Healing Through Creativity - Music, Writing, and Somatic Approaches for BIPOC Support
Presenters
Danielle L. McDowell, M.S., LPC, Virginia Board of Counseling Approved Supervisor
Danielle L. McDowell, M.S., LPC, is the owner and lead therapist of LIT Therapy, LLC, where she passionately empowers individuals, couples, and families to heal and grow. With over a decade of experience, Danielle specializes in helping clients navigate challenges such as stress, trauma, and relationship dynamics. She is a Virginia Board of Counseling Approved Supervisor, providing guidance to emerging therapists, and is dedicated to community education.
Private Practice: LITTherapy
We offer virtual outpatient psychotherapy to individuals and couples in Virginia and Florida. Danielle offers clinical supervision to interns and Residents in Counseling.
Coaching Company: Reclaiming My Wellness
We offer coaching, community trainings, couples and women’s retreats, wellness products, and services.
Ever wondered what happens when we move as one (or not)? Meet me at TEDxMintStreet on Feb 22, where we’ll explore the power of Collective Will and why it’s necessary for real change. #TEDxMintStreet
Dr. La’Toya Nicole Edwards, LCSW, BCD, ACS, RYT-500
Dr. La'Toya Nicole Edwards, LCSW, BCD is a licensed psychotherapist, professor, and owner of Thriving Well Holistic Wellness Solutions, a holistic mental health practice that serves individuals and communities of color. With over a decade of experience, she brings an Afrocentric and indigenous-centered perspective to her work, combining traditional talk therapy with somatic and creative modalities to foster deep emotional release and empowerment. Known as "The Afrocentric Therapist" and "The Adulting Therapist," Dr. Edwards integrates music, writing, and culturally relevant somatic techniques to support BIPOC clients in managing stress, healing trauma, and reclaiming their authentic voices. As a reiki master, shaman, and experienced practitioner of Internal Family Systems, Somatic Experiencing, Brainspotting, and EMDR, she is committed to helping others reconnect with their inner strength and heritage. Through Thriving Well Holistic Wellness Solutions, she leads a dedicated team in providing culturally responsive, trauma-informed care, working to uplift marginalized communities through accessible and meaningful mental health support.
Group Mental Health Practice: www.thrivewellservices.com
Coaching, Speaking, and Consulting: www.latoyaedwardslcsw.com
Session Details
Session Synopsis
Explore the use of creative interventions in therapy to support individuals, couples, and families, with a focus on BIPOC communities. This session highlights how music, writing, and somatic approaches can be integrated into therapeutic practices to enhance stress management and emotional well-being.
Canva Slides
Feel free to follow along with the slides on your device by clicking the link below. Click here
Session Abstract
In today’s fast-paced world, stress has become a prevalent issue affecting individuals, couples, and families. Traditional talk therapy, while effective, can be significantly enhanced by integrating creative interventions such as music, writing, and somatic approaches. This workshop aims to equip counselors with innovative tools and techniques to address stress management through these creative modalities, with a focus on supporting BIPOC communities.
Music: Participants will learn how to incorporate music into their practice, including the use of specific types of music to evoke emotional responses, facilitate relaxation, and promote mental clarity. Techniques such as guided imagery with music and creating personalized playlists for clients will be discussed. Special emphasis will be placed on culturally relevant music that resonates with BIPOC clients.
Writing: The session will delve into therapeutic writing practices. Attendees will explore how expressive writing, journaling, and structured therapeutic writing exercises can help clients process emotions, reduce stress, and gain insights into their personal experiences. Practical exercises will be provided to demonstrate these techniques. The workshop will include discussions on how to adapt writing interventions to be culturally sensitive and relevant to BIPOC clients.
Somatic Approaches: The workshop will cover somatic approaches to therapy, emphasizing the connection between the mind and body. Techniques such as mindfulness, breathwork, and body awareness exercises will be introduced. These methods help clients become more attuned to their bodily sensations and reduce stress through physical relaxation and emotional regulation. The session will address the unique stressors faced by BIPOC communities and how somatic approaches can be tailored to meet their needs.
By the end of the session, participants will have a comprehensive understanding of how to integrate these creative interventions into their therapeutic practice. They will leave with practical skills and resources to enhance their work with clients dealing with stress and related issues. Special focus will be given to understanding and addressing the specific needs and experiences of BIPOC communities, ensuring that these creative interventions are applied in a culturally sensitive and effective manner.
Session Learning Objectives
Identify the benefits of integrating music into stress management practices, with a focus on culturally relevant music for BIPOC clients.
Understand the role of therapeutic writing in emotional processing and stress reduction, and how to adapt these techniques to be culturally sensitive for BIPOC clients.
Apply somatic approaches to help clients connect with their bodily sensations and manage stress, tailored to the unique experiences of BIPOC communities.
Develop practical skills in using creative interventions to support individuals, couples, and families in therapy, with a focus on the needs of BIPOC clients.
Gain resources and techniques to enhance traditional talk therapy with creative modalities, ensuring cultural relevance and sensitivity for BIPOC communities.
Interactive Techniques
The workshop will be highly interactive, involving hands-on activities and group discussions. Participants will engage in exercises such as creating personalized music playlists, writing therapy exercises, and practicing somatic techniques. These interactive components are designed to provide immediate, practical experience in applying creative interventions within a therapeutic context, ensuring that attendees leave with actionable skills and a deeper understanding of how to support BIPOC clients effectively.
Published Resources
Peer Reviewed Articles
Somatic Approaches and Trauma
Levine, P. A. (2010). Somatic experiencing in therapy: A mind-body approach to healing trauma and stress. Psychotherapy Networker, 34(4), 34-43.
Culturally Sensitive Music Interventions
Chang, K., & Lee, S. (2018). Culturally tailored music interventions in mental health treatment for BIPOC clients. Journal of Multicultural Counseling and Development, 46(2), 97-109. https://doi.org/10.1002/jmcd.12101
Creative Arts Therapies for Diverse Populations
Johnson, D. R., & Sanderson, S. (2014). Integrating creative arts therapies to support emotional well-being in BIPOC communities. Journal of Counseling Psychology, 61(4), 490-503. https://doi.org/10.1037/cou0000048
Mindfulness and Somatic Practices
Smith, B. W., & Ortiz, J. A. (2019). Mindfulness-based somatic practices: Reducing stress and trauma in minority populations. Mindfulness, 10(8), 1472-1485. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12671-019-01118-w
Culturally Responsive Therapy Approaches
Sue, D. W., & Torino, G. C. (2017). Culturally responsive therapeutic practices: A framework for BIPOC mental health. The Counseling Psychologist, 45(4), 528-546. https://doi.org/10.1177/0011000017718755
The Efficacy of Integrative Therapies
Lake, J., & Spiegel, D. (2017). The efficacy of integrative therapies: Combining talk therapy with creative modalities. Journal of Integrative and Complementary Medicine, 23(5), 283-290. https://doi.org/10.1089/acm.2016.0283
Writing for Emotional and Physical Health
Baikie, K. A., & Wilhelm, K. (2005). Writing for emotional health: The impact of structured writing interventions on physical and psychological well-being. Health Psychology Review, 1(3), 185-207. https://doi.org/10.1080/17437190500330453
Creative Interventions and Trauma-Informed Care
Wilson, J. P., & Thomas, R. L. (2004). Creative interventions in trauma-informed care: Applications for BIPOC clients. Traumatology, 10(3), 153-165. https://doi.org/10.1177/153476560401000301
Music Therapy and Mental Health
Ghetti, C. M., & Wigram, T. (2012). The role of music therapy in addressing trauma and emotional well-being in clinical populations. Journal of Music Therapy, 49(3), 240-257. https://doi.org/10.1093/jmt/49.3.240
Expressive Writing in Therapy
Pennebaker, J. W., & Smyth, J. M. (2016). Expressive writing as a therapeutic tool: Enhancing emotional recovery and resilience. American Journal of Psychotherapy, 70(2), 175-186. https://doi.org/10.1176/appi.psychotherapy.70.2.175