Therapy for People of Color

Therapy for Women and Men of Color Across NY & NJ

Because life is already challenging enough.

Trauma and abuse, my main specialties, affect all people in similar ways. However, to heal properly, people of color need clinicians who understand how trauma and abuse can affect them differently.

Healing and building community look different, as well. It’s hard enough to be open and vulnerable with a person, but dealing with a clinician who doesn’t understand the complexity of the POC world adds an extra layer of challenge.

When you’re in the middle of your session, you don’t want to have to stop to explain how discrimination works, the importance of family, the connection of spirituality and life, community politics, colorism within the community, or a host of other issues.

You want to focus on YOU. And that’s as it should be.

I understand all these things – and I understand there are things that I won’t understand – but I’m aware that they exist.

And that’s crucial. And I’ll make sure to ask when I need to know more. And I want you to tell me when I’m missing something. .

I know how essential it is to grasp all this so you can heal from a traumatic experience – both in the grieving of the event itself and in the growth of healing from it.

I don’t live in an “all or nothing” world.

I’ve noticed a general negative outlook on religion, culture, and community within the therapeutic community – IF your religion/culture/community isn’t the typical white experience.

And, those professionals aren’t entirely wrong. Any of these areas can harbor a lot of potential damage; however, they can also offer a lot of empowerment, strength, and support when they’re healthy.

I see these areas as tools – they become what I put in them and take from them.

With that, I work with you to make sure you benefit from these tools or change them when needed.

I work with you – in your wholeness.

Let me help you on your journey.

Reach out today at (929) 251-5127 – let’s talk about how we can work together and how I can lighten your load along the way.

Make your healing journey with someone who sees from your unique perspective and can help you create the life of your dreams.

What does “therapy for people of color” mean?

“Therapy for people of color” is an essential distinction from other types of therapeutic approaches because it acknowledges the unique cultural, social, and systemic challenges that individuals from marginalized communities often face. This type of therapy goes beyond standard therapy sessions by integrating an understanding of racial trauma, discrimination, and the complexities of navigating identity in a world where many people of color encounter bias and inequity on a regular basis. It’s about creating a safe, supportive space where these experiences are recognized and validated. At Ayah Issa Therapy, PC, we believe that culturally sensitive care is vital to effective healing, which is why we focus on working with people of color and marginalized communities.

Intersectionality and its impact on your mental health

If you haven’t heard of this before, intersectionality refers to the way aspects of your identity—such as race, gender, sexuality, religion, and socioeconomic status—intersect and influence your experiences, particularly when it comes to discrimination or privilege. These overlapping identities can profoundly affect the state of your mental health, as you face unique challenges and stressors due to the complexity of your lived experiences. We understand the importance of addressing intersectionality in mental health care and in our therapeutic sessions together. We are committed to providing inclusive, empathetic support that considers the full scope of your identity, helping you navigate the ways in which these intersecting factors impact your well-being. Our practice specializes in trauma, anxiety, and spiritual abuse, offering culturally sensitive care that empowers you to heal and grow in a safe, validating environment.