
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

Nov 30, 2022 • 47min
Session 285: Wakanda Forever, Producers' Chat
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 our first introduction to Wakanda, we flocked to the theaters with jubilation and pride to revel in the on-screen magnificence. The characters, costumes, and world-building. But, this time, the experience of going to the movies with family and friends to see the new Black Panther film felt fundamentally different. Many of us were adorned in white, bodies calm, and hearts steady as we prepared for what we knew would be both a cinematic gem and a grieving experience. Grief for the loss of our beloved Chadwick Boseman, our Black Panther, grief for the world that has drastically changed since the original film premiered in 2018, and the private grief we all hold in our hearts for our own meaningful reasons. It all felt like seeing your favorite cousins at a funeral. You're happy to see them because it's been a minute, but you wish it were under different circumstances. This week, our beloved podcast production team, Cindy, Ellice, and Fredia join me to discuss Black Panther 2: Wakanda Forever. We explored the complexities of grief displayed across characters in the film, comment on storylines we were surprised and delighted by, and make predictions for the future of the Black Panther franchise. This episode does contain spoilers. Resources Check out Session 47: The Psychology Behind Black Panther Visit our Amazon Store for all the books mentioned on the podcast. I'm writing a book! Get updates about Sisterhood Heals. Where to Find the Production Team Cindy Okereke Twitter Instagram Ellice Ellis Twitter Instagram Fredia Lucas 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.

Nov 16, 2022 • 44min
Session 284: ICYMI, Understanding Seasonal Affective Disorder
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. This week we’re circling back on an episode from our archive that not only matches the literal season we are in but also reflects the world we’re still trying to figure out how to navigate. Growing up, you might have heard that people’s moods change with the season. But did you know that there’s actually some science behind that? Despite Fall & Winter being a time for family traditions and celebrations, it’s also a time when more people may experience feelings of sadness, irritability, and fatigue. In this conversation with Dr. Allycin Powell-Hicks, we talked about Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), tips for managing depressive symptoms, how we can tell if symptoms are something we should be concerned about, how to support ourselves in this reimagined holiday season, and some of the relationship challenges that arose during the pandemic and how to manage them. Resources Visit our Amazon Store for all the books mentioned on the podcast. I'm writing a book! Get updates about Sisterhood Heals. Where to Find Dr. Ally https://www.allycinhicks.com/ Instagram: @allycinhicks Twitter: @allycinhicks 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.

Nov 9, 2022 • 32min
Session 283: Writing to Heal with Alex Elle
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. This week I’m joined by Alex Elle, writer, wellness educator, and certified breathwork coach whose work centers on writing and self-care. She is the author of several books and journals including, After the Rain: Gentle Reminders for Healing, Courage, and Self-Love and her brand new release, How We Heal: Uncover Your Power and Set Yourself Free. Alex and I discussed writing as a healing tool and the inspiration behind her latest book, the power of sisterhood and how to cultivate a community that feels non-judgmental, how to lean into your truth and building an emotional toolkit. Resources Visit our Amazon Store for all the books mentioned on the podcast. I'm writing a book! Get updates about Sisterhood Heals. Where to Find Alex Grab your copy of How We Heal 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.

Nov 2, 2022 • 43min
Session 282: Blending Families for the Holidays
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. This week I’m joined by Jordan A. Madison, licensed clinical marriage and family therapist and contributing writer to the Therapy for Black Girls blog. We discussed some of the more common feelings associated with blending families for the first time, what about the holidays overall can cause tension amongst family members, how you can maintain your wellness practices while other people are staying in your home or you’re staying in someone else’s, and how to tell your family you’re not coming home for the holidays. Resources Visit our Amazon Store for all the books mentioned on the podcast. I'm writing a book! Get updates about Sisterhood Heals. Where to Find Jordan Website Instagram Check out Jordan's TBG blogs Check out Jordan discussing Jingle Jangle on session 186 of the podcast 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.

Oct 26, 2022 • 44min
Session 281: Forging a New Path with Jemele Hill
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. This week I’m joined by Jemele Hill, an Emmy Award-winning journalist, creator, and host of the podcast "Jemele Hill is Unbothered,” She's also the founder of The Unbothered Network, a groundbreaking podcast and production company. Today she joins us to talk about her newly-released memoir Uphill, which details her upbringing in Detroit, her long-time career in sports journalism, overcoming a legacy of pain, and forging a new path. During our conversation, we discussed the considerations and discussions she had while writing about her family history, her career-defining moments and how she prioritized her mental health while writing the book. Resources Visit our Amazon Store for all the books mentioned on the podcast. I'm writing a book! Get updates about Sisterhood Heals. Where to Find Jemele Grab a copy of Uphill Instagram Twitter 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.

Oct 19, 2022 • 43min
Session 280: The Criminalization of Black Youth
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’re joining us in the United States, our local elections are right around the corner. A time to advocate for what we believe in and call for reform in this country, a political right many Black women fought for in the past and continue to fight for today. For some of us, the ballots will include options to promote criminal justice reform and, more specifically, police reform. The history of police activity within the Black American community is lengthy and muddled with trauma. Yet, one facet of that history that is too often overlooked is the police’s history with Black children. This week I’m joined by Blume Professor of Law and Director of the Juvenile Justice Clinic and Initiative at Georgetown Law and former Lead Attorney of the Juvenile Unit at the D.C. Public Defender Service, Kristin Henning. We discussed the narrative that exists around fearing Black children, how Black children are criminalized for adolescent behavior, how over-policing impacts mental health and identify formation, and how public health approaches in schools and within our communities can remove the footprint of police in the everyday lives of Black children. Resources Visit our Amazon Store for all the books mentioned on the podcast. I'm writing a book! Get updates about Sisterhood Heals. Where to Find Kristin Grab a copy of The Rage of Innocence: How America Criminalizes Black Youth Website Instagram Twitter 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.

Oct 12, 2022 • 39min
Session 279: The Power of Shadow Work
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 officially spooky season y’all! For many of us, the idea of gazing into the darkest parts of ourselves is more terrifying than any Halloween thriller or monster movie we could ever watch. It can difficult emotional work to dig up the parts of ourselves that we’d rather bury six feet under. The repressed parts of ourselves often challenge who we think we are and bring up feelings we’d rather forget. But what if we learned to integrate and accept the parts of ourselves we hide in the dark? What if uncovering the parts of ourselves we’re hiding in the shadows will illuminate who we really want to be? This week I’m joined by licensed therapist and author of The Shadow Work Workbook: Self-Care Exercises for Healing Your Trauma and Exploring Your Hidden Self, Jor-El Caraballo. Our conversation explores how shadow work allows for more self acceptance and living a more aligned life and the hidden gifts and talents that may be locked away in our shadow selves. Resources Visit our Amazon Store for all the books mentioned on the podcast. I'm writing a book! Get updates about Sisterhood Heals. Where to Find Dr. Jor-el Grab a copy of The Shadow Work Workbook Website Instagram Twitter 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.

Oct 5, 2022 • 33min
Session 278: ICYMI, What You Need to Know About Domestic Violence
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. Historically, Black women are disproportionately impacted by domestic violence. However, the pandemic has exacerbated violence and abuse toward Black women. Due to the health and financial challenges of COVID-19, many Black women have been isolated in their homes and unable to find safety from abusive partners. As we commemorate National Domestic Violence Awareness Month this month, I wanted to make sure you didn’t miss the critical conversation I had with Dr. Shanita Brown in 2019. Dr. Brown is a licensed professional counselor, speaker, educator and trainer in NC that fosters transformative and empowering dialogue about intimate partner violence & mental health wellness. She and I chatted about how you can recognize the signs of domestic violence, why it’s important to understand domestic violence in the context of power and control as opposed to anger management, and how you can support a loved one who may be in a relationship with an abusive partner. Plus, Dr. Brown shared tons of incredible resources for anyone seeking additional help. Resources Visit our Amazon Store for all the books mentioned on the podcast. Get updates about Sisterhood Heals. The Pandemic Created a Perfect Storm for Black Women at Risk for Domestic Violence The Power & Control Wheel The Equality Wheel Ujima Community A Call to Men A Date with Darkness podcast Where to Find Dr. Brown Website Twitter Facebook 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.

Sep 28, 2022 • 56min
Session 277: Cultivating Friendships In Adulthood
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 you’re looking to make new friends, maintaining an existing friendship, or wanting to remove yourself from a friend group all together, the process of cultivating healthy friendships is a lesson often overlooked in our textbooks and general life skills. But, why is that? When having and being a friend is a core aspect of so many of our adult lives. This week, Psychologist, friendship expert, and NY Times Best Selling Author Dr. Marisa G. Franco joins us again to discuss her new book, Platonic, How the Science of Attachment Can Help You Make And Keep Friends. Our conversation explores how avoiding conflict is not helping your friendships, how your attachment style is showing up in your platonic relationships, the difference between dependency and friendship, and how to break up with a friend amicably. Resources Visit our Amazon Store for all the books mentioned on the podcast. Join us for Sex Positive September. Get updates about Sisterhood Heals. Where to Find Dr. Franco Grab a copy of Platonic Website Twitter Instagram Take The Platonic Friendship Questionnaire 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.

Sep 21, 2022 • 42min
Session 276: The Vagina Is Meant to Be Flexible
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. This week I’m joined by The Vagina Rehab Doctor, Dr. Janelle Howell, DPT, WCS. She’s a Pelvic Physical Therapist and Board Certified Women's Health Specialist, who treats painful sex, urinary frequency, urinary incontinence, pelvic pain, and bowel dysfunction. She creates content on social media advocating for open, honest, and inspirational awareness regarding vaginal health, pelvic floor health, and reproductive health. Our special conversation for Sex Positive September explores myths about sex and the vagina, tips to optimize your pelvic and vaginal health and wellness, and more. Resources Visit our Amazon Store for all the books mentioned on the podcast. Join us for Sex Positive September. Get updates about Sisterhood Heals. Where to Find Dr. Howell Website Instagram Masterclass 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.