Finding a therapist can feel like dating—except the stakes are higher, and the emotional labor is real. For Black women and women of color, it’s not just about finding a professional with the right credentials; it’s about finding someone who sees you, who hears you, and who understands the unique intersections of your lived experience.

Whether you’re seeking therapy for healing past trauma, managing daily stress, or simply growing into your fullest self, the right therapist can make all the difference. But how do you find someone who truly gets you? Let’s break it down.

1. Start with Your Non-Negotiables

Before you begin your search, get clear on what you need. Ask yourself:

• Do I want a therapist who shares my racial or cultural background?
• Am I looking for someone with expertise in trauma, racial identity, or intergenerational healing?
• Do I want faith, spirituality, or ancestral wisdom incorporated into my sessions?

Write down your must-haves, because when it comes to therapy, compatibility is everything.

2. Use Culturally Affirming Directories

Skip the generic Google search and head to resources designed with you in mind:

• Therapy for Black Girls – A directory specifically for Black women seeking culturally competent therapists.
• Inclusive Therapists – A space for therapists committed to anti-oppressive, culturally affirming care.
• Open Path Collective – A great option if you’re looking for affordable, sliding-scale therapy.

These platforms allow you to filter for therapists who align with your needs, making the search more intentional and less overwhelming.

3. Ask the Right Questions in the First Session

That first session is your chance to see if the therapist is a fit. Think of it as an interview—because you are in control of this process. Ask them:

• How do you incorporate cultural identity into your therapeutic approach?
• What experience do you have working with Black women and women of color?
• How do you address issues like racial trauma, microaggressions, or code-switching?
• What’s your stance on social justice and mental health?

Their responses will tell you a lot. If they get defensive, dismiss your concerns, or seem unsure, trust your gut—this may not be your person.

4. Consider Alternative Healing Modalities

Sometimes, traditional talk therapy isn’t enough. Look into:

• EMDR therapy for processing trauma in a deeper, more embodied way.
• Somatic healing to release stress and trauma stored in the body.
• Group therapy or healing circles for collective healing in a safe space.

Holistic approaches that honor your mind, body, and spirit can be just as powerful as one-on-one therapy.

5. Trust Your Intuition

If something feels off, it is off. Therapy should feel like a space where you can exhale, not one where you have to educate, explain, or shrink yourself. If a therapist doesn’t affirm your experiences or makes you feel unseen, it’s okay to move on.

6. Know That You Deserve This

You deserve a therapist who honors your story, holds space for your healing, and walks alongside you—not one who minimizes your experiences or makes you work harder to be understood. Therapy is not a luxury; it’s a birthright.

If you’ve been waiting for a sign to start this journey, let this be it. Healing is within reach, and the right therapist—the one who truly gets you—is out there. Keep searching until you find them. You are worthy of that kind of care.

At Healing Insight Therapy & Wellness Collective, we provide trauma-informed, culturally affirming care for Black women and women of color. If you’re ready to begin your journey, we’d love to support you. Reach out today to learn more about our EMDR intensives, coaching, and wellness programs.