Finding the One (Therapist Who Gets You)

In this episode we hear from Ecaroh, a young Black woman who needs help finding a therapist who understands what she's going through. Carolyn consults with SELF’s Executive Editor Zahra Barnes, who has reported extensively on mental health in general, as well as mental health for Black people in particular. Zahra then speaks with psychologist Jennifer Mullan (@DecolonizingTherapy on Instagram) about the beauty of finding a therapist who understands your lived experience, what it means to decolonize therapy, as well as resources for those having trouble finding a therapist who can best serve their needs. For more information on Dr. Mullan, check out her website https://www.drjennifermullan.com/who-am-i and instagram @decolonizingtherapy  Here are some apps for self-care to try at home, made for and by Black people: Liberate is a subscription-based meditation app that includes practices and talks designed for the Black community. According to their website, they have curated content from 40+ BIPOC teachers with a diverse background in lineage, perspective and approach, so that everyone can find a practice in their voice. For self care tips, and great articles like, “How to talk to Black family members who may not want to understand mental illness” check out the app The Safe Place. You can also try the Shine app, Started by a Black woman and half-Japanese woman, Shine makes caring for your mental and emotional health a habit. You can learn self-care strategies and access an audio library of 800+ original meditations, bedtime stories, and calming sounds to help you shift your mindset or mood. And for directories, community building, and words of encouragement, Zahra’s article: 44 Mental Health Resources for Black People Trying to Survive in This Country. If you’re thinking about teletherapy, here are some helpful tips from Zahra’s reporting: Try to create an environment at home that helps you focus on your session. When you go to therapy in person, your session is held in a therapeutic environment—this means no distractions, no loud noises in the background, no talking to other people.  Don’t let your virtual therapy sessions sneak up on you! Make the most of your session and carve out some time beforehand to think about what you’d like to talk about.  For more tips on how to make teletherapy work for you, check out SELF’s How to Actually Have a Successful Teletherapy Appointment.