In this episode, we are diving into race-based stress for women of color. Nicola Pierre-Smith, a Licensed Professional Counselor and private practice owner of Melanated Womens Health LLC, joins us today to break down the definition of racial trauma and how it affects melanated women. She talks about the double stigma that women of color face when seeking mental health help. Racial socialization is when people socialize in specific ways because of race-based stress. She discusses barriers that people face, signs of compromised mental health, and what we can do as a society to move forward. Nicola provides individual therapy to adults who are dealing with trauma, anxiety, depression, life transitions and social identity issues. Check her out at https://melanatedwomenshealth.com/.