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.

A Year Of Being Ghosted

Ghosting: the practice of ending a personal relationship with someone by suddenly and without explanation withdrawing from all communication. I’ve been ghosted by every guy I’ve met within the past two years. About six to be exact. · The first guy pursued me and then got shady whenever I asked him about what he did for a living and where he lived. When he started dodging and avoiding questions, wouldn’t initiate dates, and slowly stopped keeping in touch with me altogether, eventually, all communication ceased. · The second guy was someone I met through a family member. He was super cool, very smart, handsome, and funny, but didn’t want to be in a relationship and acted like he didn’t want to be seen with me publicly. When we had plans to meet for an outing, he didn’t show up, and then texted me about a week later with an apology. We chilled at my place a few times, had a few phone conversations, and exchanged occasional texts, but eventually he stopped responding to me

Teacher Table Talk: When Parents Attack

As an English teacher, a core belief I’ve held close since the beginning of my career has been the importance of relationship building. I believe that if great relationships between teachers, students, and parents are established at the beginning of the school year, everything else will fall into place. Authentically modeling, practicing, and establishing mutually respectful and professional relationships within my classroom has been the bridge for effective communication, solid classroom management, and creating a safe and effective learning environment that fits each of my student’s needs. And though I’ve seen and experienced the benefits of great relationship building, unfortunately, there have been times when some students and parents have not been receptive or interested in my efforts to establish connections that would best serve all parties involved. I’ve also noticed and shared spaces with other educators, school counselors, and administrators who’ve experienced the same. And

How To Respond To A Nasty Email

Technology has made many people bold, rude, and incredibly messy. Often to the point where some may hide behind words they’ve typed instead of verbally communicating a message they want to convey. Such can be the case when it comes to sending emails. Ah, emails. You know what they are. Electronic messages that can be quickly drafted, sent, and misinterpreted (because you can’t always interpret tones or emotions through them). Which is why it’s key to know how to respond to nasty emails if they should ever come your way – especially in the workplace. As a working professional, there have been plenty of times when a coworker or superior sent an email my way that was petty, mad disrespectful, and unprofessional. And before I learned how to properly utilize email etiquette, my first instinct would always be to clap back. I just felt the need to respond and to communicate that I wouldn’t allow anyone, no matter who they were, to disrespect me. And while I haven’t taken things too far

Making Waves