Therapeutic Approaches for Black Men’s Mental Health Continuing Education Workshop

Loading Events

« All Events

Presented By:  The Lynn J. Darby School of Psychology and Adolescent Counseling

The deadline to register is Friday, March 21st.

Directions to meeting room: The Gainesville Renaissance Building is located at 106 Spring St. SW, Gainesville, GA 30501 on the downtown Gainesville square. Enter the building through the main door on the side of the building that faces the Gainesville courthouse as well as a small courtyard (on the same end of the building as Cotto Modern Italian restaurant). Take the elevator up to the second floor.

Venue:
Gainesville Renaissance Building
106 Spring Street SW
Gainesville, GA 30501

Free Parking:
Brenau University Downtown Center Parking Garage
301 Main Street SW, Gainesville, GA 30501
(The parking garage is located directly behind the Gainesville Renaissance)

Workshop Description:
This workshop explores mental health for Black men from historical influences to modern therapeutic strategies. Participants will explore the social, cultural, and political factors that impact mental health for Black men. In addition, this workshop will explore effective approaches for mental health professionals to support this population in treatment. The program is designed to provide therapists with a general overview and tools for culturally competent care.

Workshop CE Approval:

Peak Development Group has been approved by NBCC as an Approved Continuing Education Provider, ACEP No. 7193. Programs that do not qualify for NBCC credit are clearly identified. Peak Development Group is solely responsible for all aspects of the programs.

Peak Development Group Logo

3 CORE hours of continuing education have been approved by The Georgia Society for Clinical Social Work (GSCSW CEU Approval #021225).

The Georgia Psychological Association has granted this program with GPA-Approval. GPA-Approval allows for psychologists to apply this program to Georgia licensure CE requirements under Area IV. Please check with other states on eligibility for credit. 3 hours of CORE credit for psychologists is awarded for this CE program. (GPA CE Reference # 25.03.28) Level of Workshop: Basic to Intermediate. Prerequisites: None.

Workshop Schedule:
8:30-9:00 AM: Check-In/Login
9:00-10:30 AM: Training (1.5 hours) – Historical and Systemic Influences on the Mental Health of Black Men
10:30-10:45 AM: Break
10:45 AM-12:15 PM: Training (1.5 hours) – Reviewing Barriers to Mental Health Services and Engagement Strategies for Black Men.

Workshop Objectives:
Objective 1: Participants will examine the influence of historical and systemic factors on the mental health of Black men.
Objective 2: Participants will be able to explain the unique therapeutic needs of Black men.
Objective 3: Participants will apply effective engagement techniques to foster therapeutic relationships with Black men.

Registration Fees:

  • All Current Brenau Graduate Students — $20
  • Brenau MS Clinical Counseling Program Alum — $60
  • Graduate Students from other Universities — $60
  • Brenau Faculty and Adjuncts — $60
  • Community Professionals — $90
  • Other — $90

** You will receive a confirmation email with the in-person workshop session(s) location and payment total. Contact Dr. Marshall Bruner at mbruner@brenau.edu if you do not receive this confirmation.

Cancellation Policy:
A 30% cancellation fee will be charged for any cancellations prior to March 21, 2025. No refunds will be given after March 21, 2025.

Paid reservations may not be transferred to other individuals.

Important Messages for Lynn J. Darby School of Psychology and Adolescent Counseling Graduate Students ONLY: You will receive three Professional Development activity credits by attending. You are encouraged to sign up early to reserve your spot for this professional development event. HOWEVER, if you decide at any time that you cannot attend this event, you MUST cancel your reservation. Otherwise, you will not be invited to the next two professional development events hosted by Brenau, and you will not receive Professional Development credits even if you do attend those events.

Workshop Presenters:

Arcella Daniels

Arcella Daniels, Ph.D.
Dr. Daniels received her B.A. in Psychology from Spelman College, her M.S. degree in Professional Counseling from Georgia State University, and her Ph.D. in Psychology with an emphasis in School Psychology from The University of Southern Mississippi. Dr. Daniels is a licensed psychologist, licensed professional counselor, certified school psychologist, approved clinical supervisor, consultant, and master teacher. She is an expert in behavior modification, learning, research, supervision, and training. With 30 years of experience, Dr. Daniels has worked with clients in mental health facilities (inpatient and outpatient clinics, university counseling center, community health organizations), businesses, schools, and private practice. Dr. Daniels has provided training and presentations for local and national conferences. Dr. Daniels’ current mission is to train the next generation of master therapists. Via her company, Peak Development Group, Inc., she has had the pleasure of training therapists in the United States and internationally through live and online continuing education courses. Additionally, Dr. Daniels has worked as an assistant and associate professor and contributing faculty member at several colleges and universities.

Eric Rodgers

Eric Rodgers, M.A.
Eric Rodgers is a licensed professional counselor and the founder of Just for Men Behavioral Health, a
practice recognized for its significant engagement with African American men, reflecting Eric’s
commitment to addressing the unique mental health needs of this demographic. He is also the Chief
Operating Officer for the Licensed Professional Counselor Association of Georgia (LPCA). Eric holds a MA in Clinical Mental Health Counseling, a Graduate Diploma in Coaching Psychology, a BS in Psychology, an AS in Coaching Psychology, and an AAS in Paralegal Studies. His broad experience spans roles in medical and psychiatric hospitals, residential treatment centers, corporate crisis intervention, and private practice. His leadership was instrumental while serving as clinical director for multiple facilities across Georgia, enhancing the quality of mental health services. Beyond his clinical roles, Eric serves on the NMHWAC Georgia DEIE Sub-Committee, a partnership with the National Council for Mental Health and Resilient GA, focusing on increasing diversity among practitioners in the field of mental health. This role underscores his leadership in advocating for a diverse mental health workforce and his dedication to improving mental health services at a systemic level.

Conflict of Interest Statement:
Other than receiving a small stipend for this presentation, neither presenter is receiving any financial support related to this presentation. In addition, neither presenter has any conflicts of interest related to the presentation.

Diversity Statement:
In this workshop discussion about cultural diversity will be highlighted in the form of being aware of personal biases and values, while being sensitive to ethnicity, religion, gender, and socioeconomic status of individuals in therapy for trauma-related issues. When working with clients on trauma-related issues, clinicians need to be cognizant of their behaviors and language to explain and demonstrate acceptance of the diversity of those involved. Clinicians may need to refresh their knowledge about a specific culture or religion to ensure receptiveness to the powerful influence in the relationship. A family’s cultural background often influences their views, and this may need to be considered and discussed in therapy to maximize the effectiveness of the therapeutic intervention.

References:

  1. Ross, W. (2016). Counseling African American males: effective therapeutic interventions and approaches. Information Age Publishing, Inc. http://site.ebrary.com/id/11282591
  2. Johnson, A., Amonoo, L., Lofton, S., & Powell-Roach, K. L. (n.d.). How Masculinity Impedes African American Men From Seeking Mental Health Treatment. American Journal of Men’s Health, 18(5). https://doi.org/10.1177/15579883241278846
  3. Ugwuede, A. A. (2023). Post traumatic stress disorder in African American men exposed to violent trauma. Archives of Psychiatric Nursing, 47, 44–46. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.apnu.2023.10.005
  4. DuBose-Smith, H. (2021). Ethnic Identity Salience, Socioeconomic Status, and Attitudes toward Seeking Mental Health Treatment as Predictors of Receptivity to Community-Based Psychoeducation among African American Men. Andrews University. https://www.proquest.com/docview/2466018475
  5. Hudson, D. L., Eaton, J., Banks, A., Sewell, W., & Neighbors, H. (2018). “Down in the Sewers”: Perceptions of Depression and Depression Care Among African American Men. American Journal of Men’s Health, 12(1), 126–137. https://doi.org/10.1177/1557988316654864
  6. Clark, R., Anderson, N. B., Clark, V. R., & Williams, D. R. (2020). Racism as a stressor for African Americans: A biopsychosocial model. American Psychologist, 54(10), 805-816. https://doi.org/10.1037/0003-066X.54.10.805
  7. Ward, E. C., & Besson, D. D. (2016). African American men’s beliefs about mental illness, perceptions of stigma, and help-seeking barriers. The Counseling Psychologist, 44(2), 246-273. https://doi.org/10.1177/0011000015621108

Brenau University is approved by the Georgia Psychological Association to sponsor this continuing education program for psychologists. Brenau University maintains responsibility for this program and its content.

Venue

Gainesville Renaissance Building exterior
106 Spring Street SW
Gainesville, GA 30501 United States