Mental health is often overlooked, especially in Black communities where the narrative of strength and resilience sometimes prevents us from prioritizing our well-being. In this episode of Black. Girl. Iowa., I had the honor of sitting down with Breanne Ward, a licensed mental health counselor and the founder of ForWard Consulting LLC, to discuss the importance of mental health, her journey into therapy, and how Black women in Iowa are redefining self-care and healing.
This conversation was raw, insightful, and a reminder that healing is a lifelong journey. If you’ve ever struggled with mental health, perfectionism, or the pressure of always being the “strong one,” this episode is for you.
A Champion for Mental Health
Breanne Ward is a Des Moines native and a nationally certified rehabilitation counselor with expertise in race-related childhood trauma and intimate partner violence. She is also a wife, mother, and faith leader, serving as the First Lady of Friendship Baptist Church in Ames, Iowa.
In our conversation, she shared her journey from growing up in Des Moines to becoming a mental health advocate. From a young age, she was surrounded by a strong sense of community, love, and cultural influence, shaping her passion for helping others navigate their mental health journeys.
Breaking the Stigma: Black Women and Mental Health
We spoke candidly about the mental health stigma that exists within Black communities and how generational trauma influences our perception of seeking help. Breanne shared:
“I was one of the first people I heard say, ‘It’s okay to tell people you’re not okay.’ And that hit me hard because, for so long, I didn’t think that was an option.”
Growing up, many of us were taught that strength means silence—that seeking therapy was a sign of weakness rather than a tool for healing. Breanne emphasized the importance of breaking free from this mindset, encouraging Black women to embrace vulnerability as a strength, not a flaw.
“I see so many Black women in my office who don’t even know how to name their emotions because they were never given space to do so.”
The Journey of Self-Discovery and Healing
Breanne opened up about her personal journey with mental health, including:
- Her first experience in therapy, where she realized she had suppressed emotions from childhood.
- Navigating postpartum depression and understanding the emotional toll of motherhood.
- The pressure of perfectionism, which stemmed from wanting to prove her worth to an absent father.
She introduced the concept of Internal Family Systems Therapy (IFS), a method that helps individuals identify and heal the different “parts” of themselves shaped by past experiences:
“Perfection was my coping mechanism. It was my way of saying, ‘Look, I’m worthy. Look, I matter.’ But it was also what was destroying me.”
This resonated deeply because so many of us—especially Black women—carry the burden of perfection while suffering in silence.
Black Women and the “Strong Black Woman” Myth
We discussed the strong Black woman trope, which often places unrealistic expectations on Black women to be caregivers, nurturers, and providers—without allowing space for rest or self-care.
“We are conditioned to be everything for everyone, but who is pouring into us?”
This stereotype is not only exhausting but also detrimental to our mental and physical health. Breanne spoke on how the expectation to always be strong keeps Black women from seeking help, further reinforcing cycles of burnout, emotional suppression, and isolation.
The Importance of Therapy and Finding the Right Fit
For those considering therapy, Breanne outlined three key steps to take before seeking treatment:
- Talk to Someone You Trust – Share your thoughts about therapy with a trusted friend, family member, or mentor.
- Identify Your Needs – Understand what you need support with (anxiety, depression, trauma, etc.) to find a therapist who specializes in that area.
- Schedule a Free Consultation – Most therapists offer free 10-15 minute consultations to help you determine if they’re the right fit for you.
She also stressed that it’s okay to switch therapists if the first one isn’t a good match. Therapy should be a space where you feel safe, supported, and understood.
“Therapy isn’t just about trauma—it’s about learning how to live a better life.”
The Mission of ForWard Consulting
Breanne’s practice, ForWard Consulting, has been serving the Des Moines community for over 10 years. Her goal is to empower individuals, particularly Black women, to take control of their mental health and break cycles of trauma.
“So many of us are just surviving. I want people to know that healing is possible—that thriving is possible.”
She also shared upcoming events, including her role as a keynote speaker at Delta Sigma Theta’s Black Mental Health Conference and her Juneteenth keynote address in June. For those interested in learning more, visit moveforward2day.com or follow her on Facebook at ForWard Consulting LLC.
Final Thoughts: Choosing Yourself
This episode reaffirmed an essential truth: Healing is an act of self-love. It is not selfish, nor is it a luxury—it is a necessity.
To Black women reading this: Your feelings matter. Your mental health matters. And you deserve care. If you’ve been waiting for a sign to prioritize yourself, this is it.
Let’s continue this conversation. How have you prioritized your mental health? What are some challenges you’ve faced in seeking therapy? Drop a comment or connect with me on Instagram (@blackgirliowa).
Until next time—take care of yourself. You deserve it.
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