Meet Tori Morris: A discussion on healing from Racial Identity issues and Religious Trauma

Have you ever felt ‘too White to be Black, or too Black to be White?’ Or felt deep intense shame for making a mistake that others viewed as a sin? Let’s welcome Tori Morris to the Myers-Galloway Counseling team. Tori is a Clinical Mental Health intern who attends Catawba College. Tori loves all types of music, is an early-bird who is organized and never afraid to take on challenges as they arise. We got the chance to speak with Tori about her experiences and why she is so passionate about helping Black women achieve optimal mental health. 

Q: What inspired you to pursue a career in mental health counseling with Black women?

A: My decision to pursue a career in mental health counseling with Black women stems from a profound and unwavering passion for this cause. My interest has been fueled by the experiences of my loved ones, who have faced significant barriers when seeking mental health care. The stigma and negative attitudes surrounding mental health, coupled with the fear of not being truly understood by mental health professionals, have left them hesitant and apprehensive. Witnessing the struggles endured by the Black women in my family and friend group, who have always been pillars of strength and sources of support for others, increased my commitment to this field.

Being the person constantly in the role of being the listening ear for others has taken a toll on these remarkable women, often leading to feelings of burnout and the neglect of their own happiness. This realization ignited a deep-seated passion within me to pursue counseling as a means to create a safe and nurturing space specifically tailored for Black women. My ultimate goal is to provide them with an environment where they can feel truly understood, validated, and equipped with the tools necessary to navigate the complexities of their everyday lives.

Q: What is your experience in the mental health field?

A: I am currently pursuing a Master’s in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Catawba College. I have gained comprehensive knowledge and skills to support clients effectively. Some of my favorite classes are counseling theories, principles of addiction, and multicultural diversity in counseling. What I learned in these courses have equipped me with the necessary tools to address the diverse needs of my clients within this current community landscape. When I graduate in May 2024, my goal is to become licensed as a Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor Associate (LCMHCA) in North Carolina to be able to provide quality care to those who need it.

Prior to my current counseling role, I gained valuable experience working with children and adolescents through Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA). This experience created the foundation of my ability to understand the underlying reasons behind individuals’ behaviors and support them in reaching their goals. I am able to apply this knowledge with my work with Black women by recognizing and respecting the unique experiences, challenges, and cultural factors that may influence their mental health. This tailored yet analytical approach underlying my work helps create a curious and inclusive therapeutic environment where Black women feel understood, validated, and supported.

Q: How would you describe your counseling style/approach?

A: In my work with clients, I strive to create a warm, empathetic, and open environment. I believe that building a strong therapeutic relationship is essential for effective counseling. During client sessions, I incorporate a sense of humor when appropriate, as it can help create a comfortable and relaxed atmosphere. I also prioritize sensitivity and creativity, recognizing that each individual's journey is different and requires a unique approach.

When clients experience me as their counselor, they can expect me to be compassionate and non-judgemental. I strive to create a safe space where clients feel heard, understood, and supported. I am able to connect with clients on a deep level, validating their experiences and emotions. My diligence shows that I am committed to their goals and dedicated to providing the best possible care. In the face of challenges, I demonstrate resilience and remain steadfast in supporting clients through their journey.

Q: Why is it important to help Black women through racial identity issues and religious trauma?

A: It is really offensive to hear someone question your racial Identity. Hearing things like ”You sound white.” Or ”When I look at you, I don’t see color”. These statements are dismissive and invalidate the lived experiences and struggles that individuals of diverse racial backgrounds face. These remarks fail to acknowledge the importance of racial identity and the impact it has on a Black woman’s sense of self, cultural heritage, and experiences within society. 

I chose to focus on helping Black women with racial identity issues because I recognize the unique challenges they face in society. I am committed to empowering them to embrace who they are, challenge stereotypes, and cultivate a positive self-image. 

The intersection of our race and gender as Black women contribute to our marginalization in multiple environments which ends up negatively impacting our mental health. The most common challenges I hear, for example, take place at work. As a professional, I’ve heard Black women constantly hurt in the workplace, when they hear coworkers ask “Is that your real hair?” On the surface this comment seems innocent however, bias is still present. Microaggressions (which reflect a lack of awareness of marginalized groups) are a form of bias and prejudice which can be subtle and often unconscious. This bias can be tricky as it often goes unnoticed because they typically come in the form of a joke. As a clinician I am committed to alleviating the variety of struggles Black women face by first providing culturally competent care, educating them on the nuances related to intersectionality, and empowering them to use their own voice.

I chose to focus on supporting Black women through the negative mental health impact of religious trauma because I recognize the significant influence that religion can have on an individual's identity. For many Black women, religion plays a central role in their lives, providing a source of strength, community, and guidance. However, I also believe it is important to acknowledge that religious experiences can contribute to feelings of shame, guilt, and trauma, particularly when certain beliefs or practices clash with personal values or societal expectations. 

My clients typically grew up in a religious household where they experienced shame, guilt, isolation, or ostracization. Although it may feel normal in some family systems, symptoms of religious trauma can look very similar to other forms of trauma (for example, hypervigilance, deep shame, guilt, anxiety, depression, etc.) It can originate in an environment where your questions  surrounding a higher power were or are presently being dismissed (or even being punished for asking), someone making you feel humiliated because you engaged in sexual intercourse before marriage, or had a child out of wedlock (this list may continue).  

I’ve seen the damage of religious shaming, and I want to support Black women through that. This causes people to question why they are the way they are and causes them to question their purpose in life.  Shame is a complex emotion that makes you feel embarrassed, unworthy, or disgraceful about yourself. This also can lead you to feel inferior or less than which can negatively affect your self-esteem and relationships. I’ve seen this result in religious guilt which is the emotional and psychological distress experienced by people when they believe they have violated or fallen short of the moral standards of their religious faith.

Q: Why should Black women schedule an appointment with you?

A: My commitment to helping Black women reach self acceptance related to their racial identities and be secure in their own religious/spiritual differentiation is the reason I do what I do. Learning to establish healthy boundaries with individuals, communities, or religious practices that trigger or worsen your trauma is important. It is also crucial not to feel guilty for saying no to activities or interactions that do not align with you. Remember that healing from trauma is not a linear process, and everyone’s healing journey looks different. Therapy will teach you how to be kind to yourself, allowing yourself the time and space needed to heal and grow.

Conclusion

If you believe you have experienced religious trauma or issues surrounding your racial identity, it is crucial to acknowledge it and find environments that validate your experiences in a healthy way. While it may be difficult, recognizing and accepting these experiences is an important first step towards your healing journey. I want you to know that I see you. Therapy offers a safe space to explore your experiences, process emotions, challenge harmful beliefs, and develop coping strategies.

Educating yourself about the mental health impacts of racial identity issues and religious trauma can provide you with a broader understanding of spirituality and religion including different perspectives, beliefs, and practices. Consider seeking support from a therapist who specializes in trauma or religious/spiritual issues if you feel the need for assistance.

Tori Morris is a masters level clinical mental health intern here at Myers-Galloway Counseling. She attends Catawba College and plans to pursue licensure in the state of North Carolina after graduating in May of 2024. Tori is committed to supporting Gen-Z Black women (ages 21-26) in reaching self-acceptance related to their racial identities and to become secure in their own religious/spiritual differentiation. Click here to book a FREE 15 minute phone consultation with Tori or call us at (704) 750-1889 to speak to a member of our team.