the national Association of Black Counselors

Introduction

In support of NABC’s commitment to advancing education, professional growth, leadership development, and culturally responsive mental health care, the Women’s Division of the National Association of Black Counselors (NABC) is a transformative initiative created to empower, develop, and uplift women in the mental health field.

This division serves as a professional home where women clinicians, counselors, educators, supervisors, researchers, and mental health professionals can thrive through mentorship, leadership development, wellness programming, professional support, and community engagement.

The Women’s Division is grounded in the belief that when Black women in mental health are supported, developed, and connected, they strengthen not only the profession, but also the families and communities they serve. Through mentorship, advocacy, wellness initiatives, leadership preparation, and outreach, the division seeks to cultivate a national network of Black women counselors and mental health professionals committed to healing, resilience, and collective advancement.

Purpose

To create a supportive community dedicated to empowering, developing, and uplifting women in the mental health field. The division provides opportunities for professional growth, mentorship, wellness, and collaboration while addressing the unique challenges faced by women counselors and mental health professionals.

Mission

The NABC Women’s Division seeks to empower women in mental health through mentorship, leadership development, professional support, and community engagement while promoting wellness and resilience among women clinicians and the communities they serve.

Vision

To build a strong national network of Black women counselors and mental health professionals who support one another, advocate for mental health awareness, and serve as leaders within the profession and the communities they impact.

Core Values

Sisterhood

Cultivating meaningful relationships that support growth, guidance, accountability, and professional advancement across generations of women in mental health.

Wellness

Promoting emotional, mental, physical, spiritual, and professional well-being while encouraging sustainability and balance in helping professions.

Leadership

Preparing and empowering women to lead within clinical practice, education, advocacy, research, organizational systems, and community initiatives.

Community Engagement

Strengthening Black communities through outreach, advocacy, education, healing initiatives, and culturally responsive mental health support.

Collective Advancement

Building a culture of collaboration, sisterhood, resilience, and shared success among Black women in counseling and mental health.

Our Five Core Goals

1. Professional Development

Offer workshops and training opportunities that support career growth, licensing navigation, clinical excellence, and leadership development for women at every stage of their professional journey.

2. Professional Support & Sisterhood

Connecting experienced clinicians with students, interns, and early-career professionals seeking guidance, encouragement, and community.

3. Wellness & Self-Care

Promote mental, emotional, and physical wellness for women working in helping professions because caregivers deserve care too.

4. Community Outreach

Develop programs that directly support the mental health needs of women and girls in the broader community, extending the division’s impact beyond the profession itself.

5. Leadership Opportunities

Encourage women within NABC to pursue active leadership roles at regional and national levels while cultivating the next generation of influential voices in mental health.

Programs and Initiatives

Sister Circles & Healing Circles

Monthly and quarterly gatherings provide brave spaces where women professionals can discuss challenges, celebrate achievements, build authentic relationships, and engage in transformative dialogue. These circles emphasize confidentiality, trust, healing, and community connection.

Programming may include:

• Virtual and in-person gatherings
• Facilitated discussions led by trained NABC members
• Themed conversations and open dialogue
• Wellness-centered community support

Professional Development Workshops

The Women’s Division offers targeted workshops designed to address the real-world experiences Black women navigate in the mental health profession. Workshops are offered in live, virtual, and hybrid formats to increase accessibility nationwide.

Workshop topics may include:

• Starting a private practice
• Navigating licensure and supervision
• Work–life balance strategies
• Burnout prevention and recovery
• Leadership and executive presence
• Clinical skill development
• Entrepreneurship and professional branding

Women’s Wellness Series

The Women’s Wellness Series places the well-being of women clinicians at the center of professional sustainability. Recognizing the emotional and systemic pressures often experienced by Black women in helping professions, this initiative offers culturally responsive and evidence-informed wellness support.

Focus areas include:

• Mindfulness and meditation
• Stress management and nervous system regulation
• Holistic self-care
• Somatic wellness practices
• Peer wellness accountability partnerships
• Spiritual grounding and restoration

Community Impact Initiatives

The Women’s Division believes that professional empowerment and community healing are inseparable. Community initiatives are designed to extend healing, education, advocacy, and empowerment to women and girls beyond the counseling room.

Programs may include:

• Girls empowerment workshops
• Mental health awareness events for women
• Mother–daughter healing discussions
• Community wellness fairs
• Intergenerational healing conversations
• Advocacy and outreach partnerships

Leadership Development

The Women’s Division is committed to preparing women to serve as leaders within counseling, education, advocacy, administration, supervision, private practice, and community-based mental health systems.

Leadership opportunities may include:

• Committee and advisory roles
• Conference presentations and speaking opportunities
• Leadership coaching and mentorship
• Research and publication collaboration
• Advocacy initiatives and community leadership training

Who Should Join

The Women’s Division welcomes:

• Women counselors and licensed professionals
• Graduate students and interns
• Early-career and experienced clinicians
• Women seeking mentorship, growth, and leadership opportunities
• Educators, supervisors, advocates, and researchers committed to advancing Black mental health and wellness

Founding Leadership Team

• LaShonne Small, MHC-LP
• Dr. Richarne Fuqua
• Johanna Mathis, MHC-LP
• Tania Bruneau, LMHC

Get Involved

The establishment of the NABC Women’s Division represents a commitment to investing in the wellness, leadership, and professional advancement of Black women in mental health.

Opportunities to engage include:

• Joining mentorship programs
• Participating in wellness and leadership series
• Serving on committees or advisory groups
• Supporting community initiatives
• Becoming a founding member
• Endorsing and promoting the division’s mission

Contact

Women’s Division
National Association of Black Counselors (NABC)

Email: women@nabcounselors.org