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For Black History Month, we’re tackling myths and misconceptions about mental health in the Black community. Shining light on these myths helps to debunk harmful narratives and—perhaps more importantly—facilitate greater openness and access to the life-changing support system that therapy can provide.
We chatted with Dr. Mollie Innocent-Cupid, Clinical Director at Two Chairs, to get her take on why these myths exist in the first place and how we can begin to shift the conversation toward healing, empowerment, and proactive mental well-being.
Myth 1: Black women don’t experience mental health issues as severely as other demographic groups
What societal factors might contribute to the perception that Black women don’t struggle with mental health?
Mollie:
The perception that Black women don’t struggle with mental health is deeply rooted in societal expectations and stereotypes. From a young age, Black women are often socialized into the role of caregivers—not just for their families, but for their communities.
This expectation of being the “strong Black woman” creates a narrative that prioritizes resilience and self-sacrifice over vulnerability and emotional well-being. As a result, many Black women learn to suppress their own emotional needs, often overlooking critical aspects of their human experience in order to care for others.
Compounding this is the intersectional experience of being both a racial and gendered minority. Black women are frequently subjected to microaggressions, discrimination, and systemic inequities, which can take a significant mental and emotional toll. However, the necessity of surviving and navigating these challenges often leads to the development of resilience as a protective mechanism. This resilience is frequently celebrated and admired, but it can also mask the very real mental health struggles Black women face, reinforcing the harmful misconception that they don’t need help or support.
Normalizing vulnerability, advocating for culturally competent mental health care, and breaking the stigma surrounding therapy are all essential steps toward supporting the mental health of Black women.
Myth 2: Therapy is only for people with severe mental health issues
Why is it important for people to consider therapy even if they’re not in crisis?
Mollie:
A lot of folks, especially in the Black community, tend to think that therapy is only for when life has reached an intolerable state—when we’re in crisis, unsure how to move forward. However, it’s just as important, if not more so, to seek support before a crisis emerges.
Therapists are trained to explore and understand thought and behavioral patterns, and they can help you unpack how systemic stressors, generational trauma, and early life experiences might be shaping your current reality.
For Black individuals, navigating the intersections of racism, microaggressions, and cultural expectations can create unique challenges that deserve attention.
Having a therapist early on can truly support a safe, affirming space to process these experiences while also focusing on personal growth, joy, and healing.
It’s through this collaborative process that therapists can not only support you in working through existing struggles but also empower you to prevent crises and thrive in ways that honor your full humanity.
Myth 3: Faith alone is enough to overcome mental health struggles
How does spirituality support mental health, and where does therapy complement it?
Mollie:
Part of the stigma surrounding mental health treatment, especially in faith-based communities, stems from the belief that an individual should be able to “pray away” their struggles or that their faith alone should be enough to resolve their challenges. This perspective can unintentionally dismiss the complexity of mental health issues and create shame for those who are struggling.
However, faith and therapy are not in opposition—they can deeply complement one another.
The right therapist can integrate a client’s faith and spirituality into treatment, respecting and even utilizing those beliefs to enhance the healing process without imposing their own beliefs on the client. For example, therapy might incorporate spiritual practices like mindfulness, scripture reflection, or discussions about one’s faith journey to create a holistic approach to mental health. Choosing to seek therapy doesn’t mean a lack of faith—it’s a brave step toward taking care of oneself and honoring the gifts of life.
Myth 4: Once you start therapy or medication, you’ll need it forever
How do Two Chairs therapists help clients build the skills they need to manage their own mental health?
Mollie:
As therapists, our goal is to put ourselves out of a job!
We’re here not only to provide a safe space in which you can process your emotions, but also to provide you with tools and skills to navigate life’s ups and downs independently.
Two Chairs is designed to give you the tools and the confidence to navigate life on your own—not to keep you in therapy forever. That’s why we start with an in-depth matching appointment to connect you with the right therapist for your needs. Throughout your journey, we’ll use check-ins and data to track your progress, ensuring therapy is truly helping you feel better. This approach gives you ownership over your experience, enabling you to work toward your goals and know when you’re ready to move forward.
Another common myth about therapy is that it’s a luxury or a sign of weakness. The truth is, therapy is an incredible and essential tool for empowerment and self-care, especially within communities that have experienced systemic oppression, racism, and generational trauma. By dispelling these false narratives, we can normalize therapy and make it more accessible, paving the way for healing—not just for individuals, but entire communities.
