services in Kansas City, MO.
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Individual Therapy
If you’re ready to process your past, navigate your present day life, or manifest for ideal future, I am here to walk alongside you as you begin your healing journey through individual counseling. I offer a safe, accepting, non-judgmental space where you can tell your story and together we can process through life’s challenges. As a Black woman, I welcome clients of all races, backgrounds, and ethnicities. You are welcome here.
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Couples Therapy
If you’ve found yourself wondering if your relationship needs counseling, or you’re seeking marriage counseling, you’re probably right! Don’t wait until the disconnect has become too great, or the arguments too frequent. I want to help you get ahead of whatever relationship issues you are facing, and help all POC couples reclaim their connection, intimacy, and communication. We will deepen your understanding of one another and learn tools to serve your relationship.
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Family Therapy
Family dynamics are complex. They are the people who bring us the most joy and love and support, but also can wound us most deeply. As a Marriage and Family Therapist, I have specific training to work with adult family systems to heal old wounds from the past, strengthen connection and communication in the present, and together we can work towards a future of harmony in your family unit.
“It took me months to find a good Black therapist in KC. I’m so grateful I finally found Liz.”
-Marilyn J.
“With Liz, I don’t have to waste time explaining myself. She actually just gets me.”
-Marcus B.
You deserve a therapist who understands you from your unique cultural background. As a Black therapist in Kansas City, it’s my honor to serve the POC in the Kansas City area. I can’t wait to work with you!
Why doesn’t the Black Community Seek Out Therapy?
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Many Black individuals may avoid seeking therapy due to the persistent stigma associated with mental health issues within the community. Mental health concerns are sometimes viewed as a sign of weakness, and seeking therapy may be seen as admitting vulnerability.
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Historical and ongoing systemic issues, such as racism and discrimination in healthcare, have led to a mistrust of the medical system, including mental healthcare. This mistrust can deter Black individuals from seeking therapy.
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Access to mental healthcare services can be limited for some Black individuals, particularly in underserved communities where there may be a shortage of mental health professionals.
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A lack of awareness about the benefits of therapy, available resources, and treatment options can also play a role in the underutilization of mental health services in the Black community.
Why do Black People want Black Counselors?
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Black individuals may prefer Black counselors because they believe these therapists are more likely to understand their unique cultural experiences, challenges, and perspectives.
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Black counselors may help reduce the stigma associated with mental health issues within the Black community, making individuals feel more comfortable and open to seeking therapy.
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Many people find it easier to build trust and rapport with a therapist who shares their racial or ethnic background. This connection can lead to more effective therapy.
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Black clients may feel empowered and validated when working with a Black therapist who can relate to their experiences, potentially leading to more positive therapeutic outcomes.
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Black therapists are often perceived as having greater cultural competence, which can lead to more effective therapy and a better understanding of the client's needs.
What mental health issues are most common for the Black Community?
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Depression is a common mental health issue within the Black community, often linked to experiences of racism, discrimination, and socioeconomic disparities.
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Anxiety disorders, including generalized anxiety disorder and post-traumatic stress disorder, can be prevalent due to exposure to racial discrimination and societal stressors.
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Black individuals may be more likely to experience trauma-related mental health issues, such as complex trauma, resulting from exposure to violence and discrimination.
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The stigma associated with seeking therapy can lead to additional stress and contribute to mental health challenges in the Black community.
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Issues related to cultural identity and acculturation can also be prominent, particularly among individuals who are navigating multiple cultural influences.
Take the First Step Towards Healing Today.
Your journey towards improved mental health and well-being starts here, and Liz Davis Therapy is ready to support you. Conveniently located in the vibrant Westport neighborhood of Kansas City, MO, my office is a safe space for your personal growth. I’ve designed and curated the office to be a cozy, warm, comfortable, and visually interesting space for my clients to enjoy. I wanted to make a space my clients would actually look forward to being in! And you’re welcome here too! When you’re in this office, I consider it your time and your space. Let’s do some healing work, together!
Frequently Asked Black Therapy Questions
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Therapy with a Black therapist offers a unique opportunity for cultural understanding and a safe space where your experiences, challenges, and perspectives are not only acknowledged but deeply understood.
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Seeking therapy with a Black therapist can provide a sense of empowerment, validation, and reduced stigma, fostering an environment where individuals feel comfortable addressing their mental health concerns.
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Absolutely. As a Black therapist, I bring not only professional expertise but a personal understanding of the cultural nuances and challenges faced by individuals of color. I am a first-generation Black American. My mother is from Kenya, and my father is Native American. I was born and raised as a Black woman in the Midwest. I want to provide you with my social location so that you know that I have lived experience as a POC in the Midwest and can deeply empathize with and understand the challenges that that entails, at home, at work, out in the world, with friends, and with family.
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Cultural competence is crucial in therapy. It ensures a deep understanding of your cultural background, leading to more effective therapy and a stronger connection between therapist and client.
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Therapy with me is rooted in cultural sensitivity, understanding, and a commitment to providing a safe and accepting space for all races, ethnicities, immigrant statuses, and backgrounds. It's a personalized journey toward healing with me - a therapist who genuinely cares.
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Therapy with a Black therapist can strengthen relationships by addressing unique cultural dynamics, fostering open communication, and providing tools to navigate challenges faced by couples and families of Color.
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Trust is the foundation of effective therapy. Having a Black therapist can create a stronger sense of trust and connection, facilitating a more open and honest therapeutic relationship.
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I specialize in addressing mental health issues prevalent in the Black community in the Midwest, including depression, anxiety, trauma, and stress related to stigma. My approach is tailored to the unique needs of my clients.
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I am dedicated to creating a safe and accepting environment where clients of all races, immigrant statuses, backgrounds, and ethnicities feel respected and understood. My commitment to inclusivity ensures that everyone is welcome and supported on their healing journey.
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I actively integrate cultural sensitivity by acknowledging and respecting the cultural background of each client, creating a therapeutic experience that is inclusive and understanding. I customize my approach to my client’s unique cultural identity and make sure that my therapeutic approach is in alignment with my clients’ cultural and familial values.
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Absolutely. I specialize in navigating racial trauma and discrimination, whether at work, in public spaces, with friends, or even with extended family. I work to provide a space for individuals to process these experiences and develop coping mechanisms for healing and growth.
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POC are not a monolith! I recognize the diversity within the Black community and tailor therapy to individual needs, incorporating a culturally competent approach that respects and honors various cultural backgrounds and experiences.
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I embrace intersectionality, recognizing that various aspects of identity intersect to form a complete picture of who you are as a unique individual. This approach allows for a nuanced understanding of clients' experiences, ensuring a comprehensive and holistic therapeutic journey. All aspects of you are welcome in my therapy room, and you are free to inform me of any aspects of your identity that feel important or significant to you and for our therapeutic work together.
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I provide a safe and affirming space for LGBTQ+ individuals within the Black community, addressing mental health challenges with sensitivity and understanding unique to the intersection of race and sexual orientation. I also understand and can help navigate any stigma or discrimination against you as a Queer person that may be present in family dynamics or the greater Black community that you may be a part of.
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I empower clients by focusing on building upon their unique strengths that are already present, assisting in strengthening resilience and collaborating with my clients to develop personalized and effective coping mechanisms. Through therapy, individuals learn to navigate and overcome systemic challenges, fostering personal growth and empowerment.
