Mental Health and Finding a Therapist for Black Women
Remember that you do not need to access therapy only for life emergencies, it’s simply a good thing to do at any time and if that thought keeps crossing your mind even in times of calm, then explore it more. Think of therapy as exercise for the mind, the same way you go to the gym to exercise your body.
There are several ways to find a therapist:
In the UK consult a register like The British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy. In America, Open Path Collective is committed to providing affordable therapy solutions and The LoveLand Foundation focuses particularly on Black women and girls to provide access to therapy.
Ask for referral from a friend, colleague, or your GP. Bear in mind that friends may not always want to reveal the details of their therapists in order to protect their privacy, but it’s worth the ask.
You can try looking for specific organisations through the UK Council for Psychotherapy that are related to your concern e.g. eating disorders, anxiety, sexual abuse, they will have signposting services to therapists experienced in your query.
There’s a lot of therapists now on social media. I recommend following a few and see who you gravitate to. Our faves are The Talking Therapist (also great for men!), Nedra Glover Tawwab, Dr Becky Kennedy and Dr. Joy Harden Bradford. Explore their practice, ask questions - remember social media profiles are only launch pads that invite you to dig deeper.
Things to bear in mind - If it’s important for you to see a Black therapist (or one from an ethnic background) - then check out the UK based Black, African and Asian Therapy Network. It can be helpful to see a therapist from the same heritage, because they’re likely to have a deeper understanding of your cultural eco-system.
In the era where Black women are putting down the strong and resilient crown in favour of a softer and emotionally regulated life, we’re rooting for you!