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Helping Kids Find Their BEAT: A Therapist’s Toolkit for Racial & Cultural Stress with Dr. Ryan C.T. DeLapp, PhD

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Episode Summary: In this powerful and thought-provoking episode, Shaina sits down with Dr. Ryan DeLapp, a clinical psychologist specializing in racial and cultural stress, to discuss how clinicians can better support young people experiencing racism-related stress and trauma. Dr. DeLapp introduces practical tools and frameworks, including his Empowered Coping Process and the Beat Diagram, to help young people identify, process, and navigate their experiences.

The conversation also delves into:

  • How to introduce racism to young people in a developmentally appropriate and culturally sensitive way
  • The impact of systemic racism on youth mental health and how clinicians can create affirming spaces
  • The importance of cultural pride and identity as a protective factor
  • The retrenchment effect—why DEI backlash is harming mental health care & what clinicians can do
  • Practical exercises from REACH that help young people develop coping strategies

Whether you're a clinician, educator, or parent, this episode provides evidence-based strategies to help young people process racial stress in a way that fosters self-confidence, emotional regulation, and resilience.

Special Offer – Get 15% Off Dr. DeLapp’s New Book!

Dr. DeLapp’s newly released book, Empower Yourself Against Racial and Cultural Stress: Using Skills from the REACH Program to Cope, Heal, and Thrive, is an essential resource for youth but also an invaluable adjunctive tool for therapy.

This workbook offers step-by-step strategies and downloadable worksheets to help young people:

  • Identify their own cultural stressors
  • Cope with big and uncomfortable emotions caused by racial stress
  • Stand up to injustice while protecting their mental health
  • Build self-love, confidence, and cultural pride
  • Engage in meaningful conversations about racial stress with people they trust

 

Special Listener Discount:
Get 15% off when you order the book before December 31, 2025!
Use promo code: EMPOWER at checkout.

Order here: https://www.guilford.com/books/Empower-Yourself-Against-Racial-and-Cultural-Stress/Ryan-T-DeLapp/9781462553082

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Key Takeaways:

  • Rethinking How We Talk About Racism with Youth
    • Many young people lack the language to express racism-related stress, making early conversations critical
    • Using “cultural stress” instead of “racism” can broaden the conversation and make it more inclusive
    • Clinicians should normalize race-related discussions as part of intake & ongoing therapy
  • The Beat Diagram: A Mindfulness Tool for Coping
    • Body sensations
    • Emotions
    • Action urges
    • Thoughts

How it works: Young people learn to pause, observe, and name their internal experiences before reacting, creating space for empowered coping rather than emotional reactivity.

  • The Empowered Coping Process
    • A 3-step framework for helping youth navigate racism-related stress:
      • Clarify the impact – What is happening? What emotions are coming up?
      • Identify coping resources – What skills, support, or actions are available?
      • Implement strategies – What is the best way to respond in alignment with values?
    • Why Building Cultural Pride is Essential
      • Early messaging about racial identity should center pride and self-love
      • Encouraging young people to explore books, media, and cultural experiences strengthens their sense of self
        ⚡ Cultural mindful moments—noticing when racial identity is felt in different spaces—can help kids gain awareness and confidence

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About Our Guest:

Meet Dr. Ryan DeLapp, a highly respected clinical psychologist known for his dedication to helping youth overcome challenges and achieve personal growth. At the core of Dr. DeLapp's work is the Racial, Ethnic, And Cultural Healing (REACH) Program. This initiative showcases his commitment to promoting understanding and healing in the face of issues like systemic racism and cultural stressors. The program provides a safe space for individuals to explore the impact of these barriers and develop tools to recover while embracing their racial and cultural identities.

Dr. DeLapp earned his Ph.D. in clinical psychology from the University of Louisville, setting the stage for a remarkable career focused on aiding others in their healing journeys.

Early in his career, Dr. DeLapp gained specialized training during his pre-doctoral internship at Montefiore Medical Center. He became proficient in therapeutic methods like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), which became the core of his approach to empower individuals toward self-acceptance and healing.

Through mentoring graduate-level students and supervising clinical services, Dr. DeLapp shares his knowledge and experience with future professionals, contributing to their growth.

Dr. DeLapp's dedication to advancing psychological knowledge is evident through his authored manuscripts, media appearance and community outreach reflecting his intellectual curiosity and commitment to staying at the forefront of the field.

For Dr. Ryan DeLapp, psychology isn't just a job; it's a calling. His compassionate approach and visionary insights have positively impacted many lives and reached a wider audience through podcasts and articles.

In the field of psychology, Dr. Ryan DeLapp is a pioneer and a champion of transformative change. His REACH Program exemplifies his commitment to breaking down barriers, fostering healing, and empowering individuals to pursue their goals with confidence. Through his work, Dr. DeLapp continues to light the path toward healing and personal growth, embodying the essence of a true healer and visionary.

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Resources Mentioned in This Episode:

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Conflict of Interest Disclosure: The host, Shaina Siber-Sanderowitz, LCSW, is the Founder of Affirm Mental Health, an accredited CE provider. She receives financial compensation from Affirm Mental Health for the development and delivery of continuing education content. There are no other conflicts of interest to disclose.

Disclaimer: This podcast is for educational purposes only. It is not a substitute for clinical training or treatment. If you or someone you know needs mental health support, please reach out to a licensed professional.

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