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Rise Counseling Group

Therapeutic space for Women of Color to heal and rise.

Therapy isn’t Taboo: A Soft Place to Land

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For too long, therapy has felt like a foreign concept—something “other people” do. But for Black women especially, therapy has historically been positioned as not for us. This needs to change. This is the first in a multi-part series exploring why therapy feels unfamiliar and why we need it now more than ever.

Therapy is necessary, not taboo. It’s a soft place to land.

We carry generations of strength, but also generations of silence. And when we finally consider therapy, it can feel like we’re betraying that strength. But therapy isn’t weakness—it’s wellness.

 

Why Does Therapy Feel So Unfamiliar to Black Women?

Let’s break down three key reasons therapy can feel so unfamiliar:

Stigma

Stigma is a powerful barrier. It’s the whisper that says “something must be wrong with you” if you need help.

But stigma is not truth—it’s a lie rooted in systemic bias and societal conditioning. Historically, therapy was designed for wealthy white men. So of course it hasn’t always felt like it was for us. But that doesn’t mean we don’t belong there.

Cultural Silence

We’ve been raised on silence: “What goes on in this house stays in this house.” That phrase echoes in so many of our memories. But that silence has cost us our peace, our mental health, and sometimes even our safety.

Talking about your emotions isn’t betrayal. It’s survival.

The Unfamiliar Feeling of Having a Space Just for You

Imagine a space where you don’t have to be the strong one, the caretaker, the fixer. Just you. Just your story. Just your healing. That’s what therapy offers—a sacred space where you’re allowed to fall apart, reflect, cry, breathe, and rebuild. It’s not selfish. It’s essential.

“If you’re a Black woman, being strong isn’t about doing everything alone. It’s about knowing when to rest, receive, and heal.”

Therapy isn’t about fixing what’s broken. It’s about making space for your wholeness.

It’s about stepping out of survival mode and learning to live.

Black women—your story deserves to be heard, your pain deserves to be processed, and you deserve a soft place to land.

Ready to take the next step? Explore therapists who see you and get you. You don’t have to do this alone. Therapy isn’t taboo—it’s revolutionary.

 

Filed Under: Therapy

5 Reasons to Restart Therapy

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In life, we often encounter emotional and mental obstacles that can be difficult to overcome. Returning to therapy or seeking professional support for the first time can be an invaluable step toward self-discovery, growth, and healing. Here are five reasons to consider restarting therapy.

  1. Return of Symptoms 

One common reason people re-enter therapy is the recurrence of symptoms, such as increased anxiety, depression, or problematic behaviors. It may be time to revisit therapy if you notice familiar emotions or patterns resurface. Therapists can help you understand why these symptoms have returned and provide coping strategies to address them effectively.

  1. New Major Life Changes

Transitioning to new life stages or experiencing major changes, like getting married, becoming a parent, changing careers, or moving to a new city, can be exciting and stressful. These moments can bring about new challenges and uncertainties and rekindle past issues. Restarting therapy can provide a safe space to process and navigate these changes and offer support and tools to cope with any accompanying emotions.

  1. Getting Ahead of Times That Cause You Distress

Sometimes, we can anticipate certain situations or periods in our lives that may cause emotional distress. This may include losing a loved one, seasonal affective disorder, or other personal struggles that we know are on the horizon. Instead of waiting for these situations to arise, returning to therapy ahead of time can help you proactively address any concerns and establish coping strategies. This pre-emptive approach can empower you to handle these challenging times more resiliently and easily.

  1. Unresolved Goals

Often, individuals start therapy with specific goals in mind, such as improving self-esteem, cultivating healthy relationships, or breaking unhealthy habits. Over time, these goals may shift or evolve. If you find that you still have unresolved goals from previous therapy sessions or new ones that have emerged, it might be a good time to revisit therapy. A therapist can help you reevaluate and redefine these goals, and work with you to develop a plan to achieve them.

  1. Maintenance

Sometimes, therapy isn't just about addressing acute problems or distressing emotions. It can also be a form of maintenance to ensure continued mental and emotional well-being. Regular check-ins with a therapist can help you stay connected to your feelings, maintain healthy coping skills, and ensure that you're on the right track. By prioritizing your mental health through ongoing therapy, you can cultivate a deeper self-awareness and maintain a strong foundation for navigating life's ups and downs.

In conclusion, therapy is a valuable tool for self-discovery, growth, and healing, regardless of where you are in your life journey. Whether you are facing a return of symptoms, major life changes, anticipated distress, unresolved goals, or simply seeking maintenance, restarting therapy can be an empowering decision. Remember that it's okay to seek support when you need it, and that prioritizing your mental and emotional well-being is essential to living a fulfilling life. If you want to restart therapy, reach out to our office at 937-69-9089 ext. 2 or schedule your appointment today. 

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