UCLA Center for the Study of Women

Research from the last two decades indicates that African-American women have faced extreme mental health challenges in overcoming experiences of isolation, depression and somatization. Unfortunately, the sources of these stressors are largely attributed to racial and gender discrimination and societal expectations and norms associated with African-American women. Additionally, minimal research has been conducted to determine the most effective counseling approaches to aid this population. A current literature review of published research from practitioners and researchers in the field, along with feminist scholars supports this claim. The exploration of the “multiple jeopardies/multiple consciousness” and “Black superwoman” phenomena, as well as other concerns that largely impact the lives of African-American women proposes that culturally specific and relevant counseling strategies must be implemented to appropriately serve and help empower clients struggling with these concerns. The infusion of the “Sista” Intervention, Herstory, Empowerment, Rapport and Spirituality (H.E.R.S.) model, and group therapy supplemented by bibliotherapy and rooted in a womanist versus feminist approach is offered. The collaboration of these approaches aim to provide an eclectic and culturally respectful intervention strategy to employ in both individual and support group counseling for African-American women experiencing such distress. A case study and dialogue have also been proposed as a demonstration of how this model can ultimately lead “sistas” blinded by the frustrations of daily living to “SEE”—Sistas Embracing Empowerment.