I’ve been the only Black person in the waiting room, the only person of color in the group session. I’ve sat across from a well-meaning therapist and felt that familiar, sinking feeling as I realized I’d have to spend the first twenty minutes of my paid session giving a lesson on culture, race, and why my family is the way it is.
It’s exhausting. And it’s not therapy.
You’re looking for support, not a student to teach. You need a space where you can just… talk. Where you can be angry, or sad, or confused about things, and the person listening understands the world you’re living in. That’s not too much to ask.
The Power of a Culturally Competent Therapist
When you find a therapist who truly gets your background, something shifts. You can finally let go of the tension you didn’t even know you were holding. For many, this means finding a BIPOC therapist who has a similar lived experience. There’s a shorthand, a deep understanding that makes you feel safe from the start.
But cultural competence is broader than just a shared identity. It’s a therapist’s deep commitment to understanding the unique pressures you face. A great therapist, regardless of their own background, has done the intentional work. They’ve educated themselves on systemic issues, racial trauma, and what it means to be a true ally.
The most important thing is that the burden of education is not on you. A culturally competent therapist creates a space where you can finally put down the heavy bag of explanations and just be.
The Stuff We Actually Talk About
So what does this look like in the therapy room? What do we actually talk about when we don’t have to do all that explaining?
Everything. But here are some things that come up a lot.
- The Weight We Inherited. We talk about the pressure from our families. The sacrifices they made. The unspoken expectation that we have to be perfect to make it all worthwhile. We talk about the love and the burden of it, all at once.
- The Anger and the Grief. We make space for the anger about racism. The day-to-day exhaustion of code-switching and the big moments that leave you reeling. It’s not about “getting over it.” It’s about processing it so it doesn’t eat you alive.
- All of You. We talk about what it means to be BIPOC and queer. Or first-gen and an artist. Or a parent trying to raise joyful kids in a world that can be so hard. You get to bring all of your identities into the room.
- Finding Joy. This is a big one. Therapy isn’t just about the pain. It’s about reconnecting with your joy, your creativity, and your power. It’s about building a life that feels like your own.
Okay, So How Do You Actually Find Someone?
It can feel like looking for a needle in a haystack. But there are more of us out here than you think. Here’s my no-nonsense advice for finding a BIPOC therapist in MA.
- Use Specialized Directories. Don’t just scroll through your insurance company’s list. Start with websites specifically made for us. Therapy for Black Girls, the National Queer and Trans Therapists of Color Network, and Inclusive Therapists are all great places to start your search.
- Read Their Words. When you find someone who looks promising, go to their website. Read their blog. Read their “About Me” page. Does their voice resonate with you? Do they sound like a real person you’d want to talk to?
- Trust the First Session. The first full appointment is the real vibe check. You’re there to see how it feels to talk to them and share a piece of your story. Do they listen? Do you feel a flicker of hope? Trust that feeling. It’s okay if the first person you meet isn’t the right fit for the long term.
Our Solution to a Problem
I have to be honest. I built Colorful Resilience because I saw what was missing in mental health. I saw a need for a place that didn’t just tolerate diversity but was built around it. A place where clients could feel safe, seen, and understood.
Our practice was created to be a solution. We are a team of clinicians deeply committed to providing culturally competent care. Some of us are members of the BIPOC and queer communities. Others are dedicated allies who have done the work to ensure they can offer a truly affirming space. We believe you are the expert on your own life and that your story deserves to be met with real, lived understanding.
Let’s Talk
If you’re tired of explaining yourself. If you’re ready to be seen. Let’s talk.
You don’t have to have it all figured out. You just have to show up. We’ll meet you there.
