Mental Health Matters: Blog Series Highlighting Black Therapists

This blog Series will Focus on Black Therapist in the Field of Mental Health.

Cierra Batiste is a Licensed Professional Counselor with more than 7 years experience. She's been successfully working with clients throughout DFW (Dallas/Fort Worth area). If you are feeling overwhelmed by life’s demands, her services aim to introduce clarity and self-motivation. She also teaches techniques to better manage the emotional stress of everyday life. Cierra's goal is to help those who have impeded healthy living.

1. What led you to pursue a career in the mental health field?

Cierra Batiste: I always felt my issues, problems, or concerns were minimal compared to individuals I encounter daily. I felt if I am able to cope indefinitely and utilize appropriate tactics that works for me based on my understanding…why not help others.

2. Why does mental health matter to you?

CB: Mental health matters to me due to the clear indicators in my environment that reflect suicide, depression, and anxiety. I want to restore faith in individuals mental health and assist with growth in restoring areas that have been impeded.

3. What are some areas that you specialize in?

CB: I currently specialize in depression, foster care issues/concerns, anxiety, mood disorder, and recent certification as a state clinical trauma therapist. 

4. In your experience, what are some of the benefits of counseling? What are some of the challenges?

CB: Some of the benefits of counseling reflect restored faith in self and others for individuals. Counseling brings on a positive beneficence from the provider and aids clients in seeing positive structure to their lives. Some of the challenges arising in counseling is individuals defense mechanisms. People have learned and taught themselves to build protective factors that are incorporated into their truth, however, it ploys as a negative output in personality and action. This has been the most challenging in getting others to tap into the magnitude of their potential.

5. What are some good things to know when looking for a therapist?

CB: Some “good” things to identify when seeking a therapist is the level of expertise and knowledge along with experience. It is normal for clients to seek individuals that look like them but one must be informed and do research on who they are being vulnerable with. 

6. Any recommendations on ways to protect your mental health during this difficult time we are in?

CB: During this unprecedented time, it is very important to maintain direct positive relationships and interactions. Protecting the mental health is generally a daily task. Being that every media outlet is vocal in addressing the injustice that is happening, it is important to tap into positive outlets. As a clinician, I would recommend daily processing of events, feelings, and ideas. I also would encourage individuals to incorporate more self-care, (i.e. bike riding, exercise, leisure activities, etc. 

7. How can someone reach out to you about making an appointment for a session?

CB: I can be found at www.ahealthymindllc.com

or contacted via phone at 214-534-8479