Mental health has been a hot topic for years, yet it’s still treated as taboo—especially in communities of color. Trauma is trauma, and at some point, we all need someone to help us sort through the things that don’t make sense.
In fact, a 2016 article titled Superwoman Schema, Stigma, Spirituality, and Culturally Sensitive Providersfound that while 60% of African American women report depressive symptoms, only 12% seek treatment. That “strong Black woman” expectation—the idea that we always have to hold it together—takes a real toll. It fuels stress, depression, anxiety, and even suicidal thoughts.
I’ve felt that pressure myself.
Over the last 15 years, I’ve leaned on therapy through the ups and downs of life—marriage and divorce, the loss of my sister, big moves, grad school, and career changes. But when I returned to Iowa in 2018, I struggled to find a therapist who really saw me, who understood life through the lens of a Black woman.
When I asked JaCarie why she started the practice, her response struck me:
“I wanted to create a space where I could show up unapologetically and authentically with my clients. Once I started to feel confident, I saw a deep need for a place where people could feel safe, seen, and supported while working through the most difficult parts of their lives. Too often, trauma, relational struggles, and cultural experiences are minimized or misunderstood. I wanted to build a practice where clients could reclaim their voices, heal their wounds, and feel empowered to live fully.”
That vision resonated deeply with me. Therapy isn’t just about solving problems—it’s about finding the courage to live authentically, and that’s exactly what Courageous Minds Counseling is designed to foster.
JaCarie explained that the heart of her practice is rooted in connection:
“We believe healing happens through connection. Our purpose is to walk with people as they learn to understand themselves, strengthen their relationships, and break cycles of trauma. Our values—authenticity, empowerment, compassion, and cultural humility—guide every decision we make.”
For me, that’s true in every session. The environment at Courageous Minds is warm and welcoming, and it’s the little things—like having fidget toys nearby—that make me feel comfortable and able to open up. It’s a space where I can speak freely, but also be challenged to grow.
“No two healing journeys are the same. We want people to feel less alone in their struggles, and to know there’s no one ‘right’ way to heal.”
Her long-term vision pushes even further:
“I want Courageous Minds Counseling to be more than just a counseling practice. I want it to become a hub for healing, education, and empowerment. That means offering therapy, yes, but also expanding into training, workshops, groups, and eventually retreats. It means equipping therapists with tools to provide culturally responsive care, while supporting clients holistically.”
Looking five to ten years down the road, JaCarie envisions Courageous Minds as a multidisciplinary wellness center:
“I see us growing into a team of ten or more—diverse therapists, psychologists, interns, even yoga instructors and wellness professionals. I want us partnering with schools, churches, healthcare systems, and local organizations to bridge the gaps in mental health access. And I see us innovating with technology—virtual therapy, online trainings, and creative healing tools like journals, courses, or even card decks that people can use outside of sessions.”
That kind of forward-thinking gives me hope—not just for myself, but for the community.
And while everyone should take mental health seriously, I want to pause here to speak directly to Black women: we must start putting ourselves first. For generations, we’ve been cast as caretakers, bearing the burdens of both our families and society, while neglecting ourselves.
Malcolm X said it plainly: “The most disrespected person in America is the Black woman. The most unprotected person in America is the Black woman. The most neglected person in America is the Black woman.”
It’s time we protect ourselves. It’s time we heal.
If you’re ready to begin your own journey, Courageous Minds Counseling is an amazing place to start.
Courageous Minds Counseling 1370 NW 114th Street, Suite 100 Clive, IA 50325
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Hi, I’m Emili L. Johnson—storyteller, educator, podcast host, and proud Midwesterner. I created Black. Girl. Iowa. as a platform to amplify the stories, voices, and experiences of Black folks living in Iowa and beyond. Through my podcast, blog, and community work, I aim to celebrate identity, spark conversation, and create space for reflection and joy. Whether I’m interviewing local changemakers, reviewing media, or sharing journaling tips, everything I do is rooted in authenticity, growth, and Black excellence.
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