We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Damani Anderson a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Damani , thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today It’s always helpful to hear about times when someone’s had to take a risk – how did they think through the decision, why did they take the risk, and what ended up happening. We’d love to hear about a risk you’ve taken.
One of the most significant risks I’ve ever taken was branding myself as My Big Black Therapist. For most of my life, I tried to make myself small—ironic, considering I’m 6’9″ and over 350 pounds. Deep down, I wanted to blend in, avoiding the stereotype of the “big, goofy Black guy.” My size has always drawn attention, but not always the kind I wanted. To most people, I was either seen as intimidating or as a form of entertainment—rarely anything in between. I was either the “threat” or the “security,” the sports player, or the entertainer.
Growing up, my experience was shaped by how others perceived me. Despite being a regular teen, my playful personality and size led to constant misunderstanding. In school, especially in classrooms where the teachers were predominantly white women, I was harshly treated and quickly labeled as a troublemaker. They saw me as a disruption rather than a child needing a little guidance. Yet, I thrived in classrooms where the teachers were predominantly black and were treated with understanding and love.
Over time, though, I internalized the negative perceptions. As I reached adulthood, I made it my mission to blend in—to not stand out as “that guy.” I was ashamed of who I was. I didn’t fit the mold of what society expected from someone like me: I wasn’t interested in sports or physical aggression, I loved to sing, and I valued emotional connection over anything else. I wasn’t the “typical big Black guy,” and I had no idea how to embrace that truth, so I hid behind a facade.
But after years of therapy and deep self-reflection, I began to change. Slowly, I learned to embrace who God created me to be, unapologetically. I started owning the fact that I wasn’t a sports star, but someone who had a scholarship because of my intellect and talent. I refused to let society dictate who I should be and took charge of defining myself. That’s when the vision for My Big Black Therapist was born.
Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.
Certainly! My name is Damani Anderson, and I’m the founder of My Big Black Therapist, a brand born out of my journey to embrace my identity as a 6’9″, 350+ pound Black man in a society that often only sees me through a narrow lens. For years, I felt the weight of stereotypes and implicit biases that either portrayed me as a threat or as someone meant to entertain. After decades of trying to blend in, hide behind expectations, and make myself smaller in ways that didn’t honor my authentic self, I decided to flip the narrative.
I entered the world of mental health therapy after years of self-reflection and therapy of my own. I hold a Bachelor’s in Social Work from Clark Atlanta University and a Master’s in Marriage and Family Therapy from Abilene Christian University. My background as a child abuse investigator and a mentor for over 15 years has shaped my ability to connect deeply with people and support them on their own paths toward healing. Today, I’m a licensed associate therapist, life coach, and resident therapist with The Daddy Strollers Social Club in Dallas, TX as well as the QOC Network Dallas, TX.
Through My Big Black Therapist, I offer a wide range of services including individual therapy, couples therapy, group therapy, and customized workshops. I also run coaching programs for men, offering them the tools they need to communicate better with their partners, build emotional intelligence, and challenge societal expectations. I’m passionate about working with minority communities, particularly Black and Brown people, because I know how often our experiences, struggles, and mental health needs are misunderstood or overlooked.
One of the problems I help clients solve is breaking free from societal labels and expectations. Many of my clients struggle with the pressure to conform to roles that don’t fit who they truly are, whether that’s in relationships, work, or personal growth. I help them break down those barriers and embrace their authentic selves. Whether it’s through therapy sessions, workshops, or the podcast series I’m developing, I want my clients to walk away feeling empowered, seen, and understood.
What sets My Big Black Therapist apart is that I don’t just talk the talk. I live it. My brand is a direct reflection of my own journey of self-acceptance and transformation. I understand what it feels like to be reduced to your size, your race, or your perceived role in society. But I also know the freedom that comes when you reclaim your narrative and live your truth. I’m proud to bring that perspective into my therapeutic work because my clients can feel that authenticity. I’m not just sitting across from them; I’m standing beside them on their journey.
What I’m most proud of is the impact this brand has on the lives of the people I work with. From the men in my coaching programs to the fathers in the Daddy Strollers Social Club (a community created for fathers to connect and be represented), I’ve seen transformations that reinforce why I took this risk in the first place. I’ve also developed workshops, podcasts, mentorship programs, and content that help others unlearn societal biases, break generational patterns, and embrace their unique stories.
To anyone considering working with me, I want them to know that My Big Black Therapist isn’t just about therapy or coaching; it’s about dismantling stereotypes, creating space for authenticity, and challenging the status quo. I’m here to guide, support, and empower you to live fully in your truth, no matter how big or bold it may be.
What do you think helped you build your reputation within your market?
My authenticity, relatability, and mission to challenge societal norms and implicit biases is what helps build my reputation. On social media, I’m transparent about my journey, my faults, my struggles and all in between. I’m not afraid to stand on business (that’s what the young folks say LOL). I do so with poise, tact and intent. I have an ability to hear and process feelings, thoughts and emotions that make it palatable for all to understand. My willingness to share my story openly, through both my personal life and professional brand, has made me relatable to people who feel marginalized, misunderstood, or pressured to fit into roles that don’t reflect who they truly are.
Another key factor is my attention to being culturally competent, especially for Black and Brown communities. People are looking for therapists and life coaches who understand their lived experiences and can meet them where they are. I ensure that every service I offer, whether it’s therapy, life coaching or custom workshops/ speaking engagements, i provide an understanding of the unique challenges my clients face.
Also, my intent and professional history/ learned experiences assist me in being suitable for the job! From my educational background to the hands-on experience of working as a child abuse investigator, pre-college advisor, and a long-time mentor. People see the heart and intentionality behind the work I do.
My Big Black Therapist as a brand was pivotal in setting me apart. The name itself sparks curiosity, but it also serves as a direct challenge to implicit biases and stereotypes, which resonates with people who are tired of being boxed in by societal expectations. The boldness of the brand, combined with the empathy and understanding I bring to each client interaction, has helped me build a reputation and a community of individuals who feel seen and empowered.
If you could go back, would you choose the same profession, specialty, etc.?
Without a doubt, I would choose the same profession all over again. Here’s a funny yet pivotal story: God called me into this profession. Years ago, during my very first therapeutic journey, something unexpected happened. I was pouring out my heart to my therapist, a white male, when suddenly… he fell asleep. In the middle of my session, as I was opening up about my life, he literally dozed off. To make it worse, even when he was awake, it felt like I was just going through the motions. There was no depth, no real guidance or insight on how to move forward. That experience left me completely turned off by therapy, and I decided I didn’t want to go back.
After some time, I started to understand the importance of culturally competent care, and how much it was lacking in my experience. That realization planted the seed. I wanted to be the therapist that people like me could turn to, someone who not only understands the complexities of life but also the cultural nuances that shape who we are. As much as I wish I could have started this journey earlier, I now realize that every step I took was leading me to this moment. My path was designed for me to gain the wisdom, empathy, and strength to pour into others and be the representation I once needed.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.mybigblacktherapist.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mybigblacktherapist/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61553208494314
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/damani-anderson-a182b336/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@MyBigBlackTherapist-gp8xr
