Beyond Boundaries: Blackness and the Journey of a Black Clinician

Malanna Simmons, LMSW, LCSW
Jun 19
3 min read

What does it mean to surpass the boundaries that have defined us? Not just as individuals, but as Black clinicians navigating spaces shaped by histories of generational trauma, poverty, and disenfranchisement.

Let’s hold space for that question. I’m not here to give answers—because you already carry so many within you—but to spark a conversation. So, let’s talk, reflect, and explore what it means to not just survive, but thrive.

The Socialization of Blackness

Take a moment to think about the lessons that have shaped your understanding of blackness. Maybe you’ve heard: “Work twice as hard,” or “Don’t make waves.” These words, often spoken with love, also plant the idea that safety lies in limitation. For Black clinicians, every step into this field is an act of courage—an acknowledgment that you are more than the narratives meant to confine you. What stories are you ready to rewrite? What parts of blackness will you embrace as tools for transformation rather than weights of the past?

Family: Anchor or Obstacle?

Family can be a paradox—a source of unwavering love and, sometimes, unintentional restraint. When you tell your family you’re stepping into a field like clinical work, one they may not fully understand or value, how do you navigate their concerns without losing sight of your own vision? It’s not about choosing between loyalty to your roots and loyalty to yourself. It’s about finding ways to weave their love into the fabric of your journey. How do you carry your people with you as you step into the unknown?

Inclusion: A Double-Edged Sword

Inclusion. It’s a word that carries promise and challenge. As Black clinicians, entering professional spaces often means navigating unspoken rules about how to act, speak, and even think. Microaggressions, tokenism, and the constant expectation to educate others can weigh heavily. How do we hold onto our whole, unapologetic selves in places that weren’t designed with us in mind? The answer isn’t simple, but it starts with refusing to shrink. What would it look like for you to take up all the space you deserve?

The Comfort of Home vs. The Fear of the Unknown

“Home” is a powerful word. It’s where we’re rooted, where we draw strength, and where we feel safe. But sometimes, home can hold us back. The fear of leaving that comfort—of stepping into spaces unfamiliar and uncertain—can feel overwhelming. Yet, what if the essence of home is something we carry with us? What if stepping into the unknown doesn’t mean losing home, but expanding it? Let’s sit with that for a moment. What’s waiting for you on the other side of fear?

The Path Forward

How do we move beyond surviving to thriving? Here are some thoughts to guide the journey:

Challenge the Stories You’ve Been Told: Whose voices echo in your mind when you doubt yourself? How do you reclaim that narrative as your own?
Build Bridges: Find ways to bring your authentic self into every space you enter. Even when it feels like you’re rewriting the rules.
Find Your Community: Seek out those who see you, value you, and walk alongside you. None of us are meant to do this alone.
Embrace Fear: Let fear be your guide, not your barrier. It often signals that growth is just around the corner.
Define Success for Yourself: Who decides what success looks like for you? Spoiler: it should be you.

Let’s Keep This Conversation Going

This isn’t just about one journey—it’s about all of us. Together, we’re building a new narrative for what’s possible when we step beyond the boundaries placed on us. So, let’s keep talking. What does it mean for you to rise above trauma, poverty, and disenfranchisement? How can we, as a community, lift one another as we climb? I’d love to hear your thoughts, your dreams, and your vision. Together, there’s nothing we can’t do.