Dr. Lexx and I chatted about where these messages about partnership come from, what she considers the real work of partnership to be, 4 warning signs you want to be on the lookout for in your relationship, and she shares what vulnerability looks like in a partnership.

 Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com

Dr. Lexx and I chatted about where these messages about partnership come from, what she considers the real work of partnership to be, 4 warning signs you want to be on the lookout for in your relationship, and she shares what vulnerability looks like in a partnership. Learn more about your ad-choices at <a href="https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com">https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com</a>

The Therapy for Black Girls podcast is a weekly conversation with Dr. Joy Harden Bradford, a licensed psychologist in Atlanta, Georgia, about all things mental health, personal development, and all the small decisions we can make to become the best possible version of ourselves.

Therapy for Black Girls

The Therapy for Black Girls Podcast is a weekly conversation with Dr. Joy Harden Bradford, a Licensed Psychologist in Atlanta, Georgia, about all things mental health, personal development, and all the small decisions we can make to become the best...

Session 164: Do Relationships Have to Be Hard Work?

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/e73c998e-6e60-432f-8610-ae210140c5b1/clips/9f014538-47b0-485c-ac82-ae280008e38c/transcript

For many Black women, higher education has long been framed as both a pathway to security and a form of social currency. But when does the pursuit of another degree serve our growth—and when does it distract us from the work we actually want to do?

In this episode, I'm joined by Melissa Ifill, LCSW for a thoughtful conversation about the “grad school urge,” credential collecting, and the complicated relationship Black women have with education, labor, and legitimacy. Together, we explore the emotional, cultural, and political forces that push so many of us toward advanced degrees—and what it looks like to pause, reflect, and choose intentionally.

About the Podcast

The Therapy for Black Girls Podcast is a weekly conversation with Dr. Joy Harden Bradford, a licensed Psychologist in Atlanta, Georgia, about all things mental health, personal development, and all the small decisions we can make to become the best possible versions of ourselves.

Resources & Announcements

If this episode resonated, JOIN US ON PATREON for a deeper conversation using our Free “Define Your Grad School Why” worksheet, designed to help you slow down and get clear before making a big decision.

🗓️ We’ll walk through it together during our weekly Sunday Night Live Check-In on Patreon, January 18th.

 

Where to Find Our Guest

Instagram: @melissaifilllcsw

Website: melissaifill.com 

 

Stay Connected​


Is there a topic you'd like covered on the podcast? Submit it at therapyforblackgirls.com/mailbox.

If you're looking for a therapist in your area, check out the directory at https://www.therapyforblackgirls.com/directory.

Grab your copy of our guided affirmation and other TBG Merch at therapyforblackgirls.com/shop.

The hashtag for the podcast is #TBGinSession.

 

Make sure to follow us on social media:

Instagram: @therapyforblackgirls

Facebook: @therapyforblackgirls

 

Our Production Team

Executive Producers: Dennison Bradford & Gabrielle Collins

Director of Podcast & Digital Content: Ellice Ellis

Producers: Tyree Rush & Ndeye Thioubou 

For many Black women, higher education has long been framed as both a pathway to security and a form of social currency. But when does the pursuit of another degree serve our growth&mdash;and when does it distract us from the work we actually want to do?
In this episode, I'm joined by Melissa Ifill, LCSW for a thoughtful conversation about the &ldquo;grad school urge,&rdquo; credential collecting, and the complicated relationship Black women have with education, labor, and legitimacy. Together, we explore the emotional, cultural, and political forces that push so many of us toward advanced degrees&mdash;and what it looks like to pause, reflect, and choose intentionally.
About the Podcast
The Therapy for Black Girls Podcast is a weekly conversation with Dr. Joy Harden Bradford, a licensed Psychologist in Atlanta, Georgia, about all things mental health, personal development, and all the small decisions we can make to become the best possible versions of ourselves.
Resources &amp; Announcements
If this episode resonated, JOIN US ON PATREON for a deeper conversation using our Free &ldquo;Define Your Grad School Why&rdquo; worksheet, designed to help you slow down and get clear before making a big decision. 🗓️ We&rsquo;ll walk through it together during our weekly Sunday Night Live Check-In on Patreon, January 18th.
&nbsp;
Where to Find Our Guest
Instagram: <a href="https://www.instagram.com/melissaifilllcsw/#">@melissaifilllcsw</a>
Website:&nbsp;<a href="http://melissaifill.com">melissaifill.com</a>&nbsp;
&nbsp;
Stay Connected​<a href="https://click.convertkit-mail.com/27uv20p9mpioh8edr34s8ug63w344hg/58hvh8ug08p6wzc6/dGhlcmFweWZvcmJsYWNrZ2lybHMuY29tb3JibGFja2dpcmxzLmNvbS9wYXRyZW9u" data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://click.convertkit-mail.com/27uv20p9mpioh8edr34s8ug63w344hg/58hvh8ug08p6wzc6/dGhlcmFweWZvcmJsYWNrZ2lybHMuY29tb3JibGFja2dpcmxzLmNvbS9wYXRyZW9u&amp;source=gmail&amp;ust=1748492695474000&amp;usg=AOvVaw0jCyXCs32ITtLc68f4b9DW"> </a>
Is there a topic you'd like covered on the podcast? Submit it at&nbsp;<a href="https://www.therapyforblackgirls.com/mailbox">therapyforblackgirls.com/mailbox</a>.
If you're looking for a therapist in your area, check out the directory at&nbsp;<a href="https://www.therapyforblackgirls.com/directory">https://www.therapyforblackgirls.com/directory</a>.
Grab your copy of our guided affirmation and other TBG Merch at&nbsp;<a href="https://therapyforblackgirls.com/shop">therapyforblackgirls.com/shop</a>.
The hashtag for the podcast is&nbsp;#TBGinSession.
&nbsp;
Make sure to follow us on social media:
Instagram:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.instagram.com/therapyforblackgirls">@therapyforblackgirls</a>
Facebook:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.facebook.com/therapyforblackgirls">@therapyforblackgirls</a>
&nbsp;
Our Production Team
Executive Producers: Dennison Bradford &amp; Gabrielle Collins
Director of Podcast &amp; Digital Content: Ellice Ellis
Producers: Tyree Rush &amp; Ndeye Thioubou&nbsp;

Session 446: Should I Go Back to School? Rethinking the Grad School Urge

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/e73c998e-6e60-432f-8610-ae210140c5b1/clips/ca538124-28db-4fda-b8e0-b3d2003569a1/transcript

Whether you’re chronically online, or only log on to post a quarterly dump, it’s important that you know where and how the data you’re sharing on the internet is being used. Oftentimes, we accept, we say yes, and we check a box on the screen just to get to what we were looking for, but exercising choice in those moments is a crucial way to protect your identity and take control of your digital footprint.

Here to talk with us today is Camille Stewart Gloster, an attorney and strategist working at the intersection of technology, cybersecurity, national security, and foreign policy. Camille has advised top leaders in both government and policy and major companies like Google in cybersecurity practices, and I’m excited to have her on today to talk about how we can begin to protect ourselves from the risks that come with existing in digital spaces.

About the Podcast

The Therapy for Black Girls Podcast is a weekly conversation with Dr. Joy Harden Bradford, a licensed Psychologist in Atlanta, Georgia, about all things mental health, personal development, and all the small decisions we can make to become the best possible versions of ourselves.

Resources & Announcements

If you'd like to take the info from this episode a step further, we invite you to join us on Patreon for the 5-Day Digital Declutter Challenge! We’re hosting the 5-Day Digital Declutter Challenge to help you clean up, reset, and redefine your digital life. 

When you join, you’ll get:
A free Digital Identity Audit Worksheet
Daily declutter prompts to reduce digital overwhelm
Community conversation and support
A Live Sunday Night Check-In where we’ll work through the worksheet together and reflect in community

If you’re ready to start the year feeling lighter, clearer, and more intentional online, this is your next step.👉🏾 Join us on Patreon
🗓️Starts January ,7th 2026

 

Where to Find Our Guest

Website:  https://camillestewartgloster.com/ 

Stay Connected​


Is there a topic you'd like covered on the podcast? Submit it at therapyforblackgirls.com/mailbox.

If you're looking for a therapist in your area, check out the directory at https://www.therapyforblackgirls.com/directory.

Grab your copy of our guided affirmation and other TBG Merch at therapyforblackgirls.com/shop.

The hashtag for the podcast is #TBGinSession.

 

Make sure to follow us on social media:

Instagram: @therapyforblackgirls

Facebook: @therapyforblackgirls

 

Our Production Team

Executive Producers: Dennison Bradford & Gabrielle Collins

Director of Podcast & Digital Content: Ellice Ellis

Producers: Tyree Rush & Ndeye Thioubou 

Whether you&rsquo;re chronically online, or only log on to post a quarterly dump, it&rsquo;s important that you know where and how the data you&rsquo;re sharing on the internet is being used. Oftentimes, we accept, we say yes, and we check a box on the screen just to get to what we were looking for, but exercising choice in those moments is a crucial way to protect your identity and take control of your digital footprint.
Here to talk with us today is Camille Stewart Gloster, an attorney and strategist working at the intersection of technology, cybersecurity, national security, and foreign policy. Camille has advised top leaders in both government and policy and major companies like Google in cybersecurity practices, and I&rsquo;m excited to have her on today to talk about how we can begin to protect ourselves from the risks that come with existing in digital spaces.
About the Podcast
The Therapy for Black Girls Podcast is a weekly conversation with Dr. Joy Harden Bradford, a licensed Psychologist in Atlanta, Georgia, about all things mental health, personal development, and all the small decisions we can make to become the best possible versions of ourselves.
Resources &amp; Announcements
If you'd like to take the info from this episode a step further, we invite you to join us on Patreon for the 5-Day Digital Declutter Challenge! We&rsquo;re hosting the 5-Day Digital Declutter Challenge&nbsp;to help you clean up, reset, and redefine your digital life. When you join, you&rsquo;ll get:
<ul>
<li>A free Digital Identity Audit Worksheet</li>
<li>Daily declutter prompts to reduce digital overwhelm</li>
<li>Community conversation and support</li>
<li>A Live Sunday Night Check-In where we&rsquo;ll work through the worksheet together and reflect in community</li>
</ul>
If you&rsquo;re ready to start the year feeling lighter, clearer, and more intentional online, this is your next step.👉🏾&nbsp;<a href="https://community.therapyforblackgirls.com">Join us on Patreon</a> 🗓️Starts January ,7th 2026
&nbsp;
Where to Find Our Guest
Website:&nbsp; <a href="https://camillestewartgloster.com/">https://camillestewartgloster.com/</a>&nbsp;
Stay Connected​<a href="https://click.convertkit-mail.com/27uv20p9mpioh8edr34s8ug63w344hg/58hvh8ug08p6wzc6/dGhlcmFweWZvcmJsYWNrZ2lybHMuY29tb3JibGFja2dpcmxzLmNvbS9wYXRyZW9u" data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://click.convertkit-mail.com/27uv20p9mpioh8edr34s8ug63w344hg/58hvh8ug08p6wzc6/dGhlcmFweWZvcmJsYWNrZ2lybHMuY29tb3JibGFja2dpcmxzLmNvbS9wYXRyZW9u&amp;source=gmail&amp;ust=1748492695474000&amp;usg=AOvVaw0jCyXCs32ITtLc68f4b9DW"> </a>
Is there a topic you'd like covered on the podcast? Submit it at&nbsp;<a href="https://www.therapyforblackgirls.com/mailbox">therapyforblackgirls.com/mailbox</a>.
If you're looking for a therapist in your area, check out the directory at&nbsp;<a href="https://www.therapyforblackgirls.com/directory">https://www.therapyforblackgirls.com/directory</a>.
Grab your copy of our guided affirmation and other TBG Merch at&nbsp;<a href="https://therapyforblackgirls.com/shop">therapyforblackgirls.com/shop</a>.
The hashtag for the podcast is&nbsp;#TBGinSession.
&nbsp;
Make sure to follow us on social media:
Instagram:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.instagram.com/therapyforblackgirls">@therapyforblackgirls</a>
Facebook:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.facebook.com/therapyforblackgirls">@therapyforblackgirls</a>
&nbsp;
Our Production Team
Executive Producers: Dennison Bradford &amp; Gabrielle Collins
Director of Podcast &amp; Digital Content: Ellice Ellis
Producers: Tyree Rush &amp; Ndeye Thioubou&nbsp;

Session 445: Eliminating Your Digital Footprint

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/e73c998e-6e60-432f-8610-ae210140c5b1/clips/8b165aa0-a163-47a2-a35a-b3cb001591e8/transcript

You may remember hearing from Dora Kamau and Devi Brown on the show, and we’re bringing back some beautiful end-of-year warmth and wisdom to help usher you into 2026 with ease. Consider this an invitation to slow down, breathe a little deeper, and gently close out the chapter of this year. Whether you’re listening on a walk, during your morning routine, or winding down at night, we hope these reflections inspire a renewed sense of possibility for the year ahead. Happy New Year from all of us at TBG!

About the Podcast

The Therapy for Black Girls Podcast is a weekly conversation with Dr. Joy Harden Bradford, a licensed Psychologist in Atlanta, Georgia, about all things mental health, personal development, and all the small decisions we can make to become the best possible versions of ourselves.

Resources & Announcements

You can now catch episodes of the Therapy for Black Girls podcast on YouTube. Be sure to subscribe to get new episodes every week. 

Did you know you can leave us a voice note with your questions for the podcast? If you have a question you'd like some feedback on, topics you'd like to hear covered, or want to suggest movies or books for us to review, drop us a message at memo.fm/therapyforblackgirls and let us know what’s on your mind. We just might share it on the podcast.

Grab your copy of Sisterhood Heals.

 

Where to Find Our Guests

Devi Brown

Dora Kamau

 

Stay Connected

Join us in over on Patreon where we're building community through our chats, connecting at Sunday Night Check-Ins, and soaking in the wisdom from exclusive series like Ask Dr. Joy and So, My Therapist Said. ​


Is there a topic you'd like covered on the podcast? Submit it at therapyforblackgirls.com/mailbox.

If you're looking for a therapist in your area, check out the directory at https://www.therapyforblackgirls.com/directory.

Grab your copy of our guided affirmation and other TBG Merch at therapyforblackgirls.com/shop.

The hashtag for the podcast is #TBGinSession.

 

Make sure to follow us on social media:

Twitter: @therapy4bgirls

Instagram: @therapyforblackgirls

Facebook: @therapyforblackgirls

 

Our Production Team

Executive Producers: Dennison Bradford & Gabrielle Collins

Director of Podcast & Digital Content: Ellice Ellis

Producers: Tyree Rush & Ndeye Thioubou 

You may remember hearing from Dora Kamau and Devi Brown on the show, and we&rsquo;re bringing back some beautiful end-of-year warmth and wisdom to help usher you into 2026 with ease. Consider this an invitation to slow down, breathe a little deeper, and gently close out the chapter of this year. Whether you&rsquo;re listening on a walk, during your morning routine, or winding down at night, we hope these reflections inspire a renewed sense of possibility for the year ahead. Happy New Year from all of us at TBG!
About the Podcast
The Therapy for Black Girls Podcast is a weekly conversation with Dr. Joy Harden Bradford, a licensed Psychologist in Atlanta, Georgia, about all things mental health, personal development, and all the small decisions we can make to become the best possible versions of ourselves.
Resources &amp; Announcements
You can now catch episodes of the Therapy for Black Girls podcast on&nbsp;<a href="https://www.youtube.com/@therapyforblackgirls">YouTube</a>. Be sure to subscribe to get new episodes every week.&nbsp;
Did you know you can leave us a voice note with your questions for the podcast? If you have a question you'd like some feedback on, topics you'd like to hear covered, or want to suggest movies or books for us to review, drop us a message at<a href="https://memo.fm/therapyforblackgirls">&nbsp;memo.fm/therapyforblackgirls</a>&nbsp;and let us know what&rsquo;s on your mind. We just might share it on the podcast.
Grab your copy of&nbsp;<a href="https://www.sisterhoodheals.com/">Sisterhood Heals.</a>
&nbsp;
Where to Find Our Guests
<a href="https://www.devibrown.com/">Devi Brown</a>
<a href="https://dorakamau.ca/">Dora Kamau</a>
&nbsp;
Stay Connected
Join us in over on&nbsp;<a href="https://therapyforblackgirls.com/patreon/">Patreon</a>&nbsp;where we're&nbsp;building community through our chats, connecting at Sunday Night Check-Ins, and soaking in the wisdom from exclusive series like&nbsp;Ask Dr. Joy&nbsp;and&nbsp;So, My Therapist Said.&nbsp;​<a href="https://click.convertkit-mail.com/27uv20p9mpioh8edr34s8ug63w344hg/58hvh8ug08p6wzc6/dGhlcmFweWZvcmJsYWNrZ2lybHMuY29tb3JibGFja2dpcmxzLmNvbS9wYXRyZW9u" data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://click.convertkit-mail.com/27uv20p9mpioh8edr34s8ug63w344hg/58hvh8ug08p6wzc6/dGhlcmFweWZvcmJsYWNrZ2lybHMuY29tb3JibGFja2dpcmxzLmNvbS9wYXRyZW9u&amp;source=gmail&amp;ust=1748492695474000&amp;usg=AOvVaw0jCyXCs32ITtLc68f4b9DW"> </a>
Is there a topic you'd like covered on the podcast? Submit it at&nbsp;<a href="https://www.therapyforblackgirls.com/mailbox">therapyforblackgirls.com/mailbox</a>.
If you're looking for a therapist in your area, check out the directory at&nbsp;<a href="https://www.therapyforblackgirls.com/directory">https://www.therapyforblackgirls.com/directory</a>.
Grab your copy of our guided affirmation and other TBG Merch at&nbsp;<a href="https://therapyforblackgirls.com/shop">therapyforblackgirls.com/shop</a>.
The hashtag for the podcast is&nbsp;#TBGinSession.
&nbsp;
Make sure to follow us on social media:
Twitter:<a href="https://www.twitter.com/therapy4bgirls">&nbsp;@therapy4bgirls</a>
Instagram:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.instagram.com/therapyforblackgirls">@therapyforblackgirls</a>
Facebook:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.facebook.com/therapyforblackgirls">@therapyforblackgirls</a>
&nbsp;
Our Production Team
Executive Producers: Dennison Bradford &amp; Gabrielle Collins
Director of Podcast &amp; Digital Content: Ellice Ellis
Producers: Tyree Rush &amp; Ndeye Thioubou&nbsp;

Session 444: End-of-Year Wisdom from Devi Brown & Dora Kamau

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/e73c998e-6e60-432f-8610-ae210140c5b1/clips/74d38564-b3b9-4934-9cc2-b3c40081f56b/transcript

Session 164: Do Relationships Have to Be Hard Work?

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