Strategies to Increase Provider Effectiveness with
African American Clients
Program Description
Human service professionals work with clients who come from different ethnic, racial,
and cultural backgrounds. This program focuses on African American clients and
families engaged in services from a provider perspective. Informed providers understand
that historical and contemporary dynamics influence successful outcomes. They learn to
recognize and leverage intra and trans-cultural identity. With practice, these providers
gain confidence initiating and addressing difficult conversations; they maximize
information with action to anticipate challenges and maximize rewards within a clinical
context. Participants will have an opportunity to explore their backgrounds and
experience and how this understanding may challenge or assist their working
relationships with African American clients. Discussion will include strategies to
develop and sustain rapport within the therapeutic relationship.
Learning Objectives
Upon completion of this workshop, participants should be able to:
1. Identify ways that personal values and belief systems inform professional
practice.
2. Practice identification of biases and therapeutic challenges that limit effective
practice.
3. Develop a framework inclusive of family resiliency and family strengths.
4. Examine strategies for increasing alliances across difference.
Target Audience
This workshop offers useful information for all human service practitioners and
professionals who work with African American clients and families. This includes
psychologists, social workers, counselors, substance abuse professionals, nurses, case
managers, marriage and family therapists, school counselors, social service personnel,
clergy, child and youth clinicians, and all interested others.
Credit Hours
Up to 6.0 hours
Program Agenda
8:30 am
REGISTRATION
9:00 am
What Do You Bring to the Table?
10:30 am
BREAK
10:45 am
What Strengths Does Your Client Bring?
12:00 pm
LUNCH (on your own)
1:30 pm
Challenges African Americans Face When Seeking Services
2:45 pm
BREAK
3:00 pm
Developing Strategies for Increasing Effective Practice
4:00 pm
ADJOURNMENT
Faculty
Carmen Crosby, PhD, MSW, LMSW is an experienced research analyst, clinical
therapist and program consultant. She maintains dual i.e., micro and macro licensure. She
received her PhD from the University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill where she focused
on the development, application and evaluation of prevention research. Carmen received
her MSW in Interpersonal Practice with Children, Youth, Families and Society from the
University of Michigan, Ann Arbor. Dr. Crosby frequently presents on practitioner
considerations (e.g., ethics, cross-cultural competency) and translation research. Her
workshops connect the current trends in practice-based evidence and evidence-based
research through application, training and consultation. As a presenter, Carmen is both
practical and engaging. She is uses energy, plain talk, and even humor to engage
participants in difficult topics.