The Importance of Therapy for Black Women Leaders
Introduction
The recent U.S. presidential election presented two starkly different visions for America’s future, with Kamala Harris embodying a vision of inclusive democracy and Donald Trump advocating an autocratic approach. Black women, as tireless advocates and consistent voices for democracy, have long sounded the alarm about the importance of protecting American democracy. Yet, as the election results show, the American electorate did not align with Harris's message of inclusion and collective well-being. This outcome has dealt an emotional blow, raising the stakes for Black women to not only address this disappointment but to also protect their mental health in a climate that may bring policies harmful to people of color, affecting access to jobs, education, safety, and basic rights.
In this article, we will explore the importance of therapy for Black women who are religious leaders, activists, and scholars navigating this moment. Facing such a weighty disappointment requires intentional healing—mental, emotional, and spiritual. By seeking support, we can fortify ourselves to resist and advocate effectively, sustaining our own well-being as we continue to lead and uplift our communities. (At the end of this article, we've shared a list of resources which include therapy options, books, videos and blogs that may be helpful.)
The Complex Exhaustion of Advocacy and Leadership
In religious, activist, and academic spaces, Black women are often leaned upon as the foundation of support and resilience for our communities. We are expected to offer strength, empathy, and unwavering guidance. The cumulative emotional labor of continuously advocating for justice while absorbing the disappointment and challenges of those around us can lead to mental fatigue and burnout.
This exhaustion is compounded by the systemic pressures of racial and gender discrimination, which pervade many sectors where we work. The weight of not only holding space for others but of navigating spaces that may not fully embrace our identities can deplete our energy and wear down our spirit. Over time, this can contribute to emotional and physical health challenges, manifesting as anxiety, depression, hypertension, and other stress-related conditions. (See Better Health for more information.)
Facing the Impact of 2024 Election Outcomes
As we contend with the election’s outcome, it’s crucial to acknowledge the compounding stress and concern about potential impacts. Policies under a Trump administration could reinforce systemic racism, which will potentially impact communities of color with Black women being disproportionately impacted. Other vulnerable demographics are in line to impacted including seniors, members of the LGBTQ community and immigrants. The anticipation of possible rollbacks on civil rights, healthcare access, and safety in educational spaces adds an additional layer of mental strain that Black women are preparing to endure. In this context, prioritizing mental health care is a necessary act of resistance and self-preservation.
The Need for Therapy and Mental Health Support
Therapy and other mental health resources offer Black women a place to process the disappointment and challenges posed by this political environment. Despite a history of stigmatization around therapy, especially in communities of color, therapy is an invaluable tool that can help Black women sustain resilience.
Therapy provides space for Black women to prioritize our own needs, recognize and unpack the way the current climate triggers trauma for many of us. The goal is to develop coping strategies to help navigate the current stress. Here are some specific benefits:
Building Resilience and Coping Strategies: Therapy equips us with tools to manage the anxiety and stress of activism and leadership. This includes recognizing when to step back and practicing boundary-setting, skills essential in managing emotional burnout.
Processing Collective and Individual Trauma: Therapy allows us to address not only the trauma we face individually but also the collective experiences shared by Black women. This support can be crucial in navigating the frustrations tied to the election and the threat to democratic ideals.
Embracing Self-Compassion: Therapy fosters self-compassion, allowing us to release the pressures of perfectionism and self-sacrifice. It provides a space to be human, vulnerable, and kind to ourselves—qualities that are often neglected as we prioritize others.
Healing with Cultural Competency: Finding culturally competent therapists who understand the unique burdens of Black womanhood can be deeply empowering. With this support, Black women in activism, religious leadership, and academia can be reminded of their worth, strength, and the importance of their health.
Conclusion
As we move forward, Black women must embrace the resources and support necessary to preserve our mental health. Therapy can be an essential lifeline, helping us process the outcomes of this election and equipping us to continue our advocacy with a fortified spirit. As we face potential challenges in the coming years, it’s critical to recognize that our well-being is non-negotiable. Seeking therapy is a revolutionary act of self-care that sustains our communities and affirms our value.
As we continue our work, let’s remember that healing is not only possible but essential for the road ahead. We owe it to ourselves and to the communities we serve to seek the support that allows us to thrive, even in difficult times. Together, we can continue the work with strength, resilience, and renewed hope. Let’s create a culture that honors the healing journey and redefines strength as rooted in well-being and self-care.
Amanda Golden-Peace for The Misogynoir to Mishpat (M2M) Research Network © 2024
Therapy Access and Mental Health Support
Therapy for Black Girls
Website: therapyforblackgirls.com
A resource specifically dedicated to connecting Black women with culturally competent therapists and mental health support. The site includes a directory of therapists, podcast episodes on mental health, and an active community to support healing and growth.
Open Path Collective
Website: openpathcollective.org
Offers affordable mental health therapy options and lists many therapists who work with people of color. Open Path Collective’s membership fee is one-time, making it a cost-effective solution for ongoing therapy.
Black Emotional and Mental Health (BEAM)
Website: beam.community
BEAM provides mental health resources and workshops designed to empower Black communities. They also offer virtual training programs and resources focused on racial trauma and healing.
Inclusive Therapists
Website: inclusivetherapists.com
Offers a diverse therapist directory, prioritizing mental health care for marginalized communities, including Black women. They promote accessible and culturally competent care, with various free and low-cost services available.
The Loveland Foundation
Website: thelovelandfoundation.org
Founded by activist Rachel Cargle, this foundation provides financial assistance to Black women and girls seeking therapy. They focus on making mental health resources accessible and offer sliding-scale support for counseling.
Books for Recovery and Empowerment
"Sister Outsider" by Audre Lorde
A collection of essays exploring self-identity, race, and the power of resilience. Lorde’s insights on social justice and self-love can be uplifting for those feeling alienated or disillusioned by political events.
"The Unapologetic Guide to Black Mental Health" by Dr. Rheeda Walker
This book provides mental health insights specific to Black communities, offering guidance on how to identify and address symptoms of emotional strain, while promoting healing and empowerment.
"Rest is Resistance: A Manifesto" by Tricia Hersey
A reminder of the power of rest as an act of resistance. This book offers insights into slowing down, reclaiming rest, and healing through intentional pauses. It’s a powerful resource for Black women feeling overwhelmed by constant activism.
"Eloquent Rage: A Black Feminist Discovers Her Superpower" by Brittney Cooper
Brittney Cooper’s book encourages Black women to embrace their emotions and turn anger into a tool for self-care and transformation, particularly in the face of societal challenges.
"My Grandmother’s Hands" by Resmaa Menakem
Focuses on racialized trauma and healing through mindfulness and somatic practices. This book offers exercises for processing trauma and stress, particularly beneficial after a disappointing election.
Videos and Documentaries
"Therapy for Black Girls" Podcast Episodes
The Therapy for Black Girls podcast has numerous episodes dedicated to mental wellness, resilience, and trauma recovery. Topics like “Healing from Disappointment” and “Navigating Political Trauma” are especially relevant. Available on podcast platforms like Apple Podcasts and Spotify.
"The Nap Ministry" on Instagram
Instagram: @thenapministry
Tricia Hersey’s Nap Ministry offers powerful visuals and messages on rest as an act of healing and resistance. The account promotes the importance of rest for Black women, especially those in advocacy roles.
"13th" by Ava DuVernay (Netflix)
A documentary that unpacks systemic racism within the U.S. criminal justice system. While difficult to watch, it offers an understanding of the structural challenges Black communities face, reinforcing the need for advocacy while allowing time for personal healing.
Blogs, Articles, and Online Resources
The Body Is Not An Apology Blog
Website: thebodyisnotanapology.com
Founded by Sonya Renee Taylor, this blog discusses self-love, healing, and mental health. Many posts focus on supporting Black women in reclaiming power over their bodies and emotions.
Misogynoir to Mishpat (M2M) Research Network
An online resource that highlights the voices and research of Black women in theology and activism. Offers articles and resources that center Black women’s experiences and promote healing in the face of racial and political trauma.
Colorlines Magazine
Website: colorlines.com
Offers critical news and analysis on issues impacting communities of color. Articles often focus on mental health, healing from trauma, and responding to systemic injustices.
Self-Care in Color Blog
Website: selfcareincolor.com
A blog and resource for Black women looking to explore self-care, self-love, and healing practices. The site emphasizes culturally relevant strategies for emotional resilience and personal growth.
Podcasts for Reflection and Resilience
Therapy for Black Girls
Host Dr. Joy Harden Bradford covers topics like dealing with trauma, embracing joy, and recovering from racial and social injustices.
Black Girl in Om
This podcast offers guided meditations and affirmations, centering Black women’s wellness. Episodes discuss meditation, self-care, and creating spaces of healing.
Dear Black Girl
Hosted by Domonique Young, this podcast highlights mental health experiences unique to Black women. It features conversations around empowerment, healing, and reclaiming agency in times of adversity.