
Therapy for Black Girls
The Therapy for Black Girls podcast is a weekly conversation with Dr. Joy Harden Bradford, a licensed psychologist in Atlanta, Georgia, about all things mental health, personal development, and all the small decisions we can make to become the best possible version of ourselves.
Latest episodes

Jul 26, 2023 • 52min
Session 317: Intergenerational Friendship w/ Essence & Franceli
The Therapy for Black Girls Podcast is a weekly conversation with Dr. Joy Harden Bradford, a licensed Psychologist in Atlanta, Georgia, about all things mental health, personal development, and all the small decisions we can make to become the best possible versions of ourselves. It’s the summer of sisterhood, and what better way to celebrate than to showcase how Black women of all ages have fostered supportive, uplifting, and lifesaving friendships? It’s no secret that over here at TBG, we believe that “Sisterhood Heals” and today’s guests are a perfect example of the liberating impact our connections have. For today’s conversation, I sat down with intergenerational besties Essence Atkins and Franceli Chapman. Essence has been a constant presence in our living rooms since the mid-’90s, starring in classics like “Smart Guy,” “Malibu Shores,” “Half & Half,” and “Are We There Yet.” Franceli is an award-winning Afro-Latina ‘Artivist,’ using her voice to speak on the need for inclusion and diversity in Hollywood. During our conversation, Essence and Franceli share the lessons they’ve learned from each other as a result of their 15-year age gap, their keys to maintaining a long-lasting sisterhood, and how they’ve navigated friendship in the entertainment industry. Please note that this interview was recorded prior to the commencement of the SAG-AFTRA strike. Resources & Announcements Visit our Amazon Store for all the books mentioned on the podcast. Grab your copy of Sisterhood Heals. Take the quiz to find out your role in your Sister Circle. Where to Find Our Guests Essence Atkins Instagram Twitter Franceli Chapman Instagram Twitter Website TikTok Stay Connected Is there a topic you'd like covered on the podcast? Submit it at therapyforblackgirls.com/mailbox. If you're looking for a therapist in your area, check out the directory at https://www.therapyforblackgirls.com/directory. Take the info from the podcast to the next level by joining us in the Therapy for Black Girls Sister Circle community.therapyforblackgirls.com Grab your copy of our guided affirmation and other TBG Merch at therapyforblackgirls.com/shop. The hashtag for the podcast is #TBGinSession. Make sure to follow us on social media: Twitter: @therapy4bgirls Instagram: @therapyforblackgirls Facebook: @therapyforblackgirls Our Production Team Executive Producers: Dennison Bradford & Maya Cole Howard Producers: Fredia Lucas, Ellice Ellis & Cindy OkerekeSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jul 19, 2023 • 53min
Session 316: Celebrating the Legacy of Black Women In Hip Hop
The Therapy for Black Girls Podcast is a weekly conversation with Dr. Joy Harden Bradford, a licensed Psychologist in Atlanta, Georgia, about all things mental health, personal development, and all the small decisions we can make to become the best possible versions of ourselves. 2023 marks the 50th anniversary of hip hop, a genre that has transcended time, age, and language barriers. As we celebrate some of our favorite artists – from the Lauryns, to the Missys, to the Cardis – we also want to spend some time highlighting the Black women executives who work behind the scenes, changing the game one move at a time. Joining us for today’s conversation is Tracey Waples, a former senior music executive who has architected the sale of over 100 million albums and the success of a host of major stars. Her resume includes names like Rihanna, Jay-Z, Mariah Carey, Method Man, and more. In 2014, she founded the music consulting firm DNA Creative and continues to mentor young women in music. During our conversation we discussed how she kicked off and navigated her career in the music industry, reconciling with hip-hop’s complicated relationship to sexism and misogyny, and the importance of including women’s stories and contributions in the history of hip-hop. Resources & Announcements Visit our Amazon Store for all the books mentioned on the podcast. Grab your copy of Sisterhood Heals. Where to Find Tracey Instagram Stay Connected Is there a topic you'd like covered on the podcast? Submit it at therapyforblackgirls.com/mailbox. If you're looking for a therapist in your area, check out the directory at https://www.therapyforblackgirls.com/directory. Take the info from the podcast to the next level by joining us in the Therapy for Black Girls Sister Circle community.therapyforblackgirls.com Grab your copy of our guided affirmation and other TBG Merch at therapyforblackgirls.com/shop. The hashtag for the podcast is #TBGinSession. Make sure to follow us on social media: Twitter: @therapy4bgirls Instagram: @therapyforblackgirls Facebook: @therapyforblackgirls Our Production Team Executive Producers: Dennison Bradford & Maya Cole Howard Producers: Fredia Lucas, Ellice Ellis & Cindy Okereke Production Intern: Zariah Taylor See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

4 snips
Jul 12, 2023 • 41min
Session 315: Navigating Interracial Relationships
The Therapy for Black Girls Podcast is a weekly conversation with Dr. Joy Harden Bradford, a licensed Psychologist in Atlanta, Georgia, about all things mental health, personal development, and all the small decisions we can make to become the best possible versions of ourselves. When it comes to dating outside of your race, Black women are up against cultural stigmas, thoughts of missing out on Black love, fear of losing our “Black card,” and disapproval from family, friends, and social media. How many of these sentiments against interracial dating are reasonable things to consider, and how many are blocking us from finding what could be true love? To answer these questions and more, I’m joined by Dr. Racine Henry. Dr. Henry is a licensed marriage and family therapist whose practice focuses on Black, interracial, and non-monogamous couples. In our conversation, we unpack both the common and unanticipated conflicts experienced in interracial relationships, things to consider before and while in an interracial relationship, and how to navigate disapproval from family, friends, and society at large. Resources & Announcements Visit our Amazon Store for all the books mentioned on the podcast. Grab your copy of Sisterhood Heals. Where to Find Dr. Henry Website Instagram Buy ‘A Palate For Love’ Stay Connected Is there a topic you'd like covered on the podcast? Submit it at therapyforblackgirls.com/mailbox. If you're looking for a therapist in your area, check out the directory at https://www.therapyforblackgirls.com/directory. Take the info from the podcast to the next level by joining us in the Therapy for Black Girls Sister Circle community.therapyforblackgirls.com Grab your copy of our guided affirmation and other TBG Merch at therapyforblackgirls.com/shop. The hashtag for the podcast is #TBGinSession. Make sure to follow us on social media: Twitter: @therapy4bgirls Instagram: @therapyforblackgirls Facebook: @therapyforblackgirls Our Production Team Executive Producers: Dennison Bradford & Maya Cole Howard Producers: Fredia Lucas, Ellice Ellis & Cindy Okereke Production Intern: Zariah TaylorSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jul 5, 2023 • 44min
Session 314: ICYMI, The History of Minority Mental Health Awareness Month
The Therapy for Black Girls Podcast is a weekly conversation with Dr. Joy Harden Bradford, a licensed Psychologist in Atlanta, Georgia, about all things mental health, personal development, and all the small decisions we can make to become the best possible versions of ourselves. In observance of Minority Mental Health Awareness Month, Therapy for Black Girls in collaboration with our philanthropic organization, the Holding Space Foundation, are teaming up to delve into the ways Black women from various generations connect, foster friendships, and evolve together through our campaign, Generations of Sisterhood. Throughout July, we’re gathering Black women from all ages to share their experiences, offer guidance, and celebrate the joys of sisterhood, with the aim of promoting healthy and constructive relationships. In this week's episode we revisit the life and legacy of Bebe Moore Campbell who was instrumental in the creation of Minority Mental Health Awareness Month. Interestingly enough, this story is a moving depiction of the power in sisterhood and how lifelong friendships can continue even beyond death. Resources & Announcements Visit our Amazon Store for all the books mentioned on the podcast. Grab your copy of Sisterhood Heals. Stay Connected Is there a topic you'd like covered on the podcast? Submit it at therapyforblackgirls.com/mailbox. If you're looking for a therapist in your area, check out the directory at https://www.therapyforblackgirls.com/directory. Take the info from the podcast to the next level by joining us in the Therapy for Black Girls Sister Circle community.therapyforblackgirls.com Grab your copy of our guided affirmation and other TBG Merch at therapyforblackgirls.com/shop. The hashtag for the podcast is #TBGinSession. Make sure to follow us on social media: Twitter: @therapy4bgirls Instagram: @therapyforblackgirls Facebook: @therapyforblackgirls Our Production Team Executive Producers: Dennison Bradford & Maya Cole Howard Producers: Fredia Lucas, Ellice Ellis & Cindy OkerekeSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jun 28, 2023 • 10min
Session 313: I Wrote A Whole Book!
The Therapy for Black Girls Podcast is a weekly conversation with Dr. Joy Harden Bradford, a licensed Psychologist in Atlanta, Georgia, about all things mental health, personal development, and all the small decisions we can make to become the best possible versions of ourselves. Y'all, I wrote a whole book! Sisterhood Heals: The Transformative Power of Healing In Community is now available everywhere that books are sold! In this week's episode I'm sharing a little about my writing process, what surprised me most about the process, and an excerpt from the book that best describes how sisterhood heals and sustains us. Resources & Announcements Visit our Amazon Store for all the books mentioned on the podcast. Sisterhood Heals is now available everywhere books are sold! Take the quiz to find out what role you play in your sister circle. Join me for one of the Book Tour stops. Share Your Thoughts With Me Instagram Stay Connected Is there a topic you'd like covered on the podcast? Submit it at therapyforblackgirls.com/mailbox. If you're looking for a therapist in your area, check out the directory at https://www.therapyforblackgirls.com/directory. Take the info from the podcast to the next level by joining us in the Therapy for Black Girls Sister Circle community.therapyforblackgirls.com Grab your copy of our guided affirmation and other TBG Merch at therapyforblackgirls.com/shop. The hashtag for the podcast is #TBGinSession. Make sure to follow us on social media: Twitter: @therapy4bgirls Instagram: @therapyforblackgirls Facebook: @therapyforblackgirls Our Production Team Executive Producers: Dennison Bradford & Maya Cole Howard Producers: Fredia Lucas, Ellice Ellis & Cindy OkerekeSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jun 21, 2023 • 53min
Session 312: Becoming A Therapist, Part III
The Therapy for Black Girls Podcast is a weekly conversation with Dr. Joy Harden Bradford, a licensed Psychologist in Atlanta, Georgia, about all things mental health, personal development, and all the small decisions we can make to become the best possible versions of ourselves. We’ve had dozens of therapists on the podcast sharing their perspectives on various topics, from friendships to meditation and even horror movies. But have you ever wondered what it takes to become a licensed therapist? Well, the road isn’t paved in gold…more like a few years of school and thousands of hours in supervision. But don’t fret, this third installment of our Becoming A Therapist series is for our community members who are therapists, sisters looking to enter the field, and everyone in between. Joining me today are therapists Dr. Kimberly Applewhite, based in Utah, Dr. D’Andria Jackson based in Ohio, Dr. Donna Oriowo in Washington D.C., and Josephine Ampaw-Green in Colorado. My colleagues and I got candid about our journeys and talked about the different ways to market yourself and increase your caseload, how to navigate social media and ethics, and weighing the options between starting your own private practice or working in a group practice or agency. Resources & Announcements Visit our Amazon Store for all the books mentioned on the podcast. Sisterhood Heals is now available for pre-order and we are going on tour! Grab your tickets to join us in NYC or Houston today. Where to Find Our Guests Dr. Kimberly Applewhite Website Instagram Dr. D'Andria Jackson Website Instagram Dr. Donna Oriowo Website Instagram TikTok Josephine Ampaw Greene Website Instagram Facebook Linkedin Stay Connected Is there a topic you'd like covered on the podcast? Submit it at therapyforblackgirls.com/mailbox. If you're looking for a therapist in your area, check out the directory at https://www.therapyforblackgirls.com/directory. Take the info from the podcast to the next level by joining us in the Therapy for Black Girls Sister Circle community.therapyforblackgirls.com Grab your copy of our guided affirmation and other TBG Merch at therapyforblackgirls.com/shop. The hashtag for the podcast is #TBGinSession. Make sure to follow us on social media: Twitter: @therapy4bgirls Instagram: @therapyforblackgirls Facebook: @therapyforblackgirls Our Production Team Executive Producers: Dennison Bradford & Maya Cole Howard Producers: Fredia Lucas, Ellice Ellis & Cindy Okereke See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

7 snips
Jun 14, 2023 • 40min
Session 311: Your Skincare & Dermatology Questions Answered
The Therapy for Black Girls Podcast is a weekly conversation with Dr. Joy Harden Bradford, a licensed Psychologist in Atlanta, Georgia, about all things mental health, personal development, and all the small decisions we can make to become the best possible versions of ourselves. If you enjoyed our most recent session about Black Women & The Beauty Industry featuring Blake Newby, you’re most certainly in for a treat with today’s episode. This week we expand our beauty conversation and explore some of the common questions you might have around skincare and dermatology featuring the iconic board-certified dermatologist, Dr. Michelle Henry. During our conversation, Dr. Henry and I discussed the difference between certain cosmetic procedures like botox and filler, the health benefits of regular facials, protecting yourself as a melanated woman, and how to vet dermatologists or surgeons, especially for darker-skinned women. Resources & Announcements Visit our Amazon Store for all the books mentioned on the podcast. Sisterhood Heals is now available for pre-order! Check out our Black Women & The Beauty Industry episode. Where to Find Dr. Henry Website Instagram Stay Connected Is there a topic you'd like covered on the podcast? Submit it at therapyforblackgirls.com/mailbox. If you're looking for a therapist in your area, check out the directory at https://www.therapyforblackgirls.com/directory. Take the info from the podcast to the next level by joining us in the Therapy for Black Girls Sister Circle community.therapyforblackgirls.com Grab your copy of our guided affirmation and other TBG Merch at therapyforblackgirls.com/shop. The hashtag for the podcast is #TBGinSession. Make sure to follow us on social media: Twitter: @therapy4bgirls Instagram: @therapyforblackgirls Facebook: @therapyforblackgirls Our Production Team Executive Producers: Dennison Bradford & Maya Cole Howard Producers: Fredia Lucas, Ellice Ellis & Cindy OkerekeSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jun 12, 2023 • 14min
BONUS: Black Girls React to The Little Mermaid
The Therapy for Black Girls Podcast is a weekly conversation with Dr. Joy Harden Bradford, a licensed Psychologist in Atlanta, Georgia, about all things mental health, personal development, and all the small decisions we can make to become the best possible versions of ourselves. So many of us have been patiently waiting for the arrival of the live action remake of Disney’s Little Mermaid. The 1989 classic has finally sailed back to the big screen but this time reimagined with a new leading lady, a Black Ariel, brought to life by Halle Bailey. To celebrate the release of the film, we partnered with Valencia Seuell, the founder of Elite 23 International, a non-profit Chicago-based organization dedicated to empowering and uplifting women and young girls around the world to send a group of young lades to see the film on opening weekend. Four of them then joined me on the podcast to share about their experiences watching the film and what the film taught them about life. Today on the podcast I’m joined by Caleigh, Sa’Mya, Ameri, and Kennedee. This episode does contain spoilers so if you haven’t had the opportunity to see the film yet, put this episode on pause and come back to it later. Resources & Announcements Visit our Amazon Store for all the books mentioned on the podcast. Sisterhood Heals is now available for pre-order! Where to Find Valencia & Elite 23 Elite 23 Website Elite 23 Instagram Valencia’s Instagram Stay Connected Is there a topic you'd like covered on the podcast? Submit it at therapyforblackgirls.com/mailbox. If you're looking for a therapist in your area, check out the directory at https://www.therapyforblackgirls.com/directory. Take the info from the podcast to the next level by joining us in the Therapy for Black Girls Sister Circle community.therapyforblackgirls.com Grab your copy of our guided affirmation and other TBG Merch at therapyforblackgirls.com/shop. The hashtag for the podcast is #TBGinSession. Make sure to follow us on social media: Twitter: @therapy4bgirls Instagram: @therapyforblackgirls Facebook: @therapyforblackgirls Our Production Team Executive Producers: Dennison Bradford & Maya Cole Howard Producers: Fredia Lucas, Ellice Ellis & Cindy Okereke See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jun 7, 2023 • 55min
Session 310: Catching Up On Queen Charlotte
The Therapy for Black Girls Podcast is a weekly conversation with Dr. Joy Harden Bradford, a licensed Psychologist in Atlanta, Georgia, about all things mental health, personal development, and all the small decisions we can make to become the best possible versions of ourselves. We first meet Queen Charlotte in Season 1 of Shonda Rhimes’ hit show ‘Bridgerton’ as a commanding and dignified queen consort on a ruthless pursuit to name the social season's diamond. But the prequel spin-off shows a different side to the Queen’s rise to prominence and power. We see a young Charlotte betrothed against her will, her budding relationships with King George and Lady Danbury, and navigating the ins and outs of her newfound queendom. To discuss Queen Charlotte: A Bridgerton Story in-depth, this week, I'm joined once again by my partner in pop culture, sex & relationship therapist, Dr. Donna Oriowo. We explore the complexities of mental health, sisterhood, and race relations present in the series, comment on storylines we were surprised and delighted by, and make predictions for the future of the Bridgerton franchise. Resources & Announcements Visit our Amazon Store for all the books mentioned on the podcast. Sisterhood Heals is now available for pre-order! Where to Find Dr. Oriowo Website Instagram TikTok Check out Dr. Oriowo here on Session 201 of the podcast discussing how to vet relationship advice. Check out Dr. Oriowo here on Session 60 of the podcast discussing colorism and texturism. Check out episodes with Dr. Oriowo discussing Insecure here. Stay Connected Is there a topic you'd like covered on the podcast? Submit it at therapyforblackgirls.com/mailbox. If you're looking for a therapist in your area, check out the directory at https://www.therapyforblackgirls.com/directory. Take the info from the podcast to the next level by joining us in the Therapy for Black Girls Sister Circle community.therapyforblackgirls.com Grab your copy of our guided affirmation and other TBG Merch at therapyforblackgirls.com/shop. The hashtag for the podcast is #TBGinSession. Make sure to follow us on social media: Twitter: @therapy4bgirls Instagram: @therapyforblackgirls Facebook: @therapyforblackgirls Our Production Team Executive Producers: Dennison Bradford & Maya Cole Howard Producers: Fredia Lucas, Ellice Ellis & Cindy OkerekeSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

May 31, 2023 • 51min
Session 309: Black Women & The Beauty Industry
The Therapy for Black Girls Podcast is a weekly conversation with Dr. Joy Harden Bradford, a licensed Psychologist in Atlanta, Georgia, about all things mental health, personal development, and all the small decisions we can make to become the best possible versions of ourselves. Whether your beauty routine simply includes sunscreen and a scrunchie or is a bit more complex with lash extensions and lasers, Black women consumers continue to play a major role in the beauty industry. This week I'm excited to discuss Black women’s participation in beauty culture with Host & Beauty & Style Expert, Blake Newby. During our conversation, Blake and I discuss what it means to be a natural beauty in today’s beauty climate, how to vet dermatologists and estheticians for Black skin, and ways to use beauty/self-care practices to empower your mental health. Resources & Announcements Visit our Amazon Store for all the books mentioned on the podcast. Sisterhood Heals is now available for pre-order! Where to Find Blake Instagram TikTok Stay Connected Is there a topic you'd like covered on the podcast? Submit it at therapyforblackgirls.com/mailbox. If you're looking for a therapist in your area, check out the directory at https://www.therapyforblackgirls.com/directory. Take the info from the podcast to the next level by joining us in the Therapy for Black Girls Sister Circle community.therapyforblackgirls.com Grab your copy of our guided affirmation and other TBG Merch at therapyforblackgirls.com/shop. The hashtag for the podcast is #TBGinSession. Make sure to follow us on social media: Twitter: @therapy4bgirls Instagram: @therapyforblackgirls Facebook: @therapyforblackgirls Our Production Team Executive Producers: Dennison Bradford & Maya Cole Howard Producers: Fredia Lucas, Ellice Ellis & Cindy Okereke See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.