My overall experience at Bridgewater was amazing. I really feel like Bridgewater prepared me to do the work that I’m doing.
In African culture, seeking help for mental health is not the norm, nor is it necessarily encouraged. Comfort Nyeswah-Wiafe, ’13, G’16, is looking to change that.
The Bridgewater State University alumna, who works as a licensed therapist, recently launched Equipped To Prosper, an online directory that helps Africans across the globe find African therapists and access culturally and spiritually sensitive mental health care.
“In our community, (mental illness) is often seen as something that only happens to white people,” Nyeswah-Wiafe said. “But we know many Africans are experiencing it (mental illness), so it’s important for us to have a space to recognize it..”
Nyeswah-Wiafe studied psychology as both an undergraduate and graduate student and said Bridgewater helped prepare her for the work she’s currently involved in. She found inspiration from one professor in particular, Dr. Teresa King.
King’s Introduction to Psychology class was the first course Nyeswah-Wiafe took at BSU as a freshman. As an African attending a predominantly white university, she said King’s support helped her get her footing.
“She was a strong, powerful woman and really encouraging in the sense that you can do it,” Nyeswah-Wiafe said. “Not only did I get the lecture portion of the class, but the motivation for my future.”
She launched the online directory in November 2023 and has been steadily building a network of African therapists for African therapy seekers.
Why is she only including African therapists? Because often cultural and language barriers prevent Africans from seeking the help they need.
“For Africans living in America, they come up against having to adjust an African culture into an American one,” Nyeswah-Wiafe said. “In terms of healthcare, particularly in the United States, Africans have to leave parts of who they are outside of the door,”
Many therapists and counselors are not familiar with the various African dialects or cultures, so making connections through therapy can be difficult.
Her goal by the end of the year is to have a network of 100 therapists available through the directory.
“It’s important to recognize that therapy is not one-size-fits-all to ensure all mental health needs are met.,” she said. “My overall experience at Bridgewater was amazing. I really feel like Bridgewater prepared me to do the work that I’m doing.”
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