Tamera Gittens

We specialize in “Decolonizing Therapy'' viewing Black Mental Health / African Dysphoria [African, African American, Caribbean Psychology] from an eclectic lens that centers African wisdom. We believe that most of the disorders are manifestations of Colonialism, Capitalism, and Supremacy that have become entwined within the human psyche. We think that a lot of these disorders are trauma responses from survival to these systems of oppression that have become embedded in our DNA and passed down biologically, psychologically, and normalized within our environment, communities and social learning. We have adapted and welcomed the trauma. The issue when it comes to mental health is that the United States of America’s current system of Mental Health is very much westernized, and continues to practice from a Eurocentric westernized ideology, which cuts us off from the possibility of healing in an expansive way. Our healing must include the biopsychosocial-spiritual, however our current system of “treatment” mostly puts a bandage on a huge wound, then sends us back into the world to experience more wounding, to deal with in isolation. Our African Dysphoria Centered Therapy Approach is a socially conscious treatment that includes “AfroPsychoeducation” which ensures clients/patients feel seen and heard; we adapt to fit the needs of each client/patient - leaning on various modalities as necessary. Our world view is inclusive, intersectional, and justice oriented. Our communication style is warm, engaging, and active. Our goal is to help you to more fully understand your layers of Blackness in lieu of emotions to get unstuck, forging a path to healing and a more meaningful and fulfilling life. We believe one's racial and social identity can evoke additional stressors that impact one's quality of life and that an Ancestral / Oppression focused approach to self-care will assist in your overall wellness. Client Focus Ethnicity - African American / African / Caribbean / Other Ethnic Backgrounds Ages: Children 6-10 Preteens/ Tweens 11-13 Adolescents / Teenagers 14-17 Adults 18 – 65 Elders 65+ Mental Health: Mood Disorders Thinking Disorders Impulse Control Disorders Dissociative Disorders Personality Disorders Eating Disorders Post Traumatic Stress Disorder [PTSD] induced by Racism Anxiety Disorders Issues: Black Mental Health Coping Skills Racial Identity Development Racial Trauma Ancestral Wound Work The Parent Wound Collective Healing Race Based Traumatic Stress Honoring & Healing Rage Migration Trauma Capitalism Fatigue