Mental Health Matters: Blog Series Highlighting Black Therapists

Brian Rogers, MMFT, BTH, BSBA, joined AGAPE in October 2016 after earning his

master’s degree in Marriage and Family Therapy from Lipscomb University. He is currently pursuing his license in Tennessee as a Marital and Family Therapist. Brian enjoys working with individuals, families, blended families, pre-marital and married couples. He has experience working with a wide range of of mental health and relational issues, as well as long-term drug and alcohol recovery and Intensive Outpatient Recovery. Brian has been certified as a Prepare/Enrich facilitator, and has training in Rule 31 family and civil mediation.

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

Brian Rogers: My journey begins with a quest to understand my own feelings regarding life calling, a recent divorce at the time and my religious faith. Not sure of what direction to go, I began by enrolling at American Baptist College in Nashville, TN. Pastoral Counseling courses were an essential part of their Theological Degree Programing and I found myself drawn to them. These courses prompted further exploration and education at Lipscomb University where I completed a Masters in Marriage and Family Therapy. I currently practice with AGAPE of Nashville as a Counseling Associate.

2. Why does mental health matter to you?

BR: Like many of those who I grew up around, culturally I once believed that going to see a therapist was nonsense. “You must be crazy if you needed to see someone regarding your mental health”. “How can someone who doesn’t know me tell me about what’s going on in my head?” Fortunately, I grew past this stigma and experienced the benefits of therapy on a personal level. Because of that experience I try to educate and encourage those who are hesitant to explore their mental health and to seek out resources that will aid them in developing healthy mental health practices.

3. What are some areas that you specialize in?

BR: I currently specialize in Marriage and Family/ Relationship Counseling, however my practice has allowed me to work with individuals who have struggled with addiction, anxiety, depression, body image issues, adjustment disorders, trauma, etc. As of late, I have had the privilege to work more with those in the LBGTQ community.

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

BR: For me, counseling helped in developing a greater ability to change unhealthy behaviors and habits along with being better enabled to express and manage emotions. One of the challenges was getting out of my own way at times and trusting in the therapeutic process.

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

BR: The type of licensing is needed/desired for the type of therapist you’re researching.

1.  To look for experience; if you are seeing a therapist for a particular issue, look for therapists who have experience in that area.

2. Ask questions. It is ok to interview the therapist with that clinician being open and willing to answer your questions regarding his/her practice. 

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

BR: Even if we are limited by social distancing or shelter in place orders there is still room and opportunity to maintain a life balance. Exercising, Zoom Calls with love ones, safely connecting with your neighbors, etc. all help to keep the individual from isolation and still maintain community. Also, while things may be considered difficult in this time space, this is not the first pandemic nor is it the first time that there has been a degree of social unrest. Just as before, this too shall pass.

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

BR:  I can be reached at AGAPE of Nashville, 4555 Trousdale Drive, Nashville, TN. 37204, 615-781-3000. brogers@agapenashville.org: