Dr. Joy Harden Bradford

@ajcnews announced today that Dr. Joy Harden Bradford / @hellodrjoy /, licensed psychologist and one of the nation’s most trusted voices on mental health, is joining the newsroom as our new wellness contributor. Beginning this month, Dr. Joy will write a monthly column for the AJC that blends personal essays, practical guidance and reader Q&As. Her regular column, titled “Hold That Thought,” will appear across AJC platforms. The column will span mental health education advice for living a grounded life with an emphasis on accessible, culturally informed support for readers across metro Atlanta and beyond. Dr. Joy is the host of the acclaimed @therapyforblackgirls podcast and the author of “Sisterhood Heals: The Transformative Power of Healing in Community.” Through her work across digital platforms, publishing and clinical practice, she has become a leading advocate for reshaping how mental health is discussed — particularly within Black communities. Her first entry in the “Hold That Thought” column is published now, offering readers a blueprint on how learning to ask for help may be the most powerful step toward deeper connection. Read more via the link in our bio.

🏖️ Just in time for your next pool day, Sisterhood Heals is now available in paperback! Grab a copy for yourself and your girls and enjoy a deep dive into how sisterhood helps us to heal and thrive. Buy now at sisterhoodheals.com or from your local independent bookstore. 💛

In Sisterhood Heals, I discuss all aspects of sisterhood. This morning, I sat down with @hodakotb to talk about the implications of loneliness and tips for creating true connections. Grab a copy of Sisterhood Heals at sisterhoodheals.com for more tips on fostering sisterhood. 💛

How many chances are you supposed to give someone before you admit the relationship is hurting you? Dr. Natalie Jones tells Dr. Joy that her perspective on this has changed with age. At this point in her life, she says, the line may need to be drawn at the very first sign of disrespect, especially within families where harmful dynamics are often normalized. Something to think about the next time you hear yourself saying, “that’s just how they are.” #TherapyForBlackGirls

You are the architect of your life, and you get to decide what's tolerable and what isn't. Dr. Joy is my guest this week on #CrisslesCouch! Link in bio.

After years of speculation, Dr. Joy broke down her hair rotation (Pattern, Cécred, The Doux) but the product talk is just the entry point. The full conversation is about identity, pressure, and what it means to finally stop doing your hair for everyone else. 💆🏾‍♀️ Drop your favs from products, to styling, techniques, to hair affirmations in the comments and listen to Session 458, Hair, Identity, and Choice: Finding Your Way Back to Yourself wherever you get your podcasts. 🩷🎧 #TherapyForBlackGirls

Ask Dr. Joy is back! 💌 If you’re with us on patreon, you’ve already seen Dr. Joy sit with some real questions. This week, we’re bringing that conversation to the main feed. Session 460 is all about self worth; learning how to hear yourself more clearly, getting honest about your needs, and building a relationship with yourself that feels grounded and consistent. Listen in wherever you get your podcasts. #TherapyForBlackGirls

Our Atlanta Rooted in Care Dinner was absolutely gorgeous. 🤩 But Before I share the rest of the photos—please join me in celebrating @hellodrjoy for receiving the “Rooted in Sisterhood Award” from @_beamorg at the dinner, honoring her pioneering advocacy for Black women, girls, and all of us.👏🏾👏🏾 The Rooted in Sisterhood Award recognizes individuals whose leadership, care, and commitment to the wellbeing of Black women and girls strengthens the bonds of community, healing, and collective liberation. There are few Black women psychologists working at the intersection of pop culture whose impact has been so consistent, so grounded, and so essential to our communities. Joy, thank you for the generosity of your heart and the time you pour into this work. Thank you for always centering Black women. Thank you for fighting for Black women and reminding us all that when we center Black women, our entire community thrives. 🧡👏🏾 Therapy for Black Girls has been a balm—a true space for healing—for Black women and people of all genders. Your writing, advocacy, and organizing have emboldened us all. We celebrate you today and always. 🏆

This week on the podcast: Session 458, Hair, Identity, and Choice: Finding Your Way Back to Yourself. We’ve turned the tables as Dr. Joy is interviewed by our senior producer and director of podcasts, @ellicellis , sharing advice for Black women who feel conflicted, stuck, or unsure in their hair journey. She also gets personal about her own hair journey and what it’s looked like to find her way back to herself. And if you want Dr. Joy’s holy grail products, you’ll have to tune in. Listen wherever you get your podcasts. #TherapyForBlackGirls

A lot of us were taught that partnership is the marker. The reality is that longing for love doesn’t cancel out the life you’re already living. 🩷 This came up in our conversation about Is Having a Boyfriend Embarrassing Now? and it’s still sitting with us. Listen to Episode 452 wherever you get your podcasts. 🎧 #TherapyForBlackGirls

Friendships aren’t just nice to have. They’re not practice for other relationships or something to fill time until the “real” connections show up. They’re central to who we are. Dr. Joy breaks down why losing a friend hits so hard and what it means to grieve a relationship that doesn’t always get the same recognition as other losses. Session 447 is out now. 🔗 in bio. #TherapyForBlackGirls #JanuaryJumpstart #FriendshipBreakup #Grief #Relationships

ICYMI: Dr. Joy of Therapy for Black Girls (where I started my therapy journey eight years ago!) was my guest on last week's episode of #CrisslesCouch.