Dr. D. Dionne Bates is a licensed professional counselor
an M.A. in Counseling Psychology, and a Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology.
After almost 20 years in clinical practice, Dr. Bates has observed that the root of many individuals’ mental and emotional distress is their inability to integrate their “true” selves into various realms of their lives. She has been featured on several radio shows, including The Fred Bowden Show (Exceptional Radio Network), where she discussed the state of mental health care in Georgia; Better Days Radio; Alternative Perspectives (WRFG 89.3 – Atlanta), where she was a weekly contributor and produced the Faith and Politics segment; and Same Gender Loving Expressions.
In 2009, she partnered with PrideTV.org to present “Outside Blackness,” a supplement to the Atlanta showing of Tavis Smiley’s America, I AM.
Dr. Bates has participated in discussions on human sexuality and sexual health with first year Emory University medical students. Her research has included identity development, LGBT issues, and a stage model of affirming self and others. Her writings have been featured on YourTango and Dailyworth and she has published in regional, national, and international newspapers and academic journals.
Dr. Bates has provided consultation to many businesses and agencies, including the award winning BEAM (Black Emotional and Mental Health Collective), where she served as Senior Mental Health Advisor from 2017-2022.
KINDLE EDITION
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To affirm self means that you accept yourself and the totality of the uniquenesses that are you. Sometimes external messages about who we ought to be (or not be) causes chaos with who we are innately. This not only muddles our ability to affirm our intrinsic self (or our true sense of self), but can lead to emotional distress, for not “showing up” as we truly are can negatively impact how we see ourselves and others, our perception of how others see us, and inevitably our relationships with others.
SIX STEPS TO AN EMERGING AUTHENTIC, AFFIRMED SELF
- Resurrect Old Dreams
- Nurture Yourself
- Pat Yourself on the Back
- Develop a Support System
- Start from the Outside to get to the Inside
- If Necessary, Seek Counseling
Selected Workshops
- "The Integrated Self" - Atlanta, Georgia
- “Creating an Inclusive and Affirming University Community” – Armstrong Atlantic University (Savannah, Georgia)
- “Domestic Violence and Intimate Partner Abuse” – Georgia Nurses Association
- Human Sexuality with First Year Medical Students (Panelist) – Emory University (Atlanta, Georgia)
- “Creating a Consciously Inclusive and Welcoming Congregation” (Panelist) – Unitarian Universalists of Coastal Georgia (Brunswick, Georgia)
- “True Reflections: Dispelling Messages that Separate You From Who You Truly Are” – Georgia Southern University (Statesboro, Georgia)