This course explores the clinical and cultural dimensions of chronic stress in Black women, with a focus on how the Strong Black Woman identity—while rooted in resilience—can contribute to emotional suppression, unrealistic expectations, and long-term health consequences. Drawing on insights from over eight years of clinical work, Dr. Alana Atchison examines how chronic stress often stems from the breakdown of the StrongBlackWoman identity, as well as unhealed trauma and unresolved emotional wounds. Participants will gain a deeper understanding of how racialized gender roles, internalized pressure to “perform strength,” and disconnection from spirit and community drive emotional and physical distress.
Grounded in African-centered psychology, the course offers practical, culturally responsive strategies for helping clients move from survival to wholeness. Attendees will learn how to identify and interrupt harmful coping patterns, promote assertive communication, and integrate healing practices that reconnect Black women to their identity, spirit, and sense of balance. This course is ideal for clinicians who want to deepen their cultural competence and support the liberation and well-being of Black women in therapeutic spaces.
https://frumtherapist.com/workshops/Breakingthe22/viewBreaking the Cycle:
Chronic Stress, Cultural Identity & the Strong Black Woman
Sunday, April 12, 2026, 10:00 AM EDT - 12:00 PM EDT
Presenter: Alana Atchison
Course Length: 2 Hours
This workshop Offers 2 Live Interactive Continuing Education Credits
This course explores the clinical and cultural dimensions of chronic stress in Black women, with a focus on how the Strong Black Woman identity—while rooted in resilience—can contribute to emotional suppression, unrealistic expectations, and long-term health consequences. Drawing on insights from over eight years of clinical work, Dr. Alana Atchison examines how chronic stress often stems from the breakdown of the StrongBlackWoman identity, as well as unhealed trauma and unresolved emotional wounds. Participants will gain a deeper understanding of how racialized gender roles, internalized pressure to “perform strength,” and disconnection from spirit and community drive emotional and physical distress.
Grounded in African-centered psychology, the course offers practical, culturally responsive strategies for helping clients move from survival to wholeness. Attendees will learn how to identify and interrupt harmful coping patterns, promote assertive communication, and integrate healing practices that reconnect Black women to their identity, spirit, and sense of balance. This course is ideal for clinicians who want to deepen their cultural competence and support the liberation and well-being of Black women in therapeutic spaces.
00:00 – 00:10 | Welcome & Grounding
- Brief introduction of presenter
- Review of course objectives
- Grounding reflection: “What does it mean to be strong?”
00:10 – 00:25 | Understanding Chronic Stress in Black Women
- Define chronic stress (emotional, physical, and spiritual toll
- Discuss common presentations in clinical settings
- Case vignette example
00:25 – 00:40 | The Strong Black Woman Schema
- Origins and cultural significance
- Key features: emotional suppression, caregiving, hyper-independence
- Discussion: How does this show up in your clients or yourself?
00:40 – 00:55 | Clinical Implications & Disconnection from Spirit
- How performance of strength leads to burnout and disconnection
- Explore the connection between cultural identity and health outcomes
- Guided discussion: What’s being missed in traditional care models?
00:55 – 01:10 | Healing Through a Culturally Grounded Lens
- Introduce African-centered healing principles (spirit, balance, community, harmony)
- Practical tools: boundary-setting, assertive communication, reconnecting with joy
- Activity: Review and personalize sample healing strategies
01:10 – 01:25 | Advocacy, Application & Reflection
- Role of the therapist: healer, mirror, model
- Invite participants to reflect: “What can I shift in my work or in myself?”
- Group share-out or journaling moment (optional)
01:25 – 01:30 | Q&A + Closing Remarks
- Final thoughts
- Resource link/QR code and contact info
- Thank you