145: Therapy for Black Girls: Dr. Joy Harden Bradford
Jun 29, 2018
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Dr. Joy Harden Bradford, a licensed psychologist, discusses therapy for Black women. They cover the difference between psychologists and psychotherapists, importance of therapy and finding the right therapist, searching for help online, navigating emotions and seeking help, setting boundaries in family relationships, and how to get started with therapy.
Setting boundaries in relationships is crucial for maintaining a healthy and balanced dynamic.
Social media can perpetuate feelings of heartbreak and prolong the healing process after a breakup.
Therapy is becoming more normalized, with more people recognizing its benefits for mental and emotional well-being.
Deep dives
Importance of Setting Boundaries in Relationships
Setting boundaries in relationships is crucial for maintaining a healthy and balanced dynamic. It allows individuals to define what is acceptable and what is not in terms of behavior and actions. By communicating and enforcing boundaries, people can protect their emotional well-being and ensure mutual respect and understanding. Setting boundaries requires self-awareness and assertiveness, and may involve having difficult conversations with loved ones. Establishing and maintaining boundaries can lead to healthier relationships and a stronger sense of self.
The Impact of Social Media on Relationships and Breakups
Social media has changed the way we experience and navigate breakups. The constant access to our ex-partners through platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter can make it challenging to move on and heal from a breakup. Staying connected virtually can perpetuate feelings of heartbreak and prolong the healing process. To promote emotional well-being after a breakup, it is recommended to cut virtual ties with an ex-partner, such as unfollowing or even taking a break from social media altogether. This can help minimize exposure to triggering content and allow for a healthier emotional recovery.
Normalizing Therapy and Reducing Stigma
Therapy is becoming more normalized, with more people recognizing its benefits for mental and emotional well-being. It is no longer seen as solely for individuals in crisis, but also as a tool for personal growth, self-care, and maintaining overall mental wellness. High-profile figures openly discussing their therapy experiences have helped reduce the stigma surrounding seeking help for mental health. Therapy offers a safe space to explore emotions, gain self-awareness, and develop skills to navigate life's challenges. Seeking therapy does not mean weakness, but rather a proactive step towards self-improvement and self-care.
Navigating Relationships with Siblings and Family
Maintaining healthy boundaries with family members, especially siblings, can be challenging. It's important to prioritize self-care and well-being, even within familial relationships. Setting clear boundaries with family members allows individuals to protect their emotional and mental health. Communicating boundaries may involve difficult conversations, but it is essential for maintaining healthy dynamics. It is also important to recognize that maintaining boundaries does not mean severing all connections, but rather establishing guidelines for respectful and healthy interactions.
Considering Medication for Depression
For individuals struggling with depression, considering medication can be a beneficial option. Medication can help alleviate symptoms and improve overall mental well-being. It is important to have open conversations with a psychiatrist or psychiatric nurse practitioner to address concerns and gather information about potential medication options. While medication is not a cure-all, it can be a valuable tool in conjunction with therapy, self-care, and other coping strategies.
A conversation with Dr. Joy Harden Bradford of Therapy for Black Girls. You know I could talk about this topic all day! In this hour-long episode, we cover a wide range of topics around therapy for Black women.