Healing Through Narrative: Supporting Black Girls and Womxn
by Takia Myers
Happy Social Work Month 2020! I believe in the power of a greeting. Whether verbal or nonverbal, it is a statement. One that says, "I see you. I hear you. You matter. You are worthy of love, compassion, and empathy." This is one of the simple aspects of humanity that has drawn me to social work, and helping to nurture the spirit and mental health of Black girls and Womxn. For almost two years, I have studied to become the best version of myself professionally, and personally, every day. Having a supportive team of amazing individuals (students and future colleagues) by my side has been imperative to my success. Since my first day at Boston College, I have been intentional about stating the demographic and community I am here to serve - Black girls and Womxn.
If you may be wondering why I write the word Womxn with an "X" instead of an "E," it is because I am inclusive of Black transgender women in my practice, as well as in my daily life, always. My work decenters the male gaze, highlighting the needs of Black femmes at every intersection of our identities.
Within this context, narrative therapy is one of my preferred modalities within this field, which I use with clients who come to me for services. I was first introduced to the narrative worldview by my professor, who has been instrumental in my journey to becoming an effective and holistic practitioner. As an evidence-based practice, it incorporates externalizing, deconstructing, re-authoring, and alternate storying, to assist a client in designing a preferred way of being. When processing past experiences of trauma, one often discovers how to confront their present, and plan for a more adaptive future, through narrative. I have witnessed empowerment and a renewed sense of zeal on a client’s paths to healing.
As an intern at my final year field placement, it has been an honor to have the opportunity of working with Black Womxn veterans, using my narrative skills, that enter each room in my trusted therapy toolkit. There is such a profound event that occurs when a client can leave you saying, “now THAT was a GEM,” in response to your curious yet non-judgmental questions. Black Womxn and girls have not been provided with the care and concern that they deserve as a result of inequities, barriers, and injustices on systemic, cultural, community, familial, and personal levels for far too long, and too often. My work is so important to me, because it leads with the wisdom of Black Womxn ancestors long before me, as well as those still working diligently today, who embody the epistemology of Black Womxn Mattering FOREVAH!
As people working within the profession of social work, it is our duty, obligation, and priority to serve all folks we encounter in practice with respect. I implore you to greet your clients, all Black girls and Womxn, and me, with a smile. Your heart may just save one!
Takia Myers is a Black Womxn, final-year clinical mental health MSW student, earning a trauma certificate. As an empathetic active listener, and a dedicated mother and friend, she loves her community deeply. Reading books centering radical Black feminist thought and delighting in the best cuisine of Boston are two of her favorite pastimes.