Chapter 5: Therapy Sessions: Observations and Reflections of a Black Psychotherapist’s Experience During COVID-19

In this chapter, I share reflections as a Black psychotherapist supporting clients and therapists during the COVID-19 pandemic. I am guided by my practice to hold space for clients and clinicians both white and Black who are simultaneously working through their experiences of grief, loss, and trauma. The intersection of three pandemics: (1) a Black mental health crisis; (2) White supremacy, police brutality, political unrest; and (3) a global public health crisis—led to Black therapist burnout. The demands and needs for therapy and mental health in marginalized communities outweighed the number of Black therapists who could help. My participation in a Black women’s literature circle helped me cope with the traumatic stress of multiple crises. I learned to re-conceptualize Black women’s mental health through the lens of de-constructing systems that historically have oppressed our intellect, abused our bodies, and imprisoned our minds.