Black therapist Nedra Glover Tawwab has become one of the most popular professionals in her field on Instagram and TikTok, with over 1.8 million followers and nearly 16,000 respectively. She created her Instagram account in July 2017 when there were only a few therapists sharing information about mental health on the platform. Based in Charlotte, N.C., Tawwab views her online presence as a way to reach a larger audience than she can see in her day job.
Drawing on her Black culture, Tawwab uses language and styles that are familiar to her audience to connect with them on a deeper level, creating a sense of trust and relatability. In her recent posts, Tawwab gives her followers permission to feel hopeful, shares advice on healthy relationships, and provides thoughtful reflections on various mental health topics. She aims to normalize difficult emotions like grief to show her followers that it’s okay to feel and express those feelings.
Tawwab emphasizes that social media is just a starting point for improving mental health, not a substitute for therapy. She encourages her followers to develop relationships with local therapists if they need help beyond social media. By setting boundaries and providing valuable insights, Tawwab has created a safe space online where people can begin their journey towards better mental health.
As a Black therapist, Tawwab is able to bridge the gap for people who may not have access to therapy or may feel that it’s not for them. Being authentic to herself and her culture has allowed her to resonate with her followers on a deeper level, creating a sense of trust and relatability.
In conclusion, Nedra Glover Tawwab’s use of social media as an avenue for mental health outreach has been instrumental in connecting with millions of people across different platforms. Her authenticity and cultural relevance have helped create an online community that encourages seeking professional help when needed while also promoting self-care practices within their daily lives.
Furthermore, she recognizes the importance of balance between virtual support groups and face-to-face interactions with licensed professionals who can provide personalized care plans tailored specifically for each individual’s needs. As such, she urges individuals seeking help through social media platforms like hers not only seek guidance from licensed professionals but also develop long-term relationships with them for ongoing support throughout their journey towards better mental health outcomes.
Overall, Nedra Glover Tawwab’s work highlights the potential power of social media as an effective tool for raising awareness about mental health issues while also offering accessible resources and support systems for those struggling with these issues every day.
