ABSTRACT
Addressing the social problems associated with trauma and mental health amongst African Americans in urban environments, this book uses an African-centered lens to critique the most common practice models and interventions currently employed by social workers in the field.
Divided into four parts and grounded in traditional African cultural values, it argues that basic key values in a new clinical model for mental health diagnosis are:
- A spiritual component
- Collective/group approach
- Focus on wholeness
- Oneness with Nature
- Emphasis on truth, justice, balance, harmony, reciprocity, righteousness, and order
Being free from racism, sexism, classism, and other forms of oppression, this African-centered approach is crucial for working with people of African origin who experience daily "trauma" through adverse living conditions.
This book will be key reading on any practice and direct service course at both BSW and MSW level and will be a useful supplement on clinical courses as well as those aimed at working with diverse populations and those living in urban environments.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
part 1|9 pages
Introduction
part 2|55 pages
Conceptualizing urban practice and mental health
chapter 2|13 pages
Living while Black
chapter 3|14 pages
Sacred spaces
part 3|71 pages
Trauma and the legacy of the Black experience
chapter 6|14 pages
Encapsulating our truths
chapter 8|14 pages
Sexual assault interventions
chapter 9|15 pages
The fingerprint of trauma on Black youth
chapter 10|14 pages
Cocoa butter
part 4|78 pages
In the trenches