Let's Talk About Therapy, For Us, By Us!
- GIDAI MAAZA
- Mar 7
- 2 min read
Let’s be real — therapy wasn’t built with us in mind. Many of us were raised to tough it out at home, pray about it, and keep pushing. On top of that, the medical system hasn’t exactly earned our trust, so it’s no surprise we side-eye anything tied to mental health.
But healing? That’s ours too. Therapy isn’t about being “crazy” or weak. It’s a space to put down some of the weight you’ve been carrying. The right therapist sees you — or is willing to listen until they do. No code-switching required.
Mental Health vs. Mental Wellness
Mental health is the foundation — always there, whether we talk about it or not. Mental wellness is the work we do to protect it: setting boundaries, resting without guilt, talking through things instead of holding them in, and leaving room for joy, even when life gets heavy.
Therapy & the Black Experience
It’s no secret our relationship with therapy is complicated. Our pain has been ignored, mislabeled, and even criminalized. But that doesn’t mean healing spaces can’t belong to us too. There are more Black therapists than ever, and allies who are ready to hold space with care and respect.
Therapy isn’t about fixing you — because you’re not broken. It’s just one more tool to help you thrive.
How to Find Therapy
Getting started can feel overwhelming, but there are options. Check with your insurance or look for free and low-cost clinics. For culturally centered spaces, visit:
Virtual therapy can also fit into busy schedules if in-person doesn’t work.
You Deserve This
Therapy doesn’t take away from your strength, your family, or your faith — it adds to it. You deserve a space where you can show up fully, without apology. Healing is your birthright.
Comments