5 Reasons Why The Mending Place is Your Go-To Destination for Psychological Wellness

From my practice to your healing: why I built this space for those who need more than a surface-level fix.

I founded The Mending Place because I’ve lived the disconnect. I know what it means to crave healing that feels real—culturally grounded, soul-deep, and more meaningful than a surface-level “self-care Sunday.” I’ve also been a personal development enthusiast since I was young, and I’ve had my fair share of therapy that left me feeling unseen and unshifted.

Research shows 56% of Black women delay therapy due to cultural mistrust (APA, 2023)—I was one of them. This practice isn’t just a business. It’s a sacred offering. A refuge for folks tired of whitewashed therapy, tired of carrying it all in silence, and finally ready to reclaim peace on their terms.

Here’s what you can expect when we work together:

1. Your Story Comes First—No Shrinking Required

You won’t need to spend our sessions teaching me about racism or burnout. I already know. I’ve been there. You may even get an “amen” from me while you share your truth.

Research confirms what many of us already know—marginalized folks often waste emotional labor explaining systemic trauma to their providers (Journal of Black Psychology, 2022). At The Mending Place, I show up as a licensed psychologist and a Southern-raised, PWI-trained, Black Blackity-Black woman with lived experience.

That said, I’m not the typical 'homegirl therapist'. While I’ll validate your experience and honor your reality, I’m not here to project my story onto yours. Your narrative leads—I follow.

You don’t have to justify your pain. Just bring yourself. We’ll do the rest together.

2. Healing in Community Is Sacred Work

We are living in a loneliness epidemic, trying to “individual-therapy” our way through collective pain. But loneliness increases your mortality risk at the same rate as smoking (Surgeon General, 2023). That’s why The Mending Place offers more than one-on-one care.

Group therapy isn’t a budget option—it’s a research-backed path to collective healing. Whether you’re navigating grief, burnout, or identity work, we’ll discern together whether your healing needs solitude or solidarity. Either way, your care will be expert-informed and rooted in community.

3. I Don’t Do Cookie-Cutter Care—Only Real-Life Roadmaps

From day one, we’ll get to the heart of your story—not just the most recent problem. I’m not here for weekly vent sessions that go nowhere. I’m here to understand the full arc of your life: where you’ve been, where you are, and where you want to go.

70% of people who leave therapy say they did so because the advice felt too generic (Psychotherapy Network, 2021). That won’t happen here. You’ll get a comprehensive understanding of your mental health and a personalized plan forward. Real strategy. Real healing.

If you’re ready to stop surviving and start mapping your next chapter, book a Roadmap Session. Let’s get clear.

4. You Can Bring Your Skepticism With You

I didn’t grow up in a household where therapy was normalized. I heard: “Just pray about it,” “Keep your business to yourself,” and “You strong—you’ll be fine.” Sound familiar?

When I started my doctorate, I brought all my doubts with me. That skepticism sharpened me. My clients benefit because I bring evidence, critical thought, and lived truth to every session.

So if you're unsure or side-eyeing the therapy process... bring all of that with you. I’ve got room for it.

Black churchgoers are 50% less likely to seek therapy (JAMA Psychiatry, 2020). So if you were told to just “pray it away,” know this: your doubts are valid—and they’re welcome here.

5. I Stay Learning—So You Can Keep Growing

This work is personal and professional for me. I’m trained as a scientist-practitioner, meaning I blend the latest research, my lived experience, and your insights to guide us forward—intentionally and holistically.

At The Mending Place, healing is not performative. It’s liberation-focused, spirit-led, and evidence-based. My frameworks draw from Liberation Psychology, Multicultural Counseling, and somatic practices that honor your whole self.

This is not “good enough” care. This is deep, attuned healing. And you deserve no less.

Let’s Connect

If you’ve been carrying too much for too long, here’s your sign that it’s okay to lay it down—or at least carry it differently. Even one “yes” from this list means we might be a good fit.

And if I haven’t said it clearly enough yet: I’d be honored to work with you.

— Dr. Leann V. Smith
Licensed Psychologist & Founder