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Psychotherapist, Speaking at Courts’ Black History Event, Explains the Benefits of Therapy

February 27, 2022 Brooklyn Eagle Staff
Justice Genine D. Edwards and Dr. Shane Mark Tull Photo courtesy of Justice Genine Edwards
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Black Health and Wellness has been the 2022 theme for Black History Month.  On behalf of the Kings County Courts Black History Month Committee, on Feb. 4, 2022, I had the pleasure of interviewing Shane Mark Tull, LCSW-R PHD (S), a clinical psychotherapist and the author of “The Mental Health Pandemic.”  His book is a primer on mental health.

The pandemic has caused an increase in depression and suicide due to the uncertainty of life, and Dr. Tull wanted to offer a body of work that anyone could relate to  and understand.  He believes mental health has become the pandemic within the pandemic and he wanted to arm the community with helpful tools.  Mental health has crystalized for all people, but he has witnessed the discussion open significantly for the African American and Caribbean community and he wanted to lend his expertise to the discourse.

Dr. Tull defines mental health work or therapy as engaging in an effort to support someone who is going through a crisis, talking about your feelings, seeing the root of the problem, and giving tools to manage those feelings and promote growth.  The best candidate for therapy is — everyone.  Due to life’s experiences, including divorce, promotions, layoffs, death, and a whole host of experiences, we all could gain from therapy.

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Specifically, for the African American community, culture, race issues, socioeconomics, and the justice system all impact mental health.  Getting past the stigma of mental health can be difficult for African Americans, but Dr. Tull finds that visibility helps.  He is a Guyanese-born Black man, and he shares his story with others in order to connect with people.

Therapy has exploded due to the pandemic.  Dr. Tull has found that African Americans are reaching out and open to the opportunity to pause and reflect on what is meaningful and taking better care of themselves and others. They are seeking culturally competent therapists to meet their needs.  Talking to a friend or pastor is fine, but sometimes a clinician is necessary.

According to Dr. Tull, therapy is not easy and can be scary, but it is the best work you can do, and you will come out better on the other side. Therapy is really about what happens after you leave the therapist.  What did you think about what you discussed? How did the experience impact you? What did you learn to add value to your life until your next session?  Growth comes from what you take away from the experience.

Normally, you see a therapist once weekly for an hour session.  The goal is not to depend on the therapist but to strengthen yourself.  Seeking therapy and going to the session is a strength, and everything going forward with the therapist is to build the person and encourage independence.

Dr. Tull advises that you meet with three different therapists before you choose a therapist.  The therapist must understand your story, connect with you and be willing to work with you. There are plenty of therapists of color to serve your needs.

In “The Mental Health Pandemic,” Dr. Tull also highlights the emotional wellness of children and men.  He discusses the negative effects of “boys don’t cry.”  Growing up, little boys are often told not to cry or be strong or man up.  These messages do not give little boys the agency to talk about their feelings, thus they become men who do not know how to navigate spaces verbally to engage their partners and others.  We must learn to encourage all children to express their feelings and support them.  Dr. Tull advises parents to be very vigilant at this time. Parents need to listen to their children and note any behavior that is out of the norm. Encourage children to use their voice even if it is uncomfortable for parents and others.  Children can speak their truth and be respectful.  It is up to the parent to model the proper behavior so the child will know how to voice his/her concerns.  Remember to provide a space where the child feels comfortable and safe coming to you and being honest.

Though the rhetoric is “men do not do therapy,” we must realize that men need a safe space, a place where they can be validated. It could be in the barbershop, at a game or in the gym; it does not have to happen in a doctor’s office.  Dr. Tull finds that it is necessary to go where men are and to have a variety of men who will share their feelings, fears, and information, especially from generation to generation, i.e., a 50-year-old man sharing his experience of fatherhood with a young father, is key.

The point is to be able to be vulnerable.  Vulnerability is a superpower, it means you are willing to learn, heal, and grow and you are inviting others to be a part of the process.

Self-care is imperative, says Dr. Tull, and you cannot care for others if you do not care for yourself.  Simply taking at least five minutes a day for yourself is key. You can sit and enjoy the view, take a walk and breathe deeply, daydream, walk barefoot in the grass or on the beach, work the earth via gardening, or a host of other activities.  Journaling is a great start.  Write about how you felt during different experiences during your day and what you learned from those experiences.

Dr. Tull’s final thoughts:  Give yourself permission to feel, be gentle with yourself, don’t judge yourself harshly and laugh at yourself.


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