35: Treat Yourself, Don’t Cheat Yourself – Charles B. Walker, LCSW

Brian sits down with Charles Walker to discuss the importance of mental health support for therapists and the impact of unresolved childhood trauma on adults.

Charles provides a unique perspective on the potential stress for male African American therapists who fall within the 4-5% demographic sought after by clients. He highlights the importance of mental health support for therapists themselves, comparing it to taking medication for other physical health issues.

Did you know that more than two-thirds of children report experiencing at least one traumatic event by age 16? Childhood trauma can have long-lasting effects on individuals’ lives, and it can manifest in various ways, including self-harm and suicidal ideation. Charles underscores the importance of providing outlets and resolving these issues in childhood to prevent negative outcomes in the future.

For parents looking to vet therapists for their children, Charles suggests asking the right questions regarding the therapist’s specialization and experience and assessing compatibility between the therapist and the child.

He also talks about how cultural attitudes towards mental health can impact individuals from seeking therapy, particularly in African American and Latino communities. While there is still a mental health stigma in certain communities, younger generations are becoming more accepting of therapy.

We hope you find this episode insightful and informative. Remember, taking care of one’s mental health is just as important as taking medication for other physical health issues.

Enjoy the conversation!

Brian’s raising money for people impacted by Childhood Trauma by running the 2023 Chicago Marathon

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Key topics discussed (Timestamps):

00:01:35 Career goals change after market crash.

00:05:53 Pandemic led to job offers and self-discovery.

00:07:59 Car wash led to starting private practice.

00:11:38 Pandemic stress led to substance abuse problems.