Guest Contributor: Berlina Washington
Trauma-informed Wellness Coach, Speaker, Author, and the Founder of WithinHER
What does Black Mental Wellness mean to you?
To me, Black Mental Wellness means creating a safe space where the unique experiences, challenges, and cultural realities of Black individuals are acknowledged, respected, and supported. It’s about breaking the stigma within our communities that often keeps us from seeking help, and understanding that healing is not just about surviving trauma but thriving beyond it. Black mental wellness also embraces the richness of our heritage and the strength in our resilience, while recognizing the impact of systemic racism, generational trauma, and daily microaggressions on our mental health. It means advocating for access to culturally competent care and creating spaces where Black individuals feel seen, heard, and valued. Ultimately, Black mental wellness is about healing, empowerment, and ensuring that we can fully show up for ourselves, our families, and our communities with a sense of wholeness and peace.
How do you promote change and well-being in the Black community?
As a wellness coach and founder of WithinHER, I promote change and well-being in the Black community by focusing on healing from trauma, creating safe spaces for dialogue, and fostering empowerment. I work to break the cycle of pain and generational wounds by providing women with resources and support to heal, grow, and step into their purpose. This involves offering trauma-informed coaching, mentorship programs for young Black girls, and hosting community events centered around mental health, wellness, and self-care. WithinHER’s approach is holistic, addressing not only mental and emotional well-being but also physical health, financial literacy, and spiritual growth. By creating a community rooted in faith and resilience, we empower Black women to reclaim their power, turn their pain into purpose, and lead lives of self-love, strength, and independence. Through storytelling, education, and sisterhood, we’re building a foundation for lasting change that uplifts individuals and the entire community.
What are some upcoming events you are leading, that promote mental health and wellness, that you would like for our Black Mental Wellness audience to know about?
I have a few upcoming events that focus on mental health and wellness that I’m excited to share with your Black Mental Wellness audience:
Bloom & Chat Monthly Women’s Circle This ongoing monthly circle offers a consistent space for women to gather, reflect, and share in a nurturing and empowering environment. We focus on mental health, self-care, and building a sense of sisterhood. Each month, we explore different themes to support personal growth and healing.
These events are designed to foster community, healing, and personal growth, and I would love for your audience to join us! Register by visiting www.withinher.co/events
How do you make time for your own wellness and self-care?
I make time for wellness by building self-care into my daily routine. I prioritize my spiritual practices, such as prayer and journaling, because they help me stay grounded and centered. I also practice mindfulness, taking a few moments each day to pause and breathe, especially when life feels overwhelming. Setting boundaries is another big part of my self-care. I’ve learned to say no when I need to and recognize when I need rest or time away to recharge. By integrating these habits into my everyday life, I can sustain my well-being while helping others do the same.
Tell us about your educational and/or professional training, and current area of expertise related to mental health and wellness?
I am a certified trauma-informed wellness coach with a background rooted in both personal experience and professional development. My journey began with overcoming my own struggles with trauma, including mental, physical, and sexual abuse, which inspired me to pursue formal education and training in mental health and wellness. I have completed specialized training in trauma recovery and resilience-building, and I continuously expand my knowledge through courses and workshops that focus on helping individuals break free from the cycles of trauma, self-sabotage, and low self-worth. As a wellness coach, I empower women to heal from past wounds, reclaim their inner strength, and find their purpose in life.
What are some ways that you promote mental health and wellness through your area of expertise?
Through my work as a trauma-informed wellness coach and founder of WithinHER, I create safe spaces where women can heal emotionally, mentally, and spiritually. I focus on helping my clients understand how past trauma has impacted their lives, and I guide them toward healing through self-discovery, empowerment, and faith. I also lead support groups, empowerment circles, and workshops where we practice mindfulness, grounding exercises, and prayer to promote mental wellness. Additionally, I am in the process of incorporating yoga into my services to further support emotional and physical healing through movement, breathwork, and reflection.
What are some things that we should know about your area of expertise?
Trauma-informed coaching focuses on creating a compassionate, non-judgmental space where individuals can process their trauma and begin the journey to healing. It recognizes the impact of past experiences on the present, especially when it comes to mental health. One important aspect of this work is helping clients understand that healing is a gradual process—it’s not linear, and there’s no single “right way” to recover. Through a trauma-informed approach, we emphasize empowerment, self-awareness, and emotional resilience, helping individuals rebuild their lives without the weight of shame or guilt. In my practice, faith plays
How can we encourage more people to seek mental health treatment?
We can encourage more people to seek mental health treatment by normalizing conversations about mental health in our daily lives and communities. It’s important to make mental health care as accessible as physical health care—highlighting that it’s okay to ask for help, just like we would with a medical condition. Sharing personal stories of how therapy, counseling, or coaching has helped us can also break down barriers. Creating supportive, judgment-free spaces where people feel safe to express their feelings and concerns will make it easier for them to reach out for professional support. Another way is by promoting education and awareness about the various forms of mental health support available. Not everyone feels comfortable with traditional therapy, but alternatives like trauma-informed coaching, group support, or faith-based counseling can be a good fit for some. The key is to empower people with choices and encourage them to take that first step toward healing without fear or shame.
What are your recommendations for ending stigma in the Black community?
Ending stigma in the Black community starts with education and open dialogue. We need to create spaces where mental health is seen as a priority, not a weakness, and where seeking help is a sign of strength, not shame. Highlighting the mental health challenges specific to the Black community—such as the impact of systemic racism, generational trauma, and socioeconomic stressors—can help make mental health struggles more relatable and less isolating. We should also elevate voices in the Black community who have experienced mental health challenges and have found healing through treatment. When people see others who look like them sharing their mental health journeys, it becomes easier to relate and feel empowered to seek help. Incorporating mental health conversations into faith-based settings, family gatherings, and community events is also crucial because these spaces often serve as the core of the Black community.
What can potential clients expect during an initial session? Follow up sessions?
In an initial session, clients can expect a safe, supportive, and non-judgmental environment where they are invited to share their story. We typically start with an exploration of their current challenges, past experiences, and what they hope to achieve. The goal is to understand their unique needs and set the foundation for healing. We’ll focus on building trust and comfort, so they can feel empowered to speak openly about their struggles. I also use grounding techniques to help clients feel centered during our conversation. Follow-up sessions are about deepening the healing process. We’ll focus on specific goals related to their mental and emotional well-being, and explore tools and strategies to manage pain, anxiety, or trauma. I incorporate mindfulness exercises, faith-based reflections, and actionable steps that clients can take in their daily lives to create lasting change. Each session is tailored to the client’s progress, and we adjust as needed to ensure they are moving toward their goals.
Do you have an experience with seeking mental health treatment that you would like to share with the Black Mental Wellness audience?
Yes, my personal journey with mental health treatment began after I realized that I couldn’t continue carrying the weight of my trauma on my own. Growing up, I experienced violence, abuse, and pain that deeply affected my sense of self. For years, I suppressed those feelings, thinking I had to be strong for everyone else. But the truth is, the strongest thing I ever did was ask for help. Through counseling and faith-based healing, I learned how to confront the pain I had buried for so long. I discovered that healing is not just about understanding what happened, but also about giving myself permission to grieve, forgive, and move forward. Mental health treatment gave me the tools to reclaim my life and create WithinHER, a space dedicated to helping other women find their own path to healing. I want the Black community to know that seeking help is a sign of courage, not weakness. There is no shame in needing support, and in fact, it’s one of the most powerful steps toward living a life of peace, purpose
What wellness strategies do you think should be given more attention within the Black community? Are there any reasons why you think they are not given more attention?
In the Black community, mental health awareness and trauma healing need much more attention. Often, the focus is placed on physical health, while mental and emotional well-being may be overlooked. Strategies like therapy, mindfulness, and trauma-informed wellness practices should be emphasized more. Unfortunately, these approaches can be stigmatized, or there may be a perception that seeking help is a sign of weakness. There’s also a long history of mistrust in healthcare systems, and economic barriers can prevent access to mental health services. Culturally, we are taught to “be strong” and keep moving despite hardships, but this can lead to emotional suppression. It’s crucial to create spaces where emotional expression is normalized, and professional mental health resources are accessible and trusted.
What are your top 5 favorite wellness and self-care strategies?
Prayer and Meditation: These practices help me connect with God and center myself in peace, even during difficult times.
Journaling: Writing out my thoughts, feelings, and prayers helps me process emotions and clear my mind.
Grounding and Breathing Exercises: Taking a few minutes for deep breathing or grounding techniques calms my nervous system and keeps me present.
Movement: Whether it’s walking or doing yoga, physical activity helps me release stress and feel more connected to my body.
Setting Boundaries: Protecting my time and energy by saying no when necessary allows me to maintain balance and avoid burnout.
What resources do you find most helpful to encourage mental health and wellness?
I find that a combination of community support, spiritual guidance, and professional resources is key to encouraging mental health and wellness. Online platforms that offer access to therapists or wellness coaches are invaluable for reaching people who might not have these resources locally. Faith-based resources, such as devotionals or prayer circles, provide spiritual support that aligns with emotional healing. Also, support groups and empowerment circles—like the ones we host through WithinHER—are powerful because they bring women together to share their experiences, creating a sense of sisterhood and healing. Finally, mindfulness and meditation apps are great tools for people to use at their own pace, offering exercises that promote calmness and reduce anxiety.
Guest Contributor
Berlina Washington is a trauma-informed wellness coach, speaker, author, and the Founder of
WithinHER, a transformative initiative she created in 2021 to empower women to heal from trauma and reclaim their lives. Overcoming her own experiences of sexual, mental, and physical abuse, Berlina turned her pain into purpose, guiding women on their journey to self-love, peace, and inner strength. Rooted in faith, she provides support through coaching, events, and community, helping women find freedom from their past and embrace their God-given potential. Berlina is a dedicated wife and mother of four daughters.
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