Ep. 28 - Advocating for Mental Health in Black and Brown Communities with Terrini Woods, LMHC

The Holistic Counselor

Welcome Fearfully and Wonderfully Made Humans!

In this episode of The Holistic Counselor Podcast, I’m joined by the incredible Terrini Woods, a fellow Christian integrative mental health professional from South Florida. Terrini shares her journey into the mental health field, her passion for supporting individuals, couples, and families, and her advocacy for mental health awareness in Black and Brown communities.

We discuss key topics like Christian mental health, cultural competency, and how faith and mental health intersect in practice. Together, we dive into the impact of systemic challenges on Black and Hispanic communities, explore how education systems can better support these groups, and reflect on the unique experiences of women of color in the mental health profession.

Key Takeaways:

• Faith & Mental Health: Learn how Terrini integrates her Christian beliefs with evidence-based therapies like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT).

• Cultural Competency: We talk about the importance of cultural competency in therapy, specifically when working with Black and Brown communities, and how to better serve them through systemic change and representation in education.

• Education & Advocacy: Terrini shares her personal experiences growing up, her education at Palm Beach Atlantic University, and how her work in community mental health has shaped her views on what needs to change in our systems to better support underserved communities.

• Attachment Styles in Therapy: Discover how attachment theory plays a crucial role in emotional healing and relationship dynamics, particularly in couples therapy.

• Forgiveness & Grace: We touch on the powerful practice of forgiveness and grace in both personal life and therapy, inspired by Lisa Turkhurst’s teachings.

• Mental Health & Food: Understand how nutrition and access to healthy food options impact mental health and why addressing food deserts is critical in promoting wellness in underserved communities.

Resources Mentioned:

• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

• Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) by Sue Johnson

• Attachment Styles in therapy (secure, avoidant, ambivalent, disorganized)

• Lisa Turkhurst: Forgiving What You Can’t Forget

• Internal Family Systems (IFS) by Dr. Richard Schwartz

• Therapy and Theology Podcast with Lisa Turkhurst

• Restorative Justice: A model focused on repairing harm and promoting reconciliation over punishment.

Follow Terrini Woods:

• Instagram: @terriniwoods

• Email: [e-mail]

• Counseling Spa Therapy

Connect with Diana:

• Instagram: @throughthevalleytherapy

• Website: Through the Valley Therapy

• Podcast: The Holistic Counselor Podcast

Make sure to subscribe and leave a review! If today’s episode resonated with you, I’d love to hear your thoughts. Until next time, stay balanced and fearfully and wonderfully made!