I enter my therapist’s office, a virtual space, one of the safest places I know. I’m reminded that my struggles, though often linked to my identity as a black woman, do not solely define who I am. My trauma is colourless; it transcends race and touches the very core of human experience.
In truth, my struggles themselves aren’t confined by colour either.
This insight emerged through the wisdom of an extraordinary woman—my therapist, Miss H.
Miss H, a guiding light, shines as a beacon of understanding and empathy, with a story painted in different shades. Yet, her ability to connect surpasses the barriers of race and culture. Initially, I felt some hesitation, questioning whether she could comprehend the nuances of my experiences. As a decade draws in, I discovered someone who, though outside my world, genuinely listened, understood, and helped me navigate the labyrinth of my mind, where shadows lingered and echoes of the past whispered. With her support, I now reflect on the intricacies of my struggles with compassion and confidence.
A woman who listens with an open heart, offering insights that my family and friends, despite their love, could not provide. Accompanied me on this journey they call life. Yet beside me, she truly hears and assists me in navigating the maze of my emotions. While some aspects of my experience are indeed tied to race, our discussions focus more on the essence of human nature than the colour of our skin. She approaches my race with respect and understanding, but, more importantly, she sees me as a person grappling with human struggles.
They say black folks don’t ’t go to therapy; well, I’m not part of that narrative.
It’s not that race was absent from our conversations—but it has always been about the human race. Or, rather, healing is not a race. There were instances when societal narratives and the weight of my skin felt palpable. Yet, the roots of my struggles often resonate on a more universal level—human struggles, social narratives, and personal battles. She approaches each conversation with an open mind and an understanding heart, not as a white woman trying to relate to a black woman but as a person supporting another through their pain.
Her race, background, and simply being of a different skin tone do not diminish her abilities, nor do they define the support she offers. In a world where social narratives often shape our interactions, she breaks through by emphasizing shared human experiences. Her personal story, distinct from mine, enhances her capacity to guide and support me. Therapy—rather than theology or ideology—has been the path to many of my insights, and she has served as the catalyst for much of my healing.
I hereby decree and declare the power of therapy. Knowing that therapy is not about theology or predetermined answers; it’s about discovering and healing oneself.
Miss H has equipped me with tools and insights that no book or sermon could provide. Her guidance is unmatched; there’s truly no one quite like her. She is one of the women who have significantly influenced my journey, seeing me for who I am beneath the surface and beyond the labels.
Her teachings and support are exceptional. She has played a vital role in shaping the woman I am today, testament to her skill and compassion. While I acknowledge the influence of other women in my life, I recognize that her race does not exclude her from being one of those pivotal figures. She has helped me unpack my triggers and traumas, not as a black woman or a white therapist, but as a fellow human being dedicated to healing.
Through her patience and expertise, she has guided me in unpacking my triggers and confronting my trauma. I didn’t care about her race; I cared about her ability to uplift me and to help me recognize the beautiful woman I am. She is part of my story, not because of her skin colour, but due to the profound impact she has had on my life.
As we reach the top of the clock, what matters is her unwavering support and her ability to help me uncover the beauty that lies within me. I am more than the sum of my struggles and traumas; I am a beautiful woman, and she has helped me realize that truth.
In the end, Miss H, my therapist, is not merely a white woman or a professional in her role; she is a cornerstone in my ongoing journey of healing and self-discovery.
Miss H, Thank you. You remind me that while race can shape our experiences, the essence of healing transcends colour.
Love Aicha [eye-sha]
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