The Importance of Having a BIPOC Therapist in Your Pathway to Healing

When it comes to mental health support, finding the right therapist can make all the difference. For many people of color, working with a therapist who understands the impact of racial identity, generational trauma, and cultural nuances is essential to the healing process. This is why having a BIPOC therapist can be a game-changer—especially in the world of online therapy and virtual counseling now more than ever the possibilities are endless.

Even though, finding the right therapist can be challenging, I would love to encourage people to seek out a person that they feel like they can connect to and they can feel safe with. Online therapy opens the doors to a sea of possibilities, so don’t settle for someone that just feels okay.

Why Representation in Therapy Matters

Therapy is most effective when you feel truly seen, heard, and understood. While all therapists are trained to provide compassionate care, those who share your cultural background may have a deeper understanding of the unique challenges you face and where those complexities are just self-explanatory.

A BIPOC therapist can:
✅ Offer a culturally affirming space where you don’t have to explain or justify your experiences.
✅ Understand the impact of racial trauma, microaggressions, and systemic oppression.
✅ Help you navigate cultural expectations around mental health, family, and identity.
✅ Validate your lived experiences without minimization or misunderstanding, and possibly even share your pain from a place of relatedness.

For many, working with a therapist of color eliminates the extra burden of having to educate their provider about the realities of discrimination, racial identity, and cultural struggles. Instead, sessions can focus on healing and growth. Even though all therapists, regardless of identities, should have foundational knowledge about the dynamics of oppression, not all do. There are differences in training and focus that our different academic degrees vary in as well as every person is different; and there may be therapists that aren’t as informed, educated, or aware about these dynamics.

Accessing a BIPOC Therapist Through Online Therapy

One of the challenges in finding a BIPOC therapist is that they are often underrepresented in traditional therapy spaces. However, online therapy has made it easier than ever to connect with therapists who share your background, no matter where you live.

One typical misconception is that people think that their therapist has to be located in their city of residence. However, a licensed therapist can be located anywhere in your state and even in a different state or country as long as they are licensed and approved to practice in your state of residence. In my case, I am located in the state of Iowa, but I can offer services in Iowa, Washington state and Wisconsin due to being approved by the Social Work boards of those 3 states.

Through virtual counseling, you can:
📌 Find a therapist who truly understands your experiences, even if there aren’t many BIPOC providers in your local area.
📌 Receive therapy from the comfort of your home, eliminating the need for long commutes, planning prolonged absences from work, or waiting lists.
📌 Work with a provider who specializes in issues like intergenerational trauma, racial stress, and identity exploration.

Healing Trauma with Online EMDR

For trauma survivors, finding the right treatment approach is just as important as finding the right therapist. Online EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) is an evidence-based therapy that helps people process distressing memories in a way that reduces emotional pain.

A BIPOC therapist trained in online EMDR can help clients work through racial trauma, family wounds, and other distressing life experiences in a culturally sensitive way. Virtual counseling sessions ensure that clients have access to this powerful healing modality without the barriers of in-person therapy.

You Deserve a Therapist Who Understands You

If you’ve ever felt unseen or misunderstood in therapy, know that you’re not alone. Finding a BIPOC therapist through online therapy or virtual counseling can create a healing space where your experiences are validated and your identity is honored.

No matter where you are in your mental health journey, you deserve a therapist who truly gets you. If you’re ready to take the next step, consider exploring online EMDR or virtual therapy options with a provider who understands the cultural and personal layers of your healing.

If you're ready to embark on a journey of healing and personal transformation, I encourage you to reach out. I am passionate about trauma-informed care in all spaces as well as creating safety so you can process your experiences at your own pace. Please contact me to schedule a consultation and learn more about how online trauma therapy can help you achieve your goals.

I am dedicated to helping you create a life filled with greater joy, fulfillment, and resilience. Let's work together to start your healing journey.