Serving African-American Consumers: What Every Service Provider
Needs to Know
Program Description
Service providers may have noticed in recent years that more than ever, attention is given
to issues of cultural diversity or cultural competence. Even so, there are a number of
historical as well as contemporary factors that contribute to inevitable tensions when
members from two or more cultural groups come together in a therapeutic setting. This
workshop will provide a view into contextual factors that contribute to this state of affairs,
draw on compelling narratives from clients as well as providers, and foster discussion
about the implementation of practical ways to address these tensions. As we deliver
services to African American consumers, traditional obstacles can evolve into
transformative opportunities through greater clarity and understanding. This workshop
invites broad participation from all cultural walks of life.
Learning Objectives
Upon completion of this workshop, participants should be able to:
1. Explain significant historical and contextual factors in the lives of African
Americans;
2. Describe anecdotal and empirical evidence detailing therapeutic challenges
between African-American consumers and non-African-American providers;
3. Examine narratives that challenge our traditional thinking about cross-cultural
therapeutic transactions;
4. Demonstrate strategies for better appreciating the rich diversity within African
American communities;
5. Discuss relevant, effective approaches for engaging African American consumers.
Target Audience
All health care professionals who engage African-American consumers, particularly
mental health professionals
Contact Hours
Up to 6 hours
Program Agenda
Available upon request
Faculty
Dr. Tonya D. Armstrong is the founder and CEO of The Armstrong Center for Hope
(www.armstrongcfh.com), an interdisciplinary group practice cultivating psychological
and spiritual wellness for all ages. Dr. Armstrong is a graduate of Yale University, where
she double-majored in psychology and music. From UNC-Chapel Hill, she earned
master’s and doctoral degrees in clinical psychology with a focus on child, adolescent, and
family issues, and subsequently earned a master’s degree in Theological Studies (magna
cum laude) from Duke Divinity School. She then joined the faculty at Duke Divinity
School where for five years she taught courses in pastoral care and provided leadership to
the student, pediatric, and grief and bereavement initiatives of the Duke Institute on Care at
the End of Life. Dr. Armstrong has published consistently in the areas of spirituality,
African-American mental health, end-of-life care, and grief, and focuses clinically on
interventions that optimize mental health for children, adolescents, and their families.
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