As a Black therapist and mother, self-love is not just a concept—it's a daily practice that fuels my well-being, effectiveness in my profession, and the quality of the relationship I have with my children. The journey to self-love is deeply intertwined with my identity, my work, and my role as a parent. It's something I work on constantly, and I want to share why it is so crucial for me and might be for others in similar spaces. I won’t lie to you all cultivating this awareness has been a journey that I will probably be on for the rest of my life.
Embracing My Identity
Being a Black woman, a therapist, and a mother means navigating spaces where representation is often lacking and where I face unique challenges. Self-love is the foundation that helps me embrace and celebrate my identity without compromise. It's about understanding that my worth is not determined by societal standards or systemic biases. It’s about acknowledging my own strengths and beauty, and not letting the external world dictate how I see myself.
Cultivating Resilience
Self-love gives me the resilience I need to face daily challenges. As a therapist, I encounter clients with diverse and sometimes deeply painful experiences. I need to be fully present and emotionally available, which requires a solid sense of self and a deep reservoir of inner strength. When I practice self-love, I build up that resilience, allowing me to approach my work with compassion and empathy without becoming overwhelmed.
Modeling Healthy Relationships
As a mom, my children look to me as a model for how to treat themselves and others. When I prioritize self-love, I teach them by example. I show them that self-care is not selfish but necessary for a balanced and fulfilling life. They see me making time for myself, setting healthy boundaries, and speaking kindly to myself. This modeling helps them develop their own sense of self-worth and respect.
In my work, I strive to create authentic connections with my clients. Self-love helps me approach these connections with honesty and vulnerability. It allows me to be my true self without pretense, fostering deeper and more meaningful therapeutic relationships. By embracing my own humanity and imperfections, I encourage my clients to do the same.
Self-love is not a luxury but a necessity in my roles as a Black therapist and mother. It allows me to navigate my identity with confidence, face the challenges of my profession, model healthy behavior for my children, and maintain a balanced life. It’s an ongoing journey, but one that I embrace wholeheartedly. To anyone juggling similar roles, I encourage you to make self-love a cornerstone of your life. It’s through this practice that we can truly thrive and inspire those around us. Lastly, self-love and self-care does not have to be expensive. I think we often think about getting manicures or pedicures, but it is much deeper than that. It can be dedicating time for therapy, talking walks, creating a ritual in the morning or evening before our children wake up, it can also be as simple as practicing self-compassion daily.
If you need help with developing tools to practice self-care or figure out what is getting in the way of self-care please contact me today for a free consultation or to schedule an appointment.
Wishing you peace and self-compassion,
Tyler Jasper, LCPC
