Therapists Need Therapy Too: Creating a Soft Space for Black Clinicians

As a Black therapist and owner of a private practice, I understand firsthand our profound responsibility, holding space for our clients’ healing and resilience while managing our emotional landscapes. We’re often seen as pillars of strength, but behind that professional exterior, many of us grapple with unspoken burdens. Today, I want to emphasize why we need to prioritize our healing: when we nurture ourselves, we become better clinicians, leaders, and community members.

The Unseen Burden: Why Black Therapists Carry More

In our field, Black clinicians face a unique set of challenges. We support clients navigating systemic injustices, ancestral trauma, and personal struggles, all while managing our own stories. The emotional labor can accumulate, leading to compassion fatigue, burnout, and feelings of invisibility. I remember seeing my 28th client of the week and feeling empty inside. Now, some of it was due to not eating, but the majority of the time, I felt depleted due to the large caseload I was given. Imagine trying to get the very last bit of toothpaste out, and all you retrieve is a droplet of toothpaste. After seeing client after client and surpassing the number of clients I was comfortable with seeing in a week. I had no more therapeutic support to give. But nobody cared as long as I was meeting the clinical quota. (Don't worry, I am no longer at that agency.) But as someone dedicated to both healing and sustainability in this work, I recognized how vital it is to create space for our own care.

The Cultural Context

Within many Black communities, resilience is woven into our identity: "keep pushing," "stay strong," “show up” no matter what. While these qualities may demonstrate strength to some, they can also unintentionally discourage us from seeking help and, at times, advocating for ourselves. For me, it was important to find a balance between embodying my strength and honoring my values so that I could show up for my clients and be the clinician I wanted to be and what they deserved.

Creating Soft Spaces: What Can We Do for Ourselves and Each Other

I needed to get very intentional with being in my soft therapist era. I needed an environment that felt safe, affirming, and restorative. This is part of the reason why I sought out a black woman-owned business for my clinical residency and started my practice. Here are some strategies I believe are vital:

• Peer Support Circles: Regular, candid gatherings where Black therapists can share experiences, validate our humanity, and exchange coping tools.

• Culturally Competent Supervision: Supervision should recognize and honor the cultural dynamics at play, providing guidance rooted in understanding the Black experience and voice.

• Prioritizing Personal Therapy: Just as we recommend therapy to our clients, we must also normalize our own journey with mental health, without stigma.

• Self-Compassion Practices: Daily rituals that affirm our worth and resilience, honoring the complexity of our identities and experiences.

As practitioners and practice owners, we have the power to implement policies that prioritize our well-being. Creating mentorship programs, promoting work-life boundaries, and fostering community are not optional; they are essential for sustainable, impactful work.

Healing isn’t a one-way street. While we dedicate ourselves to supporting our clients, we

must also commit to nurturing ourselves and each other. As Black therapists, our wellness transforms not just our lives but the fabric of our communities.

Let’s continue creating soft spaces. Spaces to rest, reflect, and renew, because when we care for ourselves, we elevate the entire field of mental health.

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