A Black Therapist Takes on Mental Health: Dana Davenport on Healing Black Men
By Lana Reid | April 6, 2022
As part of the Black Men Matter Series, Lana Reid sits down with Dana Davenport, licensed therapist and owner of Better Day Better You Counseling and Consulting, to discuss Black men’s mental health and the importance of culturally responsive therapy. Dana shares insight into the unique challenges Black men face when seeking mental health support, including stigma, trauma, and access to care. He reflects on how creating affirming therapeutic spaces can support healing, emotional well-being, and healthier relationships.
In this episode of The Male Perspective, Dana Davenport offers a grounded and compassionate conversation about mental health support for Black men.
Dana explains how stigma and cultural expectations often discourage Black men from seeking therapy, even when they are experiencing stress, trauma, or emotional exhaustion. He emphasizes that therapy is not a sign of weakness, but a tool for understanding emotions, processing experiences, and developing healthier coping strategies.
Throughout the discussion, Lana Reid and Dana explore the importance of culturally responsive counseling. Dana shares how therapeutic approaches that acknowledge lived experience, systemic barriers, and cultural context help clients feel seen and understood. He highlights the role of trust, representation, and safety in building effective therapeutic relationships.
The conversation also addresses the long-term impact of unaddressed trauma and emotional suppression. Dana discusses how untreated mental health challenges can affect relationships, families, and communities, and why early intervention and open dialogue are essential.
This episode creates space for honest discussion around therapy, healing, and emotional wellness, encouraging Black men to view mental health care as an essential part of overall well-being.
About the Guest
Dana Davenport is a licensed therapist and the owner of Better Day Better You Counseling and Consulting. His work centers culturally responsive therapy for individuals, couples, and families, with a focus on emotional wellness, healing, and access to mental health support within Black communities.
For more information on Dana Davenport:
https://betterdaybetteryoucc.com/
About the Series
This episode is part of the Black Men Matter Series, highlighting Black men and professionals who are creating space for healing, dialogue, and emotional well-being through thoughtful conversation and community care.
About the Host & Organization
The Male Perspective is hosted by Lana Reid, founder of Conversations in Color, a nonprofit 501(c)(3) grassroots organization dedicated to providing uplifting and community-building spaces of dialogue for Black voices.
Conversations in Color’s Current Initiatives
THE MALE PERSPECTIVE
The purpose of The Male Perspective is to dispel stereotypes and increase awareness of the experiences of Black men through open discussions, thought-provoking interviews, and the sharing of personal experiences that highlight the diversity and depth of the Black male experience.
SISTAS REBUILDING SISTERHOOD
Sistas Rebuilding Sisterhood is an intergenerational community of Black women who come together for relaxed, non-judgmental gatherings to exchange ideas, share experiences, and collaborate in a collective effort to improve the quality of sisterhood interactions in everyday life.
TAPESTRY OF BLACK VOICES AWARDS
The Tapestry of Black Voices Awards honors local communities and showcases the creativity, brilliance, and lived experiences of Black voices across the United States.