Black Families and Body Image: The Need for a Holistic Understanding When Treating Individuals – Charlece Bishop
Extensive studies focus on body image and the consequences for mental health. Unfortunately, a scarcity of research examined body image within the context of Black families’ experiences. Issues surrounding body images among Black people must be understood within the broader historical, social, cultural, and familial experiences in which they exist. Too often, therapists focus on treating Black people who struggle with body image without this thorough understanding of the unique experiences of Black families. For example, how do particular Black families think about body image and how is this passed from one generation to the next? Moreover, how have oppressive structures shaped ideas about the Black body? Centuries of enslavement fractured Black family life through forced separation and other violent means. Through forced separation and the use of physical features (height, weight, body size, skin complexion, etc.) this determined one’s value. Slavery would create a structure that deemed the Black body as property to be owned, controlled, and devalued. This presentation centers the history of and role of the Black family as an integral part in understanding how one might begin to approach treating body image issues among Black clients.
TRAINING information
Extensive studies focus on body image and the consequences for mental health. Unfortunately, a scarcity of research examined body image within the context of Black families’ experiences. Issues surrounding body images among Black people must be understood within the broader historical, social, cultural, and familial experiences in which they exist. Too often, therapists focus on treating Black people who struggle with body image without this thorough understanding of the unique experiences of Black families. For example, how do particular Black families think about body image and how is this passed from one generation to the next? Moreover, how have oppressive structures shaped ideas about the Black body? Centuries of enslavement fractured Black family life through forced separation and other violent means. Through forced separation and the use of physical features (height, weight, body size, skin complexion, etc.) this determined one’s value. Slavery would create a structure that deemed the Black body as property to be owned, controlled, and devalued. This presentation centers the history of and role of the Black family as an integral part in understanding how one might begin to approach treating body image issues among Black clients.
Learning Objectives
- Participants will understand historical and cultural roles of the Black family when offering therapy to Black clients faced with body image issues
- Participants will understand social media’s role on body image within Black families
- Participants will learn about psychoeducational tools and techniques as these relate to conducting therapy with Black families
About Charlece
Charlece “
Charlie provides a safe space for you to be vulnerable while learning skills to create change. She believes that change comes in the form of desire and dedication met with thoughts and emotions. Charlie’s clients often enter therapy for the first time confused, and unsure how to handle life. Charlie teaches how to manage and cope with chaos, process childhood memories, and work through uncomfortable emotions.
Education and Memberships:
- University of Alabama – Masters of Human Development and Family Studies
- University of South Alabama – Bachelors of Science (Psychology)
- Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Incorporated – Member
- American Association of Marriage and Family Therapy – Member
- Alabama Marriage and Family Therapy Network – Member
Couples and Intimate Relationships Network – Member - International Association of Eating Disorder Professionals – Member
- African-American Eating Disorders Professional Committee
CPD/CE
NBCC Hours: 1.5
