Missing Pieces Counseling Services

Guest Contributor: Terance Dawkins, LISW-CP

Owner of Missing Pieces Counseling Services, Speaker, Educator, and Creator of the B.L.A.C.K. Trauma Products (Building Language Awareness Connections & Knowledge)

"My mission is to help the Black community heal collectively in order to create change for future generations." - Terance Dawkins, LISW-CP

What does Black Mental Wellness mean to you?

Black Mental Wellness means liberation, healing, and empowerment. It is about breaking cycles of trauma, fostering resilience, and creating spaces where Black individuals, families, and communities can heal without stigma or shame. Black Mental Wellness acknowledges the unique historical, cultural, and systemic factors that impact mental health while celebrating the strength, wisdom, and perseverance that have sustained us for generations.

To me, it also means having the language, awareness, and resources to address mental health in ways that are accessible and culturally relevant. It’s about shifting from survival to thriving, ensuring that healing is not just an individual journey but a collective one that strengthens families and communities for generations to come. Through my work, I strive to bridge the gap between awareness and action, helping others navigate their healing journey with understanding and support.

How do you promote change and well-being in the Black community?

I promote change and well-being in the Black community by creating spaces for healing, awareness, and empowerment through my work as a clinician, educator, and advocate. I strive to make mental health conversations more accessible, relatable, and culturally relevant, ensuring that individuals feel supported in their healing journey.

Through my B.L.A.C.K. Trauma Products, including the B.L.A.C.K. Trauma Cards and B.L.A.C.K. Trauma Journal, I provide tools that encourage self-reflection, meaningful dialogue, and generational healing. I also facilitate trainings, workshops, and community discussions that help individuals and families understand how trauma is passed down and, more importantly, how it can be broken.

Beyond direct service, I advocate for systemic change by collaborating with organizations, schools, and community groups to increase mental health awareness and reduce barriers to care. My mission is to help the Black community heal collectively in order to create change for future generations.

What are some upcoming events you are leading, that promote mental health and wellness, that you would like for our Black Mental Wellness audience to know about?

• MUSC 2025 Spring Social Work Conference

• Therapy Fund Foundation Breaking The Cycle Journal Event

• AMHCA 2025 Conference

Tell us about your educational and/or professional training, and current area of expertise related to mental health and wellness?

I am a Licensed Independent Social Worker-Clinical Practice (LISW-CP) in South Carolina and a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) in North Carolina, with both my Undergraduate and Master’s Degrees in Social Work from Winthrop University. My professional background includes clinical mental health counseling, case management in hospital settings, and higher education counseling, which has allowed me to support individuals across various life stages and circumstances.

I am the owner of Missing Pieces Counseling Services, where I provide therapy focused on trauma, anxiety, and depression, with a particular emphasis on intergenerational trauma and its impact on individuals, families, and communities. I also supervise Licensed Masters Social Workers (LMSWs) as they work toward obtaining their clinical licensure, helping to develop competent and skilled mental health professionals.

What are some ways that you promote mental health and wellness through your area of expertise?

Beyond my clinical work, I am a speaker, educator, and creator of the B.L.A.C.K. Trauma Products (Building Language Awareness Connections & Knowledge), which include the B.L.A.C.K. Trauma Cards and B.L.A.C.K. Trauma Journal. These tools are designed to help individuals and families recognize, process, and heal from generational trauma. My expertise lies in bridging the gap between awareness and action, providing culturally relevant mental health education, and empowering individuals to break cycles of trauma and create a foundation for healing and growth.

What are some things that we should know about your area of expertise?

My area of expertise focuses on intergenerational trauma, mental health awareness, and breaking cycles of unhealed wounds within individuals, families, and communities. Intergenerational trauma is more than just personal experiences; it is transmitted through behaviors, beliefs, and coping mechanisms that shape how families navigate life. Understanding these patterns is the first step in breaking them. However, healing requires more than just awareness, it demands intentional action. I emphasize self-reflection, open dialogue, and therapy as essential tools to move from recognition to real change.

Ultimately, breaking cycles of trauma is a collective effort. Healing is not just an individual journey but a shared responsibility that empowers families and communities to create healthier, more supportive environments for current and future generations. My work is centered on ensuring that mental health is seen as a right, not a privilege, and that every person has the opportunity to heal and thrive.

How can we encourage more people to seek mental health treatment?

Encouraging more people to seek mental health treatment involves normalizing conversations, improving accessibility, and fostering support. Open discussions about mental health in families, workplaces, and communities help reduce stigma and make seeking help more acceptable. Educating the public on recognizing mental health struggles and the benefits of treatment empowers individuals to take action. Providing culturally relevant resources and having mental health professionals who understand diverse experiences ensures people feel comfortable seeking care. Reducing barriers to access, such as offering affordable services and tele-health options, makes it easier for individuals to get help. Additionally, promoting peer support and highlighting success stories can inspire others to seek help, while empowering families and communities to offer support encourages individuals to take that first step. By creating a supportive, open environment, we can reduce stigma and increase the likelihood of people seeking the mental health care they need.

What are your recommendations for ending stigma in the Black community?

Ending stigma around mental health in the Black community requires education, open conversations, and cultural sensitivity. Normalizing discussions about mental health in families, schools, and churches can help dismantle the shame surrounding it. Sharing positive recovery stories within the community shows that seeking help is a sign of strength. Educating the community about the impact of intergenerational trauma and promoting culturally relevant mental health resources are key to making care more accessible. Empowering Black mental health professionals also provides relatable, competent care that encourages others to seek help.

Building supportive networks within families and communities, offering mental health education in influential spaces, and challenging harmful stereotypes about emotional expression can further reduce stigma. By fostering openness and support, we can break the stigma and make mental health care an integral part of well-being in the Black community.

What can potential clients expect during an initial session? Follow up sessions?

In an initial session, clients can expect a welcoming environment where we’ll build trust and discuss their goals for therapy, challenges, and background. We’ll explore their family mental health history, any current symptoms, and areas they would like to improve. We’ll also discuss problem areas in their lives and begin developing goals to address these concerns. We’ll talk about confidentiality and the therapy process, and introduce potential strategies to support their needs.

In follow-up sessions, we’ll focus on specific issues, refine goals, and develop coping strategies. These sessions are collaborative, where progress is reviewed, and adjustments are made based on the client’s needs. We may introduce tools like journaling or mindfulness to support healing, empowering clients with insights and strategies to manage their mental health.

Do you have an experience with seeking mental health treatment that you would like to share with the Black Mental Wellness audience?

My personal experience with mental health challenges began during graduate school when I struggled with depression and anxiety. These issues had a significant impact on my life, and in my quest to help myself, I discovered the power of learning about my own story. I realized that my experiences, combined with my expertise, could help others who were navigating similar struggles. This journey also led me to explore intergenerational trauma, something I deeply relate to on a personal level. It sparked my passion for helping others uncover their own stories and rewrite their narratives, ultimately creating space for healing and growth. By sharing my experiences, I hope to show others that they are not alone and that healing is possible.

What wellness strategies do you think should be given more attention within the Black community? Are there any reasons why you think they are not given more attention?

In the Black community, wellness strategies that focus on mental health, emotional well-being, and self-care need more attention. Practices such as mindfulness, therapy, emotional expression, and setting boundaries can greatly benefit individuals by promoting mental clarity, stress management, and overall emotional health. Additionally, incorporating cultural healing practices, such as storytelling and spiritual wellness, can be incredibly powerful. These strategies allow people to connect with their roots and foster a sense of community while also addressing the mental and emotional impacts of historical trauma.

How do you make time for your own wellness and self-care?

I’m intentional about taking breaks when I need to, which helps me get out of the mindset that I always have to 'keep going.' Riding my motorcycle is a form of mindfulness for me, allowing me to clear my mind and stay present. I also make time to spend with friends and family, as these connections are important for maintaining my emotional well-being and balance.

What are your top 5 favorite wellness and self-care strategies?

1. Mindfulness

2. Journaling

3. Boundary Setting

4. Intentional Breaks

5. Therapy

What resources do you find most helpful to encourage mental health and wellness?

Self Help Books/Products, Mental Health Books/Products, Podcasts, Therapy Services

Guest Contributor

Terance Dawkins is a South Carolina Licensed Independent Social Worker-Clinical Practice (LISW-CP) and a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) in North Carolina. He is a native of Spartanburg, South Carolina. Terance received his Undergraduate and Master’s Degree in Social Work from Winthrop University. He also owns his private practice, Missing Pieces Counseling Services, located in the community where he grew up. Through his own childhood experiences and the experiences of his clients, he has discovered the importance of the beliefs and lessons learned through family and daily interactions. This has led to his deep interest in intergenerational trauma and its lasting impact across generations. Terance is the creator of the B.L.A.C.K. Trauma Products (Building Language Awareness Connections & Knowledge), a collection of resources designed to help individuals recognize, process, and heal from intergenerational trauma. These products include the B.L.A.C.K. Trauma Cards and the B.L.A.C.K. Trauma Journal, which serve as tools to foster awareness, promote self-reflection, and encourage meaningful conversations about healing and resilience. His mission is to break the cycle of intergenerational trauma and promote healing in individuals, families, and communities for current and future generations. Through education, awareness, and action, he seeks to create spaces where healing can take place and where people feel empowered to rewrite their narratives.