Dealing with Microaggressions: How Therapy Can Help You Heal and Reclaim Your Power
By Sherolde Hackett, LCSW
What Are Microaggressions?
Ever had those little moments when someone says or does something that stings — even if they “didn’t mean it that way”? These are called microaggressions. They’re subtle comments or actions, often tied to race, gender, or identity, that can feel small in the moment but carry a big emotional weight.
The Impact of Microaggressions
Emotional Stress
Microaggressions can chip away at your confidence, leaving you feeling unseen or misunderstood. Over time, they may cause stress, self-doubt, or even anxiety.
Identity and Self-Worth
Hearing or experiencing these slights repeatedly can impact how you see yourself. You might start to question your worth or feel like you don’t fully belong.
Why Talking About It Matters
Validation and Understanding
Therapy provides a safe, nonjudgmental space to process these experiences. Having your feelings validated — hearing “Yes, that was real, and it wasn’t okay” — can be powerful in itself.
Developing Coping Tools
In therapy, you’ll learn strategies to respond to microaggressions, set boundaries, and build resilience so they don’t weigh you down as heavily.
Unpacking the Internalized Impact
Sometimes, microaggressions seep into your self-talk without you realizing it. Therapy can help you unpack those internalized messages and shift toward self-acceptance and strength.
The Importance of Culturally Affirming Therapy
Not all therapists are equipped to understand the nuances of microaggressions, especially for BIPOC women. Working with a therapist who values cultural identity and lived experience means you don’t have to explain or justify why these moments hurt — you’re already understood.
Reclaiming Your Power
Therapy isn’t just about processing pain; it’s about building strength, resilience, and confidence. When the world throws everyday slights your way, therapy equips you with the tools to bounce back, speak up, and feel empowered in your identity.
Closing Thoughts
If you’ve been carrying the weight of microaggressions, know that you don’t have to handle it alone. Virtual therapy in New Jersey and Florida can provide the support, tools, and validation you need to heal and reclaim your power.
📌 If this resonates with you, I’d love to walk alongside you on your healing journey.
