About

Research shows that Black people in the United States more frequently meet the criteria for Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) than any other U.S. race or ethnicity.

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However, although trauma rates are high, Black people are unlikely to seek help from mental health professionals. Annually, only 8.6% of African Americans use mental health services. Among other factors, cultural mistrust and the lack of culturally appropriate services all contribute to a lack of willingness to seek help.

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In addition, few evidence-based modalities address the types of trauma that Black people experience. So even when they take the risk and step into the therapy room, Black clients can end up feeling unseen in their experience and demoralized by the therapeutic process. Because of this, many leave treatment after one session, continue to suffer silently and remain untreated.

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This speaks to a deep necessity for a culturally sensitive therapeutic approach that can adapt to the needs of Black clients experiencing racial, intergenerational, and historical trauma.

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With this in mind, Dr. Jennifer Payne spent several years developing a culturally tailored approach to the Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) model called “Pulling Out Of the Fire” (POOF).  

 

This model is designed to specifically address African American pain and trauma.  

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For more information about Dr. Payne, visit www.drjspayne.com.

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