Black Minds Matter Psychotherapy

OUR SERVICES

Black Minds Matter Psychotherapy

ABOUT Reuben Burke

Black Minds Matter Psychotherapy

My name is Reuben Burke and I am an African American psychotherapist in Oakland and San Rafael who’s Black therapy practice focuses on Black couples therapy and marriage therapy for African Americans. In addition, I provide anxiety therapy for PTSD, and depression and anxiety for individuals from Richmond to San Francisco and across the USA.

As a caring therapist, sensitive to the unique needs of African American couples and individuals. I offer mental health treatments to help you and your partner navigate the challenges of your relationship using cognitive therapy, acceptance commitment therapy, narrative therapy, and family systems to develop a personalized treatment plan for your individual needs.

AMFT 100861

Why Choose Black Minds Matter Psychotherapy

Most experienced

The thousands of couples we counsel each year
prepare us to support the relationship that matters
most – yours.

Industry leading success

A top predictor of couples counseling success is the
skill of the therapist. Our experts help you exceed
your goals.

Specialized approach

We work from a positive, strengths-based approach
that is more effective for your relationship.

Your relationship matters

We want your relationship to succeed. We hold the hope for your relationship until you are ready to reclaim it.

OUR BLOG

Black Minds Matter Psychotherapy

Why Black Therapists are Indispensable?

More at Peace  The mental health system faces glaring race issues. It takes a black person’s first-hand experience to trust mental health specialists. There are many cases of black people being misdiagnosed and placed in hospitalized care for minor health problems.  Black therapists are slowly bringing that to an end. Black people trust black therapists more and are more comfortable sharing their psychological issues with a black therapist. Basically, people of color, especially those discriminated against in the workplace or school because of their race, feel more secure being attended by a black therapist.  They Understand a Black Man’s Struggles As a black person, your physiological struggles aren’t the same as those of the whites. If you’ve been exposed to racial discrimination, that might have taken a toll on your mental health. A white specialist may not understand the problems you face.  Black therapists have had similar problems to yours and know the challenges you face. You won’t waste minutes or hours explaining your issues when a black therapist attends you. The special attention and the I-care attitude you get from a black therapist make the black therapy session more enjoyable and pleasing.  Freedom to Be You  People of color are never 100% themselves when explaining their psychological problems to a white therapist. You already see yourself as inferior before the therapist and won’t have the confidence to vent your troubles.  When a black therapist is attending you, you see them as friends. You’re already convinced they can give you a shoulder to lean on. That relationship makes it easier for you to share your woes and attend to them adeptly. Remember that the closer and more comfortable you’re with a psychotherapy expert, the better the quality of services you’ll get and the more enjoyable the session.  Addresses Your Pains  Your mental health is essential, and only a therapist who might understand your pain from your point of view can address the issues amicably. We also have many caring and reliable white therapists that have helped thousands of people of color recover their physiological health.   However, it takes a customized approach such as the Black minds matter psychotherapy to treat a black person’s mental health issue amicably. Black-mind psychotherapy is created with the black people in mind, so everything regarding the treatment deeply connects the dots of a black person’s psychological health.  It’s only logical for a person of color to seek medical care from a qualified and talented black therapist when facing psychological issues. Understanding the black person’s psychology does not require rocket science but coming up with effective psychotherapy for people of color needs someone who understands the mental and emotional struggles the black people face. And that’s where the black minds matter psychotherapy comes in. It caters specifically to the black minds, addressing the psychological issues a black man faces in San Fransisco, CA.  End Of Article  

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Why African American Men Are More Hesitant to Therapy Than African American Women

Research focusing on mental health among African Americans is on the rise. However, very little research addresses age and gender differences in attitudes, beliefs, and how men and women cope with mental health issues. Depression is one of the most common mental health problems among African Americans of both genders. Many people hesitate to seek treatment because of the stigma associated with mental health problems. Many African Americans have suffered trauma that they might not remember or are fearful to talk about. Unresolved issues may result in anxiety, behavioral issues, physical pain, and depression. Black Community and Mental Health Mental health problems are common in Black communities. The National Institute on Minority Health and Health Disparities states that African Americans are 20 percent more likely to suffer from major depressive disorder than white people. The rate is increasing in young Blck adults between the ages of 18 and 25. However, Black Americans of all ages are less likely to seek mental health treatment than white adults. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of Minority Health states African Americans are more likely to have persistent sadness, depression, and feelings that they have to put forth more effort in whatever they do. Racist Attitudes and Effects on African American Men Black history in the United States is very different from the experience of white people. Slavery created wealth for white people and is the root of white supremacy. Anti-Black laws, policies of today, and racist attacks have a profound impact on African Americans and have long-lasting effects. These factors are the reasons African American men in Oakland, CA shouldn’t hesitate to seek Black Therapy. Black Men and Mental Health Treatment Traditional stereotypes of Black men have contributed to many Black men not seeking mental Black Therapy. Outdated concepts about how Black men must always be strong and masculine have contributed to many men not seeking mental health treatment. Continuous exposure to discrimination and systemic racism are contributing factors and have an adverse effect on millions of African American men. Many Black men have internalized behaviors to fit in with society which may cause reluctance to seek medical help. The effects can be chronic. Limited Resources Available to African American Men Several factors have contributed to mental health problems in Black communities. Attacks on African Americans, systemic racism, and the pandemic has all contributed to feelings of isolation. Many Black people don’t trust the medical community due to abuse referred to as medical testing. Deterrents from seeking mental health treatment include demanding work schedules, lack of medical insurance, or living in locations without access to transportation and medical services. The stigma associated with mental health prevents people from seeking treatment. African Americans struggling with anxiety, depression, or PTSD shouldn’t have to suffer when help is available. The mental health needs of African American individuals and couples are unique. Mental health treatments are available to help couples with relationship challenges. Black therapy treatment options in Oakland, CA may include acceptance commitment therapy, cognitive therapy, and methods to help individuals resolve issues within their families.

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What Does Integrative Brief Psychotherapy Entail?

Integrative counseling is a type of psychotherapy that incorporates parts of several different treatments. Integrative therapists believe that no single treatment technique can treat every client in every scenario. Rather, each individual must be viewed as a whole, with counseling strategies customized to their own needs and circumstances. How Does Integrative Brief Psychotherapy Work? There are over 400 different varieties of psychotherapy, each distinguished by its methodology, the people it serves, and the length and frequency with which the therapist interacts with them. Despite the fact that each of these tactics differs somewhat, research suggests that they can all provide similar results. Because a single methodology to psychotherapy doesn’t often provide the greatest advantage to the client, therapists who are trained in one therapeutic approach, like cognitive-behavioral, gestalt, or family therapy, frequently combine tools from other therapies to create a distinctive and effective form of treatment that is appropriate and effective for individual clients. Some psychotherapists simply call themselves integrative therapists rather than identifying with a single treatment approach. Integrative therapy in Oakland, CA deviates from eclectic therapeutic interventions in that it uses techniques that have been proven to treat specific ailments by scientific research, whereas eclectic therapy tends to focus more on the efficiency of an approach and is less involved with whether or not research has proven its efficiency for specific problems. Advantages of Integrative Counseling Integrative therapy’s flexibility and emphasis on the whole person is a significant benefit. Therapy may be adapted to accommodate a range of needs and issues due to the integration of diverse techniques, making it perhaps a more versatile and inclusive method of therapy than more conventional, solitary kinds of psychotherapy. An integrated approach might alter over time to accommodate life changes or incidents that may arise during treatment. It can be especially useful for people who desire to break bad behavioral patterns brought on by worries, fears, or phobias. It can be used to treat any other mental wellness problem that has a significant influence on life satisfaction, like: It’s also been reported to help youngsters with autism and learning disabilities, which can impair the four aspects of human functioning: emotional, behavioral, physiological, and cognitive systems. Integrative brief psychotherapy strategies may be used in practically any sort of therapy with kids, adolescents, and adults, whether in an individual or group context. Integrative counseling often necessitates a significant time investment on the client’s side due to the comprehensive analysis of issues and the development of goals. As a result, it may not be appropriate for people seeking a rapid, solution-oriented approach to personal growth. What to Search for in a Therapist Who Offers Integrative Care Although there are training courses for integrative therapists, any licensed, competent psychotherapist can use an integrated approach because integrative psychotherapy is more of a trend within the broader field of psychotherapy than a type of psychotherapy. The precise way of integrating methods a therapist uses will be determined by their educational background, talents, and experience. Do you want to try this form of therapy in Oakland, CA? Contact Black Minds Matter Psychotherapy today. We also deal with marriage counseling and PTSD therapy.

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CLIENT REVIEWS

Omar C.
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Ruben and I worked together at a time of a lot of loss in my life. I was having a hard time motivating myself to take small actions to move through my grief. Ruben never gave me the sense that I needed to do anything in particular to please him, and yet I found him to be completely present with everything I was going through, and also willing to honestly say what he was seeing. That presence and honesty was exactly the light I needed to be able to see more clearly the next steps that were before me. I would highly recommend him to anyone who is interested in finding a deeper sense of meaning and getting closer to their true purpose in life.We love Reuben and hope the best for him and his career!
Brian H.
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Ruben is a wonderful human who takes the time to really dig into the problem so it can be worked on and bettered
Josephina S.
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I had a great session with Reuben. As this was my first time doing a couples counseling, he did an amazing job. The first 15 minute session, he was right away able to determine the problem and how the situation can be fixed. The second session, he educated me a lot about issues in my relationship that I did not even know existed. It was so rewarding to have him give me advices and ways I am able implement to fix my relationship. If I may need more assistance to better my relationship, I will definitely go back to him and recommend him to anyone that may have issue in their relationship. Thank you so much Reuben!
Teisha D.
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My fiancé and I just started working with Mr Reuben, but so far we feel like he’s great at what he does. He is very responsive and listens to our needs, and very keen on meeting individualized goals. Really looking forward to continuing this journey.
Tiffany S.
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Great sessions. Really learning a lot. Has great listening skills and techniques to help you get through your situations.
MOMO D.
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My husband and I had our very first session with Reuben last month and I must say this was life changing. He is straightforward, caring and patient. I'm looking forward for more sessions because I'm seeing great progress and effort from my husband. Thank you🙌
Alana F.
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Just did the onboarding process so far it was great very easy and straight forward! Reuben makes sure you have a smooth easy process! Looking forward to our sessions
Mario R.
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I am a new client going through the initial setup and on-boarding process. Thus far the on-boarding process has been solid.
La S.
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My husband and I had our first session with Reuben this evening and I must say I am quite pleased thus far. He is very professional and really listens to what you’re saying. I am looking forward to next weeks session and continuing on this journey with someone who can assist us in getting back to our happy place. See you next week. Thanks so much!
Sherry C.
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During a most difficult situation, I've been pleasantly surprised with the attention to detail, care and concern placed by Reuben. Thank you
Evonne W.
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Awesome, down to earth, caring, my session was life changing actually. He lovingly helped me see what I needed to change. My partner and I after one session are already making progress! More sessions to come, thank you Doc!
pro avatar DeMarcus W.
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Mr. Reuben is very attentive, he listens and knows how to connect with you as a person. The way he breaks things down, helps you to better understand what it is that you are going through and gives a solution that will help you get on the right track to conquer your problem head-on.
Kelvin B.
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Punctual and professional. He has provided a safe space for my husband and I to express ourselves. Would definitely reccomend.
Nikai G.
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Rueben is an excellent therapist. He has made me feel comfortable in every meeting that I have had with him and I have grown more confident in some of the work that I've brought him.
Gina G.
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Straight to the point, will be working with Ruben again!
Destoni v.
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For the few weeks we got to talk to him he’s outstanding. My husband and I feel we benefited very much from his sessions. If it weren’t for so much change happening at once we would’ve been able to get him. He’s a great addition
Robert A.
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Reuben Burke's has been nothing short of amazing for my girlfriend and I. He has been such a great help in every way possible. We appreciate him. Great man. Awesome Job .
Aqueelah B.
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This was our first session. So far so good.
Joyell R.
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Very comfortable environment
Martha P.
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Professional! Generous! Caring!
Royce M.
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Reuben has been responsive to Isaiah and Joshua during the past through years of their life. The young men relate to him because he is both professional, but revelant to where they are in life. We love Reuben and hope the best for him and his career!
Omar C.
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Ruben and I worked together at a time of a lot of loss in my life. I was having a hard time motivating myself to take small actions to move through my grief. Ruben never gave me the sense that I needed to do anything in particular to please him, and yet I found him to be completely present with everything I was going through, and also willing to honestly say what he was seeing. That presence and honesty was exactly the light I needed to be able to see more clearly the next steps that were before me. I would highly recommend him to anyone who is interested in finding a deeper sense of meaning and getting closer to their true purpose in life.We love Reuben and hope the best for him and his career!
Brian H.
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Ruben is a wonderful human who takes the time to really dig into the problem so it can be worked on and bettered
Josephina S.
Read More
I had a great session with Reuben. As this was my first time doing a couples counseling, he did an amazing job. The first 15 minute session, he was right away able to determine the problem and how the situation can be fixed. The second session, he educated me a lot about issues in my relationship that I did not even know existed. It was so rewarding to have him give me advices and ways I am able implement to fix my relationship. If I may need more assistance to better my relationship, I will definitely go back to him and recommend him to anyone that may have issue in their relationship. Thank you so much Reuben!
Teisha D.
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My fiancé and I just started working with Mr Reuben, but so far we feel like he’s great at what he does. He is very responsive and listens to our needs, and very keen on meeting individualized goals. Really looking forward to continuing this journey.
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