Rooted in the Rock: A Self-Care Love Letter to Black Women

There’s something powerful about standing tall against the backdrop of ancient rock formations—weathered, unbothered, and beautiful. Much like the photo of myself, I am rooted in strength and serenity. Black women across the world are rediscovering the importance of taking up space—physically, emotionally, and spiritually.

This photo, taken among the breathtaking red rocks and open sky, reminds us of a truth we often forget: you belong in nature too. You are allowed to rest, to be still, to breathe deeply. You are allowed to find peace.

Reclaiming Nature as a Healing Space

While attending the Society of Industrial Organizational Psychology Conference, I extended my stay to take advantage of the scenery in Colorado. The outdoors haven’t always felt accessible to us, but nature belongs to us too. Whether it’s hiking, meditating by water, or simply sitting in sunlight, reconnecting with the earth is revolutionary self-care. The land holds our stories—of ancestors who endured and thrived—and reminds us we are deeply rooted, resilient, and worthy of rest.

“I go to nature to be soothed and healed, and to have my senses put in order.” — John Burroughs
“The land has always been a part of our liberation.” — Leah Penniman

The Power of Stillness

There is a quiet confidence in standing still. In that stillness, we can listen to our bodies, our hearts, and our needs. Stillness isn’t the absence of action; it’s the presence of intention. Take moments to unplug, to stretch, to rest your edges and your soul.

“Rest is a form of resistance because it disrupts and pushes back against capitalism and white supremacy.” — Tricia Hersey

“There is a voice that doesn’t use words. Listen.” — Rumi

Dress for Your Joy

In the image, I am wearing black—not as armor, but as chic outdoor elegance. I have always dressed myself based on how I felt or wanted to feel. Your self-care doesn’t need to be aesthetic for others; it’s about what makes you feel grounded. Whether you’re in sweats or Sunday best, wear what empowers your joy.

“When you look good, you feel good, and when you feel good, you do good.” — Oprah Winfrey
“Style is a way to say who you are without having to speak.” — Tracee Ellis Ross

Community with Yourself First

So often, Black women are the glue in our families, communities, and workplaces. But what if you built the same relationship with yourself that you give to everyone else? Speak to yourself with kindness. Show up for yourself like you do for your people.

“Caring for myself is not self-indulgence, it is self-preservation, and that is an act of political warfare.” — Audre Lorde

Let the Land Mirror You

Look at those rocks—bold, unshaken, unapologetically shaped by time. Let them reflect back to you your own strength and uniqueness. You are not here to be small. You are here to rise, even through erosion.

“You may not control all the events that happen to you, but you can decide not to be reduced by them.” — Maya Angelou
“I am my ancestors' wildest dreams.” — Ava DuVernay

A Final Word

Dear Black woman, you are not required to earn rest. You do not have to hustle for your healing. The earth, the sun, and your breath remind us: your wellness is non-negotiable. Stand tall. Take up space. And let joy, nature, and stillness become part of your healing ritual.

“And when you get the choice to sit it out or dance, I hope you dance.” — Lee Ann Womack
“I am deliberate and afraid of nothing.” — Audre Lorde
“Give light and people will find the way.” — Ella Baker 

Author: Dr. Cyntoya Campbell, PhD, LCSW, LCAC, CCTP

References

Angelou, M. (2009). Letter to My Daughter. Random House.

Baker, E. (n.d.). Give light and people will find the way [Quote].

Burroughs, J. (n.d.). Nature quotes. Retrieved from https://www.goodreads.com/quotes

DuVernay, A. (n.d.). Twitter post.

Hersey, T. (2022). Rest is resistance: A manifesto. Hachette UK.

Lorde, A. (1988). A burst of light: Essays. Firebrand Books.

Penniman, L. (2018). Farming while Black: Soul Fire Farm's practical guide to liberation on the land. Chelsea Green Publishing.

Ross, T. E. (n.d.). Quote on personal style. Retrieved from https://www.goodreads.com/quotes

Rumi. (n.d.). There is a voice that doesn't use words. Listen. [Quote].

Winfrey, O. (n.d.). Quotes on confidence. Retrieved from https://www.oprah.com

Womack, L. A. (2000). I hope you dance [Recorded by Lee Ann Womack]. MCA Nashville.

Helping Clients Stay Encouraged in 2025—While Also Staying Encouraged Yourself

The start of 2025 brings fresh opportunities, new challenges, and the continued journey of personal and professional growth. As a coach, therapist, or leader, one of your key roles is to uplift and inspire others—but what happens when you, too, need encouragement? 

Balancing the emotional labor of supporting clients while maintaining your own motivation is essential for sustainability and effectiveness. Here’s how you can help clients stay encouraged in 2025 while also ensuring you remain energized and inspired in your own journey. 

1. Model Self-Compassion and Resilience

Clients often look to you for guidance, and one of the most powerful ways to encourage them is to model resilience yourself. Acknowledge challenges, normalize setbacks, and share insights about how you navigate your own struggles. 

2. Set Realistic, Attainable Goals

Encouragement often stems from progress. Help clients break down their goals into manageable steps, celebrating small wins along the way. Similarly, give yourself permission to set incremental goals that fuel your momentum. 

3. Cultivate a Growth Mindset

The uncertainties of a new year can bring doubt, but embracing a mindset of growth and adaptability helps you and your clients remain hopeful. Reframe obstacles as learning experiences, reinforcing that setbacks don’t define success. 

4. Prioritize Self-Care Without Guilt

Burnout hinders encouragement. Make time for rest, reflection, and activities that replenish you. When you care for yourself, you enhance your ability to support others effectively. 

5. Stay Connected to Your ‘Why’

When motivation wanes, reconnect with the reason you do this work. Whether it's helping others find clarity, fostering psychological safety, or advocating for meaningful change, grounding yourself in your purpose reignites inspiration. 

6. Create a Supportive Community

Encouragement thrives in connection. Surround yourself with peers, mentors, or professional groups where you can share challenges, celebrate wins, and exchange encouragement. Your energy will directly impact the way you uplift others. 

7. Celebrate Progress—Big and Small

Encouragement doesn’t always come from massive achievements; sometimes, it’s in the small victories. Take time to acknowledge growth, both in yourself and your clients, as 2025 unfolds. 

Staying encouraged while supporting others is a delicate balance, but by prioritizing your own well-being and mindset, you ensure that the motivation you provide is authentic and sustainable. Here's to a year of resilience, growth, and shared encouragement! 

Author: Dr. Cyntoya Campbell, PhD, LCSW, LCAC, CCTP

Why I/O Psychology

My Journey into Industrial-Organizational Psychology: A Path of Growth and Purpose 

In February 2020, I embarked on a new journey, both personally and professionally. At the time, COVID-19 was a faint blip in the news, and I had just stepped into the role of Team Lead at a community mental health organization. It was a position others hesitated to take on due to the chaos that had historically surrounded both the role and the organization. Reflecting on my next steps in mental health, I realized that while I had successfully run a private practice and ended a major contract with the Department of Child Services, I wasn’t sure what path I wanted to pursue next. I knew my current position as a Team Lead did not feel right.  

Then came March 2020, and with it, the height of the pandemic. Amid the chaos, I found myself offering coaching and support to a supervisee, and we often discussed Adlerian theory. That particular conversation struck a chord when my supervisee shared their regret about missing the chance to attend Adler University. It made me pause and reflect—had I also missed an opportunity? I had been thinking about returning to school and possibly pursuing a doctoral degree but hadn’t committed to a path. That conversation opened a door.

Adler University’s focus on social justice and community improvement stood out to me. I became fascinated with how Industrial-Organizational (I-O) Psychology uses unique instruments to understand how people perceive and relate to their workplace, employee well-being, and overall organizational effectiveness by applying psychological principles. The rich academic discussions with professors and classmates fueled my interest further. The social service sector, I realized, was in desperate need of these types of discussions. Most organizations still rely on outdated assumptions and models, which no longer meet the complex needs of today's workforce and service populations. I saw the disconnect clearly—many organizations struggle to recruit the right people and, at the same time, fail to retain great employees.

The journey into I-O psychology has reshaped how I view leadership and values. These values guide my career choices, ensuring that I stay committed to a path that supports both my family life and personal growth. Even the clinical skills I once honed now apply to understanding attitudes, perceptions, and organizational change. Balancing full-time work with the demands of graduate school has been challenging, and in 2022, I decided to focus on private practice and contractual work as a business analyst/success coach.

The doctoral program has challenged my growth and expanded network opportunities. I now serve as a graduate teaching assistant, working closely with students, and will teach in the future. I’ve also had the chance to co-facilitate panels and serve as a panelist in mentorship book clubs. These experiences have been invaluable. Also, a fellow cohort member introduced me to coaching, sparking a new direction in my professional journey. Coaching aligns perfectly with my passion for helping others achieve meaningful personal and professional goals. I see it as a proactive, solution-focused approach to empowering individuals and driving positive change.

Now, as I enter the data collection phase of my dissertation, I reflect on how far I’ve come. My focus has come full circle—well-being and the employee experience are at the forefront of my research. I look forward to completing my dissertation by December 2024, confident that this journey has equipped me to make a lasting impact in the field of Industrial-Organizational Psychology and beyond.

Author: Dr. Cyntoya Campbell, PhD, LCSW, LCAC, CCTP

Originally published in Paris Counseling, LLC Newsletter October 2024