Resources

Articles written by Dr. Nichelle

Supporting the Specific Needs of Black Women in Psychotherapy
In the field of psychotherapy, the importance of culturally competent care cannot be overstated. For Black women, navigating mental health challenges can be particularly complex due to intersecting factors such as race, gender, and systemic inequalities. Effective psychotherapy must address these unique needs to provide meaningful support and promote healing. This article explores the specific considerations and strategies necessary to support Black women in psychotherapy.
June 5, 2024
Navigating Mother's Day: Navigating Loss, Memories, and Intensified Emotions
Mother’s Day may stir up a whirlwind of emotions, but it also serves as a powerful reminder of the enduring bond between a mother and child. Whether your mother is still with you or watching over you from above, her love is eternal, and her spirit lives on in the lives she touched. So, as you navigate this Mother’s Day, may you find moments of peace, solace, and profound gratitude for the gift of a mother’s love.
May 12, 2024
Embracing Vulnerability: Redefining Strength in Relationships for Black Women
One of the hallmark ways of beginning therapy is to identify the client's 'Presenting Problem.' Recently, I have noticed a ‘Presenting Problem’ trend among Black women presenting to therapy for relationship challenges. The problem, from their perspective, usually goes something like this, "All of my relationships fail because men are intimidated by me, or my relationships fail because men cannot handle my success, or men do not appreciate my independence." These women are often shocked when they learn that the answer to their 'problem' requires some inner work on their behalf.
April 10, 2024
The Power of Yielding: A New Approach to Relationship Conflict
In the realm of relationship conflict, we often find ourselves entrenched in our own viewpoints, vigorously defending our beliefs. However, what if we embraced a different approach, one that prioritized understanding over being right? This is where "Accepting Influence" comes in – a key concept in the Gottman approach to conflict resolution. It involves relinquishing the need to win and instead fostering openness to our partner's perspective. Through exploring "The Power of Yielding: A New Approach to Relationship Conflict," we'll discover how accepting influence can transform dynamics, leading to greater understanding and connection.
April 8, 2024
Unveiling the DARVO Effect: Understanding This Psychological Manipulation
The DARVO effect can have profound psychological and emotional consequences for victims. By distorting reality and manipulating perceptions, perpetrators erode the victim's sense of self-worth, self-esteem, confidence, and agency. Victims may experience feelings of confusion, self-doubt, and isolation as their reality is systematically undermined and invalidated. Additionally, the majority of the women I have worked with experience depression and anxiety as a result of the DARVO effect. In this blog, we will begin to scratch the surface of the DARVO effect by defining the acronym. Subsequent posts will examine its mechanisms, impact, and strategies for recognizing and overcoming it.
April 5, 2024
The Harmony of Healing: How Yoga Complements Psychotherapy
In pursuing holistic well-being, we often seek various avenues to support our mental and emotional health. While traditional therapy remains a cornerstone of mental health treatment, complementary practices like yoga have gained significant recognition for their therapeutic benefits. This blog post will explore how yoga complements psychotherapy, offering a harmonious blend of physical, emotional, and spiritual healing.
March 25, 2024
Ten Mental Health Benefits of Being a Mom
Motherhood is a journey filled with ups and downs, but countless joys await discovery amidst the chaos. It turns out that spending all that extra time at home with my daughter had some unexpected mental health benefits. Here are ten of them!
February 21, 2019
Five Ways to Ground Yourself
In times of stress and overwhelm, it's easy to feel disconnected from ourselves and the present moment. Grounding techniques offer a powerful antidote to this disconnection, helping us find stability and inner peace amidst chaos. In this blog summary, we'll explore the essence of grounding techniques and how they can benefit our mental and emotional well-being.
February 21, 2019
Five Mental Health Benefits of Working Out
In the pursuit of physical fitness, it's easy to overlook the profound impact that exercise can have on our mental health. Beyond sculpting our bodies, regular physical activity offers a multitude of benefits for our minds and emotional well-being. Whether you're hitting the gym, going for a run, or practicing yoga, here are five mental health benefits of working out that might just inspire you to lace up your sneakers and get moving.
February 21, 2019
Eight Tips for Thriving in the Workplace as a Black Woman
Navigating the work environment can be a challenging endeavor for anyone, but for black women, unique experiences and dynamics may come into play. I hope these practical tips empower you in the workplace and help you foster a positive and successful professional journey.
February 21, 2019
Eight Self-care Tips for Managing Lupus
Managing lupus isn't easy, but you're a strong queen, and I've got your back. Here are eight tips to help you navigate this journey with grace and power. Remember, you're not alone on this journey. Your strength is unmatched; together, we'll rise above lupus like the queens we are. Keep shining! #lupuswarrior
February 21, 2019