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.
Our Editor's Take
Therapy for Black Girls is a podcast about self-love and growth. Dr. Joy Harden Bradford hosts the show. She founded a mental health platform of the same name as this podcast.
Podcast host Dr. Bradford is an advocate for Black women's mental health. The psychologist has written articles for the New York Times and The Washington Post. She wrote the book Sisterhood Heals: The Transformative Power of Healing in Community.
The Therapy for Black Girls podcast focuses on the intersection of mental health and pop culture. It invites listeners to go inward and outward when working on their mental health. Dr. Bradford discusses the effect of trauma on the brain. She sits down with Dr. Lisa Orbé-Austin to talk about imposter syndrome. The host invites Dr. Thema Bryant to explain what happens when faith and mental health don't align.
Dr. Bradford recognizes that pop culture is a mirror. It reflects everyday people's struggles. She interviews Kerry Washington, who plays Paige Alexander in Hulu's Unprisoned. From there, the conversation evolves to include parenting attachment styles. She meets with Carla Banks-Waddles, the producer for Bel-Air. They talk about the unique struggles of Black women in the workplace.
The host also provides concrete strategies for overcoming challenges. She talks about the benefits of sound meditation and breathwork. She describes what a healthy friendship looks like. The host explores birdwatching for stress relief. She also advises on coping after a layoff.
Therapy for Black Girls also includes “TBG University.” These episodes focus on the unique challenges of college students. “TBG Library” episodes are for book lovers. In those, Dr. Bradford sits down with authors of recent books.
The show's durability is a testament to its value as a resource for Black women. It's no surprise that Therapy for Black Girls is the recipient of prestigious prizes. It won a Webby Award in 2021 and an NAACP Image Award in 2023. However, listeners should consult a real-life professional to implement the advice on this show.
