TWB: Therapy While Black-My Black Girl Therapy Origin Story

For a while, therapy in the Black community seemed like such a taboo topic. That was just something that we did not do, and didn’t even really talk about doing. But in more recent years, and especially since COVID, it has become a lot more accepted and talked about. However, there are still some communities where it seems out of place to bring up. Like, “What do you need a therapist for?” “Why are you sharing all of your business with a stranger?” “You don’t believe in God?”

I honestly was that person that thought a couple of these and/or a few other things, but I eventually started to change my mind.

After listening to friends and other people I knew talk about their experiences with therapy, I started to open up a little bit to the idea of it. Like okay, therapy isn’t just for crazy people and real housewives. Noted.

What really helped to push me was when I was reflecting one day and thought about how I tend to react/behave in certain situations. It had become so commonplace to me, but I knew I wanted and needed different, and I would need help to get there.

Of course my personal FBI agent was already on the case. I was doing my regular scroll through Facebook, when I saw an advertisement for Therapy for Black Girls: https://therapyforblackgirls.com (My agent knows I love supporting Black people, specifically Black women. Good job. You’ve done it again, agent!) So I decided to give it a try and see what it was about.

I clicked on the link and what I liked was that you just had to put in your zip code, and a list of Black women therapists in your area would appear.

For months, clicking the link was as far as I had gotten. Yes, I had researched the people in my area that came up, but I hadn’t done anything beyond that point. I was still uncertain about taking that plunge and completing an inquiry form, and I didn’t want to choose the “wrong person.” Then one day I finally decided to just take that step. I knew I had wanted to do this, I had done my research, and I prayed about finding the right person: It was time.

I selected the therapy group I wanted, and the next step was a consultation. I was excited, but also kind of nervous. I didn’t know what to expect. I was new to ALL of this. However, as soon as the consultation got going, my anxious energy subsided. It was just a conversation, an introduction, so they could get to know me and understand my needs. And what I really loved was that based on all of the information I gave, they would then match me with one of the therapists at their organization who they thought would best be able to support me.

Fast forward 5 months, and I am still going strong with my therapy!

I legit love it here!! I always feel so energized after my sessions. Like dang, I really needed to hear that. Not that she is necessarily telling me things that I always want to hear, but things I NEED to hear. From my very first session, I knew that she was rightly aligned for me because she incorporated prayer and the Word within each session, which is what I wanted when I was initially looking.

Taking the step to get therapy was definitely one of the best things that I did for myself last year. I didn’t realize how much I was really neglecting my mental health until I started.

If you are someone who is debating whether you should take that step in finding a therapist, DO IT! You will be happy that you did. I was blessed enough to find my person on the first try. If that isn’t your story, don’t get discouraged. There are tons of people who are out there and someone who will be a great fit for you.

If you are someone who has some of the thoughts that I used to have in regards to therapy, that’s okay—though I believe it is beneficial for everyone—just make sure that you are at least taking the time out to take care of your mental. We often neglect our mental, and tend to focus on things like the physical, which is obviously important also, but our MINDS NEED LOVE TOO!!