From Instagram Influencer to Mental Health Advocate: The Rise of Black Therapist Nedra Glover Tawwab

Since her creation of an Instagram account in July 2017, Black therapist Nedra Glover Tawwab has become one of the most popular mental health professionals online. With over 1.8 million followers on Instagram and nearly 16,000 on TikTok, she has been able to reach a larger audience than in her day job.

Tawwab sees her online presence as a way to connect with people who may not have access to therapy or who feel it’s not for them. She uses language and styles that are familiar to her Black culture to resonate with her audience on a deeper level, creating trust and relatability.

In recent posts, Tawwab encourages hopefulness among her followers and provides advice on healthy relationships. She also shares thoughtful reflections on various mental health topics and aims to normalize difficult emotions like grief by showing that it’s okay to feel and express those feelings. As a mental health professional, Tawwab is mindful of what she shares on social media, avoiding personal feedback and diagnoses and instead focusing on providing informative content that encourages seeking professional help.

Tawwab emphasizes that social media is just a starting point for improving mental health and 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.