Kyra Nicole West is a compassionate and dedicated social worker from Detroit, Michigan. She is a two-time graduate of Alabama Agricultural and Mechanical University, where she earned both her bachelor's and master's degrees in social work, with a concentration in family and child welfare. Currently, she is a doctoral candidate in social work with a concentration in Clinical Social Work at the University of Kentucky. Kyra serves as a full-time crisis rapid responder and an outpatient therapist at the Child Guidance Center in Jacksonville, Florida. Her specialties include crisis intervention, suicide prevention, and cognitive behavioral therapy for children and young adults facing depression, anxiety, stress, and severe behavioral issues. Kyra is also a registered clinical social worker intern in the state of Florida, working under the supervision of the Chief Clinical Officer at the Child Guidance Center. Her research at the University of Kentucky focuses on unresolved childhood abuse, proposing a trauma-informed care approach to increase motivation and successful outcomes. Beyond her clinical work, Kyra is an inspirational motivational speaker and an advocate for vulnerable populations. In honor of her late mother, Marcia Renee’ West, Kyra is deeply committed to addressing the long-term effects of unresolved childhood abuse and how it impacts a person's quality of life.
DSW Showcase Student Presentation
Kyra West
MSW, DSW Candidate
Trauma Informed Care to Address Unresolved Childhood Abuse in African American Women
Concentration - Clinical Social Work
- Wednesday, April 30, 2025 -
- 1:00 pm
Abstract
This presentation will highlight the intersection of childhood abuse and the unique experiences of African American women, exploring the lasting impacts of unresolved trauma and the importance of trauma-informed care. Childhood abuse, whether physical, emotional, or sexual, can profoundly shape the mental, emotional, and physical health of individuals throughout their lives. For African American women, these effects are often compounded by systemic racism, socio-economic disparities, and cultural stigmas surrounding both abuse and mental health, creating additional barriers to healing and recovery. The audience will learn about culturally relevant approaches, that honor the lived experiences of African American women, emphasizing trust-building, empowerment, and safety within therapeutic relationships. This capstone will also provide practical tools and strategies for integrating trauma-informed care in clinical settings, ensuring that social workers are equipped to offer compassionate, effective support tailored to the needs of this population. This capstone aims to foster a deeper understanding of trauma, identify barriers to treatment, encourage culturally sensitive interventions, and promote holistic healing through strength-based approaches.