High-achieving women of color often present as successful, competent, and resilient, yet many struggle with underlying trauma, perfectionism, and the weight of societal and cultural expectations. Traditional therapy models may overlook the nuances of their experiences, leading to misattunement and ineffective interventions.
This workshop will provide clinicians with trauma-informed, culturally responsive strategies to better support high-functioning women of color in therapy. Participants will explore the intersection of identity, success, and mental health, learning how to create spaces where these clients feel truly seen, valued, and supported in their healing journey.
Learning Objectives:
By the end of this workshop, participants will be able to:
Identify the unique psychological stressors faced by high-achieving women of color, including cultural expectations, racialized trauma, and perfectionism.
Analyze the impact of perfectionism and high-functioning distress through a trauma-informed lens.
Apply culturally responsive interventions that integrate Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), self-compassion practices, and insight-oriented approaches.
Develop therapeutic strategies to help clients unlearn survival-based coping mechanisms and embrace radical openness, rest, and self-acceptance.
Explore clinician biases and countertransference when working with high-achieving clients of color, ensuring ethical and culturally competent care.