We Are Tired: Supporting the “Strong Black Woman” in a Therapeutic Relationship

Course Details


On-demand, self-paced, virtual, asynchronous, noninteractive

Pre-recorded lessons with “Check for Understanding” quizzes, reflection prompts, course evaluation, and posttest.

“We are Tired: Supporting the ‘Strong Black Woman’ in a Therapeutic Relationship” is approved by the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) Approved Continuing Education (ACE) program to be offered by Shayla Élise Walker, LLC as an individual course. Regulatory boards are the final authority on courses accepted for continuing education credit. ACE course approval period: 03/11/2025-03/11/2027.

Social workers completing this course receive 3.5 total credits, including 2.5 social and cultural competence credits and 1 ethics continuing education credit.

$70.00

Black women are an integral part of American society and identifying as a Strong Black Woman (SBW) is oftentimes a source of cultural pride, strength, and resilience. Adopting the schema is considered a cultural ideal, protective factor, defense mechanism, and positive coping strategy; however, research has shown that internalizing the SBW schema can also lead to many detrimental mental and physical health outcomes. Therefore, this continuing education course equips clinicians with the skills and knowledge to effectively support Black women who embody the Strong Black Woman archetype. Participants will explore the cultural, historical, and social influences shaping this identity and the unique challenges it presents in therapeutic settings. The course emphasizes creating a safe, affirming space for clients to navigate vulnerability, self-care, and emotional authenticity, fostering deeper healing and empowerment.

Learning Objectives

Identify five characteristics associated with the Strong Black Woman (SBW) schema

Explore strategies to address the SBW schema within the therapeutic relationship

Summarize nuances of the Strong Black Woman paradox

Recognize ethical considerations when addressing the SBW schema within the therapeutic relationship

Meet Your Instructor

A woman with glasses, earrings, and a black top smiling against a white background.

Shayla Walker, PhD, LCSW

Shayla is the Founder and Owner of Shayla Élise Walker, LLC, a licensed clinical social worker, academic, and workshop facilitator dedicated to empowering transformative healing through self-love and self-reflection.

As an advocate for inclusion and belonging, she creates spaces that foster self-discovery, resilience, and liberation while equipping professionals to address systemic inequities with care and intentionality.

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