Healing Isn’t Linear: Real Talk from Black Therapists

Because the journey doesn’t always move in a straight line.

 “I thought I was over this.”

Have you ever whispered that to yourself after a tearful spiral or a tough day that caught you off guard?

You’re not alone — and you’re not broken.

Healing isn’t a checklist. It isn’t neat or predictable. It’s layered, looping, and deeply human. And for Black women navigating trauma, burnout, and generational grief, the journey often looks more like a spiral than a ladder.

That’s why at ErivGo, we’re committed to sharing wisdom from Black therapists, psychologists, and healers who speak truth to our lived experience — without judgment, without shame.

Let’s unlearn the myth of “getting over it” and embrace the truth of growing through it.

Real Talk from Black Therapists

Dr. Thema Bryant, psychologist and author of Homecoming, reminds us that returning to ourselves means welcoming every version of who we’ve been.

“You’re not starting over. You’re arriving at a deeper level of awareness.”

Healing doesn’t always feel like clarity. Sometimes it feels like confusion.
It’s the courage to show up again — to breathe again — even when old patterns resurface.

What Healing Actually Looks Like

Here’s what healing really looks like, according to Black mental health experts:

• Crying after a good therapy session.

• Saying no… then second-guessing it.

• Feeling grief even in joy.

• Repeating a lesson — and realizing you’re learning with more compassion.

Healing isn’t failure when it loops. It’s deeper integration.

Tools to Support Your Healing Spiral

1. The “Micro-Wins” Tracker
Every week, note small moments where you showed up for yourself:

• “I canceled a plan without guilt.”

• “I took a breath before reacting.”

• “I forgave myself.”

2. Reframe the Spiral
Instead of “I’m back at square one,” try:

“I’m visiting this wound with more wisdom.”

3. Root in Ritual
Your nervous system needs predictability. Try a grounding ritual like:

• 3 deep belly breaths

• Touching your chest and saying “I am still healing, and that’s okay.”

• Writing one thing you’re proud of today.

A Note from Dr. Ayana Jordan (Yale Psychiatrist)

“Healing for Black women is not about being strong. It’s about being honest — about what hurts, what heals, and what we need.”

 You Are Allowed to Take Your Time

This is your permission slip to stop rushing your becoming.
The pace of your healing is not up for performance.
The spiral is sacred.

Try This Journal Prompt Tonight:

“What version of me needs love and patience right now?”

📥 Want More?

 
🖤 Join our newsletter for monthly resources with Black women in mental health
🎧 Coming soon: ErivGo Audio Notes on emotional healing + breathwork

Healing is not a destination. It’s a relationship — with yourself.
And at ErivGo, we’re walking that path with you.