Challenges for Minority Teens: Insights from Erica Bess

Welcome to the Mindshift Power podcast, a show for teenagers and the adults who work with them, where we have raw and honest conversations. I'm your host, Fatima Bey, the mind shifter. Today, we have a special guest, Erica Bess, a licensed therapist with over eleven years of experience as a social worker and therapist, primarily working with teens in the school setting. Erica is also the owner of Empower Therapy. In this episode, we discuss the challenges minority teens face in school systems and the importance of creating safe spaces and relatability.

Safe Spaces: What Do They Mean?

Erica emphasizes the importance of safe spaces for teens, explaining that a safe space is a place where teens can express themselves without judgment. It's about having the freedom to speak openly, whether it involves cursing, hollering, or stomping their feet, without fear of being corrected or judged. This concept of a safe space is crucial for teens to feel heard and understood.

The Issue of Relatability

One of the biggest challenges minority teens face is the lack of relatable figures in their school systems, which are often predominantly run by white authorities. Erica points out that minority teens may not feel comfortable reaching out to counselors or staff who don't share their cultural background. This lack of relatability can lead teens to seek guidance from peers or older relatives who may not always provide the best advice.

Overcoming Stereotypes

It's important to recognize that not all white authority figures are out of touch. Some may have experienced similar struggles and can be relatable if given a chance. Teens should try to engage in conversations with these individuals and give them the opportunity to show their relatability.

Advice for Adults in School Systems

For adults in school systems who want to support minority students but feel they can't relate, Erica suggests starting initiatives to bridge the gap. One successful approach she mentions is organizing groups and icebreakers to help students bond with faculty members who may be out of touch. Creating a dialogue can lead to trust and comfort, making it easier for students to seek help.

The Importance of Therapy for Teens

Therapy is essential for teens as they transition into adulthood. Addressing childhood trauma during the teenage years can prevent it from affecting their adult lives. Erica highlights that no one is free from trauma, and therapy can help teens develop coping skills and build healthier relationships.

Tackling the Stigma Around Therapy

Therapy still carries a stigma in many cultures, with people often associating it with being "crazy" or weak. To combat this stigma, it's important to normalize therapy and have honest conversations about its benefits. Finding the right therapist, who is relatable and trustworthy, can make a significant difference in the therapy experience.

Final Thoughts

For school administrators, teachers, and staff, Erica advises creating opportunities to get to know the communities they serve and finding ways to relate to students. For teens, if someone is willing to meet them halfway, they should try to meet them halfway too. Finding common ground is key to building supportive relationships.

Ready to dive deeper? Listen to the full episode of the MindShift Power Podcast with Fatima Bey The MindShifter here: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2217223/episodes/13787913