Learn how A navigated the complexities of life post-divorce while living with her ex-husband and how therapy empowered her to reclaim her strength and envision a brighter future. Read about A's transformative experience in therapy, where she confronted her past, acknowledged her resilience, and began to lay the groundwork for a more hopeful and independent life. Understand the pivotal role of a culturally empathetic therapeutic approach and how speaking her native language, Turkish, deepened A's therapeutic experience, fostering trust and understanding.

This article delves into the pervasive fear associated with mental health discussions, particularly highlighting how cultural perceptions influence these fears among London's ethnic minority groups. It examines the stigma attached to mental health in various cultures, using examples from Accra, Ghana, and its reflection in public perceptions and language. The narrative then transitions to the author's personal journey and advocacy for better mental health understanding and services within the black community in the UK, emphasizing the critical role of early intervention and culturally sensitive approaches. The piece advocates for innovative collaborations, like those between barbers and therapists, to enhance mental health awareness and support within these communities.

Concerns Raised by UK vs. Internationally Trained Staff

71.0% of UK trained staff have raised race discrimination as an issue, compared with 53.1% of internationally trained staff.

75.7% of respondents didn’t raise A concern due to scepticism about change

63.5% feared being labelled as troublemakers

Only 5.4% of staff felt their concerns were taken seriously and satisfactorily addressed

In his compelling narrative, 'Maybe I Don't Belong Here', David Harewood delves into the heart of what it means to grow up Black and British, unveiling the profound impact of racism on mental health through a tapestry of personal anecdotes and societal reflections. Harewood's account, marked by his own experience of being sectioned under the Mental Health Act, shines a light on the systemic biases and racial traumas that fuel mental health crises within the Black community.

Dr Pietro Barbetta Psychotherapist, Ethno-clinician and Professor at the Dept. of Human and Social Sciences and Dr Inga-Britt Krause, Consultant Systemic Psychotherapist Social Anthropologist Lead, Professor at the Dept. of Social Anthropology, University of Oslo and Visiting Professor, Department of Human and Social Sciences.

Discover the transformative journey of Ben, a man with Mediterranean roots, through his intercultural therapy at Nafsiyat. This story highlights the importance of cross-cultural understanding and support in mental health, showcasing how Nafsiyat's multilingual counselling services cater to diverse backgrounds. Ben's experience underscores the challenges and breakthroughs in therapy, emphasising the impact of cultural factors and the role of intercultural therapy in addressing them. Read how Nafsiyat's unique approach to therapy, integrating cultural identity counselling and bilingual therapy services, fosters profound personal growth and emotional wellbeing. Join us in exploring Ben's path to self-discovery and the pivotal role of intercultural therapy in transforming lives

Islington Mind is offering a crisis cafe to support those at risk of a mental health crisis during the Christmas period. If you or a loved one is at risk, please get in touch with them by calling or emailing the details below:

Call: 0207263397

Email: crisiscafe@islingtonmind.org.uk

Christmas can be very lonely for some and no one should have to suffer at this time of year.

Nafsiyat was honoured to receive a visit from Kaya Comer-Schwartz, Leader of Islington Council and a cherished Patron of our organisation. As well as being a native of Islington, Kaya holds a special connection to Nafsiyat, as her mother, Monica Schwartz, formerly served as our Chief Executive.

Our Senior Counsellor, Sega Habtom, is featuring in next month's BACP magazine 'Therapy Today'.

In the article, Sega explores her journey from arriving in the UK from Eritrea as a refugee to now supporting refugees with both individual and group work.

'My Name Is Why' is a deeply personal and emotional book that takes the reader on a journey through the author's childhood and young adulthood. The book begins with Sissay's birth and early years before he was adopted by a white British couple and then consequently placed in the foster care system.

The cost of living crisis is disproportionally affecting minoritised communities.

I am a black mother to 2 black children, and I have worked in schools my entire career, so I have both lived and professional experience of the ways in which black and brown children can be invisible and hyper-visible within the education system. This happens both on a systemic and an individual level; lack of representation in the school system further compounds this issue. 46% of schools in the UK have no minority ethnic teachers, including in ethnically diverse locations. (UCL, London. 2020), 93% of school governors are white, while just 1% are black, a further 1% are of mixed ethnicity, and 3% are Asian. (National Governors Association).