BLACK + WOMAN
Feeling like you could only bring some parts of yourself to the therapy space and not all parts?
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Maybe you have been in a situation where you had to explain part of your Black experience and it just didn’t click with the therapist.
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Maybe you left out bits and pieces because you didn’t feel like having to go through explaining what you meant.
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Maybe you had a therapist waste time convincing you that they weren’t racist.
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Maybe you experienced a microaggression by a therapist like being told you “spoke well” or having your name mispronounced over and over again.
Whatever it’s been, it hasn’t made you feel comfortable. It hasn’t made you feel safe…and moreover it hasn’t helped your healing.
You need a therapist who:
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Can relate to your experiences as a Black woman because it is a shared experience
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Will ask questions out of curiosity but most importantly through the lens of cultural humility
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Will create space for you to bring all parts of yourself to therapy and welcome you with open arms
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Will be aware of their own implicit (and explicit) bias and be able to correct themselves when they are wrong
...and a little “okay girlll,” or “Sis, I see you” every now and then doesn’t hurt!
I empower Black women to reclaim their voice in their relationships (both personal and professional). This is done by helping them learn to increase trust in themselves and unlearn harmful patterns.
Black women often face a unique set of challenges when they don't have a voice in their relationships. These challenges can range from feeling unheard or dismissed, to feeling powerless in making important decisions, to having their opinion ignored or belittled. Additionally, Black women in relationships without a voice may find themselves in situations where they are taken advantage of or taken for granted.
My ultimate goal is to create a safe and supportive environment where Black women can express themselves freely, without judgment. To me, the therapeutic relationship is both sacred and cultural. We were designed to be in relationship!
“I define connection as the energy that exists between people when they feel seen, heard, and valued; when they can give and receive without judgment; and when they derive sustenance and strength from the relationship.”
Are you looking for a safe space to be yourself, self-discover, process racing thoughts, process trauma, develop skills to improve your quality of life, build confidence, identify stressors and/or achieve set goals? Well, you have found the right place. I am an intern at Pathway to Discovery Counseling working towards earning my Masters in Social Work. I have years of experience working in both the social work and public health field. Throughout my experiences, I have always believed in the power of empowering individuals to take action over their mental health and would love the opportunity to be part of your journey towards self-discovery and healing.
I have an embedded passion for helping others become the best version of themselves and seeing beyond systematic barriers. My holistic approach to therapy offers every individual the opportunity to learn, grow and achieve with transparency and confidentiality. In doing so, I encourage you to trust the process and take the leap towards YOUR path of discovery!
Are you struggling with your self-esteem or body image? Maybe you are feeling dissatisfied with your sex life or looking to dig deeper into your sexuality? Are you questioning your relationship with your partner and contemplating moving on? Are you troubled by the mental impact of weight management? Are you struggling with postpartum anxiety or depression? Maybe you are feeling like your body is no longer your own after having a baby. Do you identify with more than one culture and feel the societal pressure to act a certain way or change how you present yourself to the world? Are you tired of labels and letting others define you? If any of these statements resonate with you, I want to help you on your journey of self-discovery and healing.
I specialize in working with both individuals and couples struggling with racial and sexual identities, self-esteem, postpartum anxiety/depression, relationship issues, infidelity, weight management, women’s issues and more.
My approach is simple – I want you to feel like you are talking to another human-being; not a robot. Here, you are safe to come exactly as you are. I want you to feel safe, heard and understood. I am a firm believer that only you know what is best for yourself and I am here to support you with just that!
DAVENE HARRIS
Administrative Support Specialist
Davene C.R. Harris, is a multi-faceted individual who was born in Jamaica, and now resides in Canada. She has been making a tremendous impact in Christian Ministry, Education, Social Service and Administration in the Caribbean, North America and Europe for the past 15 years.
Davene is a trained teacher, certified counsellor, certified relationship coach, entrepreneur, author, speaker and conversation host. Her life is guided by the quote “Do not go where the path leads, go instead where there is no path, and leave a trail”.