Class in Session: Working with Black Clients

Description: Dr. Jason Branch takes listeners on a transformative journey of self-discovery and cultural competence in counseling. Dr. Branch is interviewed by Dr. Catherine Bishop to share perspectives with her multicultural counseling class in the Clinical Mental Health Program at Alliant International University.  Speaking with passion and candor, he challenges mental health professionals to dig deep into their personal biases and confront the uncomfortable truths hidden in their metaphorical "basement" of unresolved beliefs.  Using vivid analogies of a house with its attic, living room, and basement, Dr. Branch illustrates how personal growth requires intentional exploration of one's inner landscape. 

Lifework: 

Challenge 1: The Basement Cleaning ChallengeSpend one week intentionally exploring your personal "basement" of biases. Each day, journal about one unconscious belief you've carried about a specific population. Trace its origin, challenge its validity, and develop a strategy to release or transform that belief. The goal is not perfection, but honest self-reflection and growth.


Challenge 2: The Courageous Conversation ExpeditionStep outside your comfort zone and engage in a meaningful conversation with someone from a community you've previously felt uncomfortable approaching. Your mission: Ask open-ended questions, practice active listening, and approach the interaction with genuine curiosity. The key is to learn, not to judge, and to be authentically vulnerable about your own learning process.


Challenge 3: The Junk Drawer DetoxMetaphorically empty your personal "junk drawer" of outdated beliefs and experiences. Create a ritual where you physically write down limiting beliefs, then symbolically release them. Replace each discarded belief with a commitment to personal growth, cultural humility, and openness. Remember: You're not just cleaning out old thoughts, you're making space for transformation.


Get your copy of the Gator Scales Journal on Amazonhttps://www.amazon.com/Gator-Scales-Journal-Jason-Branch/dp/B0DPXLXZWC

Gator Talk: Every Friday via Zoom at 9am PST/12pm EST  Join the conversation every Friday starting today on The 3 Parallels Podcast Post Show Q&A Session called Gator Talk.
When: Every Friday 
Where: Battlecat Studios (Zoom)
Zoom Link: https://alliant.zoom.us/j/4044362540
Meeting ID:404-436-2540
Time: 9:00am PST/ 12:00pm EST



Sponsors:This episode is brought to you by our amazing sponsors:

• J Branch & Associates: Schedule your free 15 minute consultation by going to www.drjbranch.com; call or text [phone] 

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