By Mended Counseling | National Wellness Month | Charlotte, NC
Wellness is not just an individual journey—it’s a community experience. For Black women, healing often begins in spaces where we feel seen, understood, and supported. Sister circles and other forms of collective care are powerful antidotes to the isolation and over-responsibility many of us carry. This National Wellness Month, let’s explore how communal healing can nurture our mental and emotional wellness.
Why Community Care Matters for Black Women
Research shows that communal support can buffer against stress, reduce depressive symptoms, and increase feelings of belonging. Black women who participate in supportive group spaces report lower psychological distress and improved self-compassion (source). Culturally rooted community care—like sister circles—helps counter the societal pressure to always “be strong.”
What Are Sister Circles?
Sister circles are safe, affirming spaces—sometimes informal, sometimes therapist-led—where Black women come together to share stories, release emotions, and support one another’s growth. These circles are rooted in African and African American traditions of communal healing and storytelling.
Benefits of Sister Circles:
- Emotional Release: Sharing in a circle decreases emotional suppression and builds trust.
- Collective Wisdom: Learning from shared experiences fosters resilience.
- Validation: Feeling seen and heard reduces self-blame and isolation.
Evidence Behind Collective Healing
In a 2021 study, mindfulness-based group interventions for women of color significantly reduced anxiety and depressive symptoms after eight weeks (source). The findings highlight that connection and belonging are not just nice extras—they are essential mental health interventions.
Mended’s Approach to Collective Care
At Mended Counseling, we honor the power of community. We are excited to offer trauma-informed sister circles where participants can share, process, and grow together. Facilitated by culturally responsive therapists, these circles integrate evidence-based modalities like Internal Family Systems (IFS) and mindfulness to deepen healing.
A Sister’s Words
“I didn’t just find support—I found a new way to breathe. Sitting in circle reminded me that I’m not alone, and that was healing all by itself.”
Join the Circle
This National Wellness Month, give yourself the gift of collective care. Healing doesn’t have to happen alone.
Share the Love
Know someone who would benefit from this message? Share this post with a sister who deserves to be seen and supported. Use the hashtag #HealingTogether and tag us on Instagram @mended_counseling.
Mended Counseling & Consultation proudly serves Charlotte, NC and surrounding areas including NoDa, University City, Highland Creek, Mallard Creek, and all areas in Charlotte. We provide services online in NC, SC, VA, GA, and DC. All therapist are not licensed in all states. Specializing in trauma-informed, culturally responsive care.
