Event Recap: Manifest Male Mental Health Symposium 2024
This past July, I had the honor of speaking at the MANifest Male Mental Health Symposium, a transformative two-day event held in the heart of Detroit. First and foremost, I want to extend my gratitude to my good friend Andre Charley at Affecting Change Detroit for hosting this groundbreaking event. His vision and unwavering commitment to creating safe, empowering spaces for men of color to prioritize their mental health were the driving force behind the symposium’s success. Andre’s dedication to this cause exemplifies the leadership and compassion we need to foster healing in our communities.
As a Black male therapist living in Detroit and practicing in Metro Detroit through my practice, True Thoughts, LLC, being part of this symposium was a profound experience. The MANifest event wasn’t just a platform for education and dialogue—it was a call to action for men of color to embrace their mental health journeys and to see therapy as a pathway to strength and transformation.
The Core Themes of My Presentation
During my session, I had the privilege of addressing an engaged audience eager to explore the intersection of mental health, cultural identity, and healing. My presentation was centered on three pivotal themes that resonate deeply with the work I do every day.
1. Hope Through Connection
I began my talk by highlighting a powerful quote from Elie Wiesel: “Just as despair can come to one only from other human beings, hope, too, can be given to one only by other human beings.” This sentiment is foundational to the work I do as a therapist. Healing is rarely a solitary process—it is built through connection. Whether it’s through therapy, supportive friendships, or events like MANifest, the relationships we nurture are vital to overcoming despair and finding hope.
For many men, especially Black men, the cultural narrative has often discouraged vulnerability. At MANifest, we worked to dismantle that narrative by showing that asking for help is not a sign of weakness but of courage and self-respect.
2. Understanding the Healing Process
A major part of my presentation was dedicated to explaining how trauma impacts the mind and body. Trauma often gets trapped in the nervous system and various parts of the brain, manifesting as physical and emotional symptoms. I outlined several evidence-based therapy approaches that can help release this trapped energy, including:
- EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing): A scientifically validated method for processing and resolving past trauma.
- Brainspotting: A technique that helps clients access, process, and overcome deeply rooted emotional pain.
- EFT (Emotional Freedom Techniques): Commonly known as tapping, this approach combines mindfulness and gentle physical touch to reduce stress and emotional distress.
I also introduced attendees to the innovative concept of a “mental health gym,” pioneered by Inception in Metro Detroit. This facility offers a variety of cutting-edge tools and techniques to address both emotional and physical well-being, providing a much-needed resource for holistic mental health care.
3. Recognizing the Physical Impact of Trauma
One of the most eye-opening moments of the symposium was discussing the physical ways trauma manifests in our lives. Many men in the audience were surprised to learn how their mental health challenges could be affecting their bodies. Symptoms like sleep disturbances, hypervigilance, appetite changes, and even chronic pain can all be tied to unresolved trauma.
By recognizing these signs, men can take the first steps toward healing. Therapy provides the tools to not only address these physical symptoms but also to uncover and process their root causes.
Why Representation Matters in Mental Health
One of the most impactful takeaways from MANifest was the overwhelming need for representation in mental health care. Many attendees shared their struggles in finding therapists who understood their cultural experiences and the unique challenges they face as Black men.
As a Black male therapist in Metro Detroit, I am deeply committed to providing culturally sensitive care. Through True Thoughts, LLC, my practice is dedicated to creating a space where men of color feel seen, understood, and supported. I work with clients navigating a wide range of challenges, including anxiety, depression, trauma, and major life transitions.
Representation matters because it builds trust, fosters understanding, and creates a foundation for meaningful growth. For Black men, having a therapist who shares their cultural background can make all the difference in their mental health journey.
Continuing the Mission
The conversations that started at MANifest must continue. Events like this serve as a catalyst for change, but the work doesn’t stop when the event ends. I’m committed to carrying forward the mission of MANifest, both through True Thoughts, LLC and through ongoing collaboration with leaders like Andre Charley.
Together, we can ensure that men in Detroit and Metro Detroit have access to the resources and support they need to thrive. Whether you’re dealing with stress, trauma, or life transitions, therapy can provide the tools to help you heal, grow, and live a fulfilling life.
Its Time To Heal
If you’re ready to take the first step toward prioritizing your mental health, I encourage you to contact True Thoughts, LLC or reach out to Andre Charley’s practice today. Both of our practices are dedicated to providing compassionate, culturally responsive care for men of color in Detroit and Metro Detroit. Don’t wait to start your journey—help is here, and healing is possible.
True Thoughts Counseling, LLC provides compassionate and inclusive mental health support tailored to diverse clients’ needs.
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