Today, I want to ask you a question: When was the last time you felt safe to be yourself? 

Take a moment to reflect on that. 

Personally, I’m still on a journey to create safe spaces for myself outside of my home. It can be challenging, but I believe more spaces are becoming available for black women. 

I’m now more intentional about seeking out these places, searching for more beautiful faces that look like mine…stories that spark a similarity to mine.

The Need for Safe Spaces:

As a sex therapist and coach, I often work with black women and couples who come to me seeking safety in exploring their sexuality, desires, and vulnerabilities. We have unique experiences and perspectives on these topics. 

Sometimes, seeking support from professionals who don’t share our experiences can lead to feelings of needing to explain ourselves. In safe spaces, we want to be understood without having to educate others.

Defining Safe Spaces:

Now, let’s explore what safe spaces really mean. 

It’s become a trendy phrase, but what does it look like? 

In a safe space, you shouldn’t feel judged or ashamed when sharing your story. Others can relate to your experiences and offer empathy and support. It’s about being listened to without having to explain or justify yourself. 

Safe spaces provide a sense of community and healing that can only be achieved when surrounded by people who understand and share similar backgrounds.

Creating Safe Spaces:

That’s why I’m dedicated to creating safe spaces within my therapy practice, coaching programs, and retreats specifically for women and couples who look like me. 

In these spaces, my clients can be their authentic selves, speak their minds, and find understanding and relatability. They don’t have to worry about judgment or having to justify their experiences. 

The feedback I receive from them reinforces the importance of these safe spaces.

The Healing Power of Safe Spaces:

I’ve personally experienced the healing that comes from being in safe spaces. That’s why I continue to create these spaces for black women. 

I hosted a Winter Solstice event in December (with the amazing Jasmine Hall, please check her out) where women could come together, find support, and connect. Witnessing their interactions, their honesty, and the relief they felt in being heard and understood was incredibly powerful.

Embracing Freedom and Support:

We often face scrutiny and pressure to conform to societal expectations. However, sometimes we just want to break free and be ourselves without limitations. 

And guess what? 

We deserve that freedom. Despite messages that may tell us otherwise, we have the right to seek and enjoy safe spaces. Repeat after me: “I deserve safe spaces.”

Embracing Self-Care and Worth:

Safe spaces are where we can prioritize self-care, explore our desires, and value our worth. We can challenge societal norms and expectations, discovering what truly brings us joy and pleasure. 

It’s about reclaiming our identities and embracing our uniqueness as black women.

The Ripple Effect:

Creating safe spaces not only benefits individuals but also strengthens our community. When we find these spaces, we share them with others, allowing the support and healing to spread. Networking and collaboration become possible, leading to collective growth and empowerment.

You deserve safe spaces where you can be your authentic self, explore your desires, and find support. 

As we embrace safe spaces, we break free from societal pressures.  We build a community of understanding and healing. Let’s continue this journey together and empower each other along the way. 

Thank you for being part of my community, the community dedicated to doing something different.

 

XO,

Natasha Chentille