The Breakfast Club INTERVIEW: Dr. Rheeda Walker On 'Unapologetic Guide To Black Mental Health' Anniversary, Faith, Therapy + More
Jun 2, 2025
Dr. Rheeda Walker, an author and professor of psychology renowned for her insights into Black mental health, shares her journey in celebrating the fifth anniversary of her influential book. She discusses the importance of integrating faith with therapy and tackling misconceptions about mental health in the Black community. The conversation also emphasizes the importance of communication in therapy, navigating therapist-client dynamics, and building trust. With humor, Dr. Walker offers strategies for finding calm amid life's chaos.
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Book's Life-Changing Impact
- Dr. Rheeda Walker shares how her book 'The Unapologetic Guide to Black Mental Health' has impacted readers deeply over five years.
- Many readers form book clubs and gift it to family, reflecting the book's life-changing influence.
Why Black Mental Health Matters
- Black mental health requires specific focus due to unique cultural experiences and historical context.
- Writing unapologetically for Black people creates relatable language and addresses issues other groups can't fully connect with.
Use Relatable Mental Health Language
- Meet people where they are by using relatable language and addressing everyday experiences like worry and sleep problems.
- This approach eases stigma and opens meaningful conversations about mental health in the Black community.
