We were lucky to catch up with Nerissa Legg recently and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Nerissa, thanks for joining us today. Was there a defining moment in your professional career? A moment that changed the trajectory of your career?

As a Black Woman in America, there are not very many spaces in which we feel as though we are safe in being our authentic selves. For me, working in majority white spaces in the Mental Health field, I too felt the same. I had plenty of experiences working in the field with amazing clients and therapists, but it was at this defining moment that I felt very different amongst my peers. It seemed as if my input regarding my clientele was not valued or appreciated. I found myself hiding who I was as a Black Therapist, because it didn’t feel acceptable. I was bold, honest, fun, but also stern, caring and flexible, my people mattered more than anything and I wanted to do everything in my powers to help. And to be honest, in those spaces, these traits were not warranted.

Shortly after this realization, I began having conversations with other likeminded people in my community who also felt this way, shame for being who they really are, within many areas of their lives. We all recognized that this was a trauma response and that there needed to be much healing in our community so that we would feel comfortable being who we are. It was at this moment that I decided to begin to cultivate safe spaces for healing in the Black Community through my non-profit organization Black Girls Crowned. We do therapy a little differently, and that’s okay! BGC represents me and every Black person who has never felt like they have been seen or heard from anyone. We strive to end the stigma surrounding Mental Health in our community by offering various forms of therapy that is Bold,Honest,Fun, but also,Caring and Flexible. Through the creation of my organization I have been able to help my people in the avenues that we, the client(s) and I, see as fit. BGC has not only helped to give the Black community a voice, but for me as a Black Woman too!

Nerissa, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

I am a Licensed Professional Counselor in the state of MI. I have been working in the mental health field for almost 10 years. I have worked in various settings such as Community Mental Health, Addiction,Inpatient Psychiatric Hospitalization and now private practice in my home town of Ypsilanti,MI! I have known that I wanted to be a therapist since I was a young kid,I’m just grateful for the path that my God has given me. I believe that my passion for my community sets me apart and my openness and willingness to do what is best for my people. I graduated with a Bachelors in Psychology from Wilberforce University,America’s first private HBCU to be owned and operated by Black people. My education at Wilberforce taught me that many of the theories and philosophies in Psychology were actually made to be against Black people. With this, my professors taught me that I had to be different in order to truly help! I believe that building a strong rapport with my clients is the most important thing, I have to be relatable and creative to provide that safe space that many of us long for. Through these experiences Black Girls Crowned was cultivated.

Black Girls Crowned is unconventional therapy, some days we are hyping each other up as one of us stands in front of a mirror in a group session and in others you might participate in EMDR to reprocess your traumas within an individual session. Whatever works, is whatever works! We are very proud to be able to offer these services that are catered for us and by us! Some of these services include Individual,Family,Couples, and Group Therapy. Group therapy is our specialty as we facilitate sessions with various topics for the Black Community which can include but are not limited to “Depression and Anxiety for Black Women”, “Childhood Trauma”, “Mental Health and Racism” and etc. These discussions are interactive, Bold, Creative and Safe. We work to not only create these safe spaces alone, but through various partnerships with businesses, schools, organizations, churches and etc.

Putting training and knowledge aside, what else do you think really matters in terms of succeeding in your field?

I believe that EVERY Therapist needs a Therapist. This was something that I was taught in school and also in life. As a mental health professional, we hear and see so much on top of what we are already going through in our own lives. By going through therapy myself, I have become a better person not only for my clients, but for myself and my legacy. I have learned how to challenge my own behaviors, thoughts, and beliefs while also allowing myself to be vulnerable. I don’t believe it’s fair to expect my clients to walk through their healing if I can’t challenge myself to do the same. This has helped to also humanize Mental Health Professionals, as no one is perfect. I also have no shame in letting anyone know (even my clients) that I attend therapy. Therapy is very important in order to succeed in my field, we all have some healing to do!

How’d you build such a strong reputation within your market?

I believe that I have been able to build my reputation within my market by consistently showing up and standing out! Throughout my journey within private practice , I often present at various churches, schools and etc. I show up as who I am which allows others to see that I am authentic, genuine, fun and caring. Through my interactive and genuine presentations, I have been able to build an amazing clientele that always refer their family and friends. I am so honored that others think of me in such great ways. I am often baffled that so many people choose to tell me their most traumatic stories and process it all with me.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.blackgrislcrowned.com
• Instagram: @blkgirlscrowned
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/blkgirlscrowned/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nerissa-gilyard-legg-ma-lpc-3945623a

Image Credits
Rights belong to Nerissa Legg