Black Therapist
in Montclair, NJ & St Petersburg, FL
Are You In Search Of A Therapist Who Can Relate To The Pressures And Challenges You Face As A Black Woman?
In the years I’ve spent working as a therapist, many women have walked through my door feeling emotionally exhausted, chronically stressed, and like they are “doing the most.” These clients come to therapy tired of living in survival mode and putting on a happy face for everyone around them.
When they’ve reached out for help in the past, they have been met with misunderstanding or, in some cases, bias. So, they end up developing a hyper-independent mindset, left to carry the burden of remaining strong and resilient in the face of life’s challenges. This is a lonely place to be.
Let’s Build Bridges, Not Barriers
If you are looking for meaningful support that actually helps you grow and feel connected, then welcome! You’ve come to the right place.
As a therapist specializing in mental health support for Black women experiencing perfectionism and burnout, I want to create a space where you can begin to let go of the need to constantly prove your worth. Let’s work together to affirm your challenges, harness your strengths, and incorporate self-care in the process of healing.
Questions about Therapy with Me?
Diagnosis? Strong Black Woman Syndrome
The National Institutes of Health defines the Strong Black Woman schema as “the statute of unrelenting strength, resilience, and self-sufficiency, serving as a shield of protection and cultural adaptation to control manifestations of racial and gender oppression.” [1] In other words, there is a cultural expectation for Black women to push through pain and take on disproportionate responsibility without complaint.
It’s no wonder then that so many Black women feel a deep need to people-please and remain stoic out of a desire to protect themselves. Many of us experience this pressure in a variety of areas, but it can be particularly potent in the workplace. For instance, we often feel like our mistakes are magnified, our achievements are unworthy, and that there is little representation or opportunity to voice our truth. Navigating white spaces can feel like a minefield at times, and many of us feel like we have to take extra precautions to code-switch and not come off as “angry.”
As a Black therapist, I aim to take into consideration how the very real presence of systemic oppression factors into the lives of my clients while also individualizing the counseling process to their unique needs. I relate to the experience of living in survival mode, but I know that the right support can help nurture vulnerability and positive change.
Therapy Allows You To Reclaim Space In Your Life
My practice specializes in counseling for BIPOC Millennial and Gen X women who are in search of a therapist who truly hears them. While my clients come to therapy wanting to address a range of issues, I often work with women who:
- Struggle with anxiety, perfectionism, and people-pleasing
- Feel emotionally exhausted and burnt out by stress and over-performing
- Are disconnected from themselves and their relationships
- Experience a constant pressure to secure their place at home, at work, and in the world
- Want to heal wounds created by attachment/systemic/generational trauma
In the process of letting go of the internalized expectations around being a Strong Black Woman, we can address these issues through empowering skills and self-discovery.
My Approach
A big aspect of counseling involves reframing thoughts and beliefs, especially in terms of how cultural and familial expectations shape your self-image. Using culturally specific Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), we will unpack some of the beliefs and pressures contributing to anxiety and self-doubt. And to heal core traumas, we can use gentle body-based approaches like Brainspotting.
My hope is to support you in feeling more grounded, regulated, and tuned in to your needs. As we work to increase your vulnerability and trust, you can feel safer to establish and communicate healthy boundaries. We will also focus on creating rituals for rest and self-care.
It’s Time To Take A Load Off
Sis, I know the bag is heavy and that you’re tired of carrying it all. You’re exhausted by the drive that in order to feel worthy, you need to be perfect. But I am here to assure you with the right support, freedom is possible.
Imagine waking up feeling rested, setting boundaries without fear, and taking a break without guilt. Together, we’ll replace old beliefs with the truth that you are enough, teaching you how to manage emotions and protect your peace.
Common Concerns About Therapy…
I have a full schedule and don’t know how I’ll make time for sessions.
I understand that as a Black woman who is likely juggling a big to-do list at all times, weekly therapy can be difficult to prioritize. But I want you to consider that putting off your healing right now is just going to continue making you feel overwhelmed and stuck.
Therapy actually makes space in your life. As you unpack your experiences and emotions, you can figure out what’s needed to help you reclaim your peace. Furthermore, we can adjust session frequency or format in a way that fits your life. You deserve time for healing, and therapy can help expedite that process.
Other people will judge me for seeking therapy.
As a Black woman myself, I understand that certain cultural norms place a heavy emphasis on strength and self-reliance and that seeking the help of a therapist can feel like you’re not strong enough. I want to help you challenge this message.
Prioritizing your mental health is a powerful act of self-care, and therapy is about healing—not weakness. It takes real strength to seek support and to break the barriers that are keeping you from a healthier, more balanced life. You deserve to take care of yourself without guilt or shame.
Talking about my struggles will just make me feel worse.
It can be overwhelming to explore and reopen old wounds, especially when you’ve spent so much of your life shutting down your emotions in an effort to survive.
A therapist is trained to take the counseling process at your own pace. While the process can be uncomfortable at times, part of our work together is enhancing your coping toolkit so that you can stay calm and grounded even when things get intense. Over time, you will feel more prepared to understand and navigate your emotions without feeling lost.
You Don’t Have To Stay In Survival Mode—You Deserve To Thrive
Healing is a journey that is not always linear, but it’s a journey you don’t have to face alone. As a therapist, I am passionate about helping Black women let go of feelings of shame, guilt, and unworthiness on the path to healing. Reach out or get started by filling out a contact form.
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