Breaking Barriers: A Conversation On Black Men And Mental Health With Rod Warner

Black Facts.com

By Staff

Mental health remains a critical yet often overlooked aspect of well-being in the Black community, particularly among Black men. Cultural stigmas, societal pressures, and generational trauma have contributed to a reluctance in seeking professional help. However, therapists and mental health advocates are working to change that narrative by creating safe spaces for healing, self-awareness, and personal growth.

In this interview, we speak with a Black psychotherapist based in the Dallas-Fort Worth area who specializes in counseling services for Black men. He shares insights on the unique challenges they face, the importance of therapy, and his personal journey in fostering change within the community.

Can you start by sharing a bit about your company and the services you provide?

I’m a Black psychotherapist based in the Dallas-Fort Worth area, specializing in counseling services for Black males. My focus is on helping clients increase self-awareness and identify areas of growth, including addressing their blind spots. My goal is to provide a supportive space where clients can navigate challenges, build resilience, and work toward personal development.

In your perspective, why do you think African American men often face unique challenges when it comes to seeking therapy?

In my perspective, African American men often face unique challenges in seeking therapy due to a lack of self-awareness and limited belief in themselves. These factors can create a cycle where being unaware restricts belief in one’s ability to grow and change. For many men, seeing is believing, and without tangible examples, it can be hard to trust the process of therapy.

That’s why I emphasize the importance of fostering imagination and vision in my practice. By helping individuals tap into their creative potential, they can envision the life and lifestyle they desire, breaking free from limiting beliefs and moving forward with confidence.

What steps have you taken to actively encourage African American men to prioritize and manage their mental health?

The first step I’ve taken to encourage African American men to prioritize their mental health is leading by example. I became a client myself, fully investing in the therapeutic process because I believe in its effectiveness. Working with incredible professionals like Dr. Moses Chism and Kenyatta Black Counseling has been transformative in my own healing journey, helping me address blind spots and grow into the person I aspired to be.

I also make it a priority to let my clients know they are not alone. As Black men, we often struggle with trust, so I work to build a relationship of understanding and support. I remind my clients that I’m on their side—I’ll hear what they may not hear, see what they may not see, and bring awareness to areas they might not yet understand. Together, we navigate the path toward self-awareness and growth.

Can you describe a meaningful or transformative impact you’ve witnessed after a client engaged with your services?

A meaningful impact I’ve witnessed is when a client I hadn’t seen in a while returned to share how much of a difference I made in their life. They expressed that I played a significant role in their growth journey and how transformative our work together had been. Moments like these reaffirm the importance of what I do and the power of therapy in helping individuals grow and evolve.

In an industry that can be both demanding and competitive, what drives and sustains your motivation?

What drives and sustains my motivation is being client-centered and focused on the end goal—helping individuals achieve growth and transformation. I’m naturally self-motivated and deeply passionate about what I do, which fuels my commitment to this work.

There’s no greater joy than knowing I’ve made a positive impact in someone’s life. While I may not always know whose life I will touch, my mission is clear: I’m fighting for Black men and their well-being every step of the way.

How do you personally define success, and what does it look like for you in this field?

I define success in this field as helping clients achieve growth and develop a deeper belief in themselves. After each session, I take time to reflect on my clients’ progress and research new ways to teach, guide, or inspire them to embrace new perspectives.

Success is about fostering knowledge and growth, which in turn builds confidence. For me, it’s about empowering clients to accomplish something greater than themselves and witnessing their transformation along the way.

Looking ahead, what can people expect from you and your practice in the next five years?

In the next five years, I envision expanding my practice to include my daughter, who is an aspiring therapist, creating a family-centered approach to mental health care. Additionally, I look forward to touring colleges and universities, speaking about the importance of mental health, and inspiring the next generation to prioritize their well-being.

My goal is to continue growing, making a broader impact, and fostering meaningful conversations about mental health in diverse communities.