About The Therapy For Black Girls Podcast

There’s great comfort in knowing that you’re not alone, no matter what it is you might be going through. It kind of goes without saying, but 2020 was rough. There was a global pandemic (that’s still occurring), school closings that led to virtual learning, a major Black Lives Matter movement, the unexpected deaths of loved ones and some of our world’s most iconic figures, a hostile election season, and much more that impacted all our lives. So if your mental health feels a bit tense, it’s understandable.

Last year I got better about making my mental health a priority, starting with more self-care. I poured myself into prayer, fasting, meditating on God’s word, writing, resting, exercising outdoors, and adding the Therapy for Black Girls podcast to my playlist. And I must admit, the podcast is a game changer I wish I’d known about sooner. Dr. Joy Harden Bradford’s work is incredible. She’s a licensed psychologist and the host of the podcast, and the safe and open space she provides is wonderful – especially for women of color. When I needed some professional help before the pandemic became a thing, I went to counseling. And while the counselor I worked with was kind and highly qualified, there were certain things I felt she couldn’t fully grasp, relate to, or help me work through because she wasn’t Black, which made a huge difference.

There are very specific challenges and struggles that come with being a Black woman and the Black female experience that only other Black women can fully understand. So knowing there are licensed professionals like Dr. Bradford, who knows how challenging this journey can be sometimes is everything. The episodes she drops along with the guests she invites to speak on particular subject matters are candid, resourceful, and helpful. And each time I listen in, I feel like I'm healing and glowing up inside and out. If you're interested in adding a dope podcast to your playlist, then the Therapy for Black Girls podcast is a great start. You won't regret it.

Thoughts From a Black Educator: Qualified, Credentialed, and Constantly Undermined

I’m a Black educator in my fifth year of teaching middle school English, and in my third as the 8th Grade English PLC (Professional Learning Community) Lead. And while I genuinely enjoy the purposeful work I get to do, seeing the growth of my scholars, and continuing to hone my skills in a content area I’ve loved since I was a little girl, I’ve had to confront some unpleasant experiences in this space. I’d been through much worse when I was an academic advisor at a Christian university. Racism, sexism, harassment, and workplace bullying were sadly norms in that environment. However, some of what I’ve experienced as a Black educator hasn’t been normal … It doesn’t seem normal to be the only Black educator in my department – in a predominantly Black school. One of my Black colleagues once said, “It should look like a Tyler Perry movie in here.” But it doesn’t. It didn’t feel normal being reprimanded in a meeting (during my second year of teaching) by an administrator who went in on...

Stop Saying Stupid Stuff To People Who Are Childless

I’m convinced that many people don’t think before they speak. Especially when it comes to interacting with people who don’t have children. Normally, I’ve held my peace with this and felt the need to solely address women when it comes to this topic, but lately this is a message that men can benefit from too. Stop saying stupid stuff to people who don’t have children . I know this might be a difficult task for those of you who are nosey, have concerns that have nothing to do with you, or may be unhappy in your own life, but stop with the questions, jokes, and reckless comments. Even if you believe you’re being funny, making conversation, or coming from a genuine place, you’re honestly out of line. Because someone not having children and why is none of your business. I don’t have children, and I honestly don’t know if I will, but as a woman, I’m good with my life either way. I’ll always be grateful for what I have instead of lamenting about what I don’t. Which is probably why getting olde...

The Day I Made A Will

When I was a teenager, I remember writing a list of my greatest fears. One of the things I listed was death. Looking back, it was an interesting item to list because inevitably, death is something each of us will face at some point in our lives. Even though it’s no longer a fear of mine, I understand why and how it’s not a comfortable thing for everyone to navigate. But regardless, this past summer I completed a detailed will. I signed it, had witnesses sign it, and got it notarized. As I was getting everything done, one of the witnesses looked at me and said, “You know, it’s just that you’re so young…” I’ve learned that death doesn’t care how young or how old you are. You can be five, fifteen, thirty, or fifty, and it’s still something that happens. Completing my will wasn’t scary. It gave me peace of mind having documentation in place stating my detailed directives and requests. A year ago, I had one of my kidneys removed. It was a surgery that came with risks that were presented cle...

Making Waves