Please join us for this free continuing education webinar by Dr. Alana Atchison. It is available to all clinical psychology specialists as a live webinar and will be made available on-demand.
Presenter: Alana Atchison PsyD, ABPP
Title of Presentation: Breaking the Cycle: Chronic Stress, Cultural Identity & the Strong Black Woman
Date Recorded: Wednesday, November 19, 2025, from 9:00 am to 10:30 am PT/12:00 pm to 1:30 pm ET
CE Credit: 1.5 hours
Presentation Summary:
This webinar explores the clinical and cultural aspects of chronic stress in Black women, with a focus on how the Strong Black Woman identity—while rooted in resilience—can contribute to emotional suppression, unrealistic expectations, and long-term health consequences. Drawing on insights from over eight years of clinical work, Dr. Alana Atchison examines how chronic stress often stems from the breakdown of the StrongBlackWoman identity, as well as unhealed trauma and unresolved emotional wounds. Participants will gain a deeper understanding of how racialized gender roles, internalized pressure to “perform strength,” and disconnection from spirit and community drive emotional and physical distress.
Grounded in African-centered psychology, this webinar offers practical, culturally responsive strategies for helping clients move from survival to wholeness. Attendees will learn how to identify and interrupt harmful coping patterns, promote assertive communication, and integrate healing practices that reconnect Black women to their identity, spirit, and sense of balance. This course is ideal for clinicians who want to deepen their cultural competence and support the liberation and well-being of Black women in therapeutic spaces.
Learning Objectives:
1. Describe the clinical and cultural impact of chronic stress in Black women, including how it manifests emotionally, physically, and behaviorally.
2. Explain how the Strong Black Woman identity contributes to emotional suppression, unrealistic expectations, and disconnection from spirit.
3. Identify at least three culturally grounded strategies clinicians can use to help Black women clients move from chronic stress toward healing and emotional balance.
Speaker Bio:
Dr. Alana Atchison is a board-certified clinical psychologist with a private practice based in New York City, where she has served Black women clients for over 8 years. Her work focuses on trauma, chronic stress, anxiety, and the emotional toll of living under constant pressure to be “strong.” Dr. Atchison blends clinical insight with culturally grounded strategies to help women reconnect with rest, identity, and spirit. She is passionate about creating healing spaces where Black women can move from survival to wholeness.
Registration Required:
Only registered specialists or CPSC guests will receive the Zoom link and access information.
The American Board of Professional Psychology (ABPP) is approved by the American Psychological Association to sponsor continuing education for psychologists. The American Board of Professional Psychology maintains responsibility for this program and its content. The American Board of Professional Psychology (ABPP) is recognized by the New York State Education Department’s Board of Psychology as an approved provider of continuing education for licensed psychologists #PSY-0198.