Ep. 74 - Why Black and Brown Girls Are Being Pushed Out of Schools—And How Faith, Trauma Therapy & Awareness Can Change That w/ Dr. LaNette Burgess
Description
In this powerful episode, Diana sits down with Dr. LaNette Burgess—licensed clinical social worker, school-based therapist, and expert in adolescent mental health—to unpack the unseen struggles of Black and Brown girls navigating school systems, trauma, and cultural expectations.
Dr. Burgess shares her journey from witnessing mental illness in a childhood friend’s family to becoming a fierce advocate for girls often labeled as “loud,” “disruptive,” or “aggressive” without acknowledgment of their pain. Together, they explore how bias, adultification, and the myth of the “strong Black woman” fuel cycles of burnout, especially for high-achieving women in faith-based and underserved communities.
They also dive deep into the spiritual and clinical realities of healing, rest, identity, and how to offer real support—whether you're a parent, therapist, teacher, or someone trying to break generational cycles.
Quotes to Remember
"You can only give out of your overflow. If your cup is empty, that's your cue to be still." — Dr. LaNette Burgess
"Many Black and Brown girls are being punished for having a body, not for breaking a rule." — Dr. LaNette Burgess
"We think perfection will lead to peace, but sometimes doing everything ‘right’ still leaves us feeling lost." — Dr. LaNette Burgess
"I say 'fearfully and wonderfully made' every episode because Psalm 139:14 reminds us of our worth—no matter how the world treats us." — Diana S. Rice
Tools & Resources Mentioned
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Documentary: Pushout: The Criminalization of Black Girls in Schools by Dr. Monique W. Morris -
Tool: Anger Iceberg Worksheet – Free download to explore what's beneath anger -
Study Referenced: Georgetown Law's "Girlhood Interrupted" – The Adultification of Black Girls -
Scripture: Psalm 139:14 and Genesis 16 – “El Roi: The God Who Sees Me” -
Therapy Concept: Adultification Bias, Trauma Responses in Schools, “Martha Syndrome” in Christian Women
Connect with Dr. LaNette Burgess
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Licenses: FL, NY, NH, TX -
Accepts major insurance | Offers virtual sessions -
Also on Psychology Today & Alma
Website: 
Email: 
Connect with Diana
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Website: throughthevalleytherapy.com -
Instagram: @theholisticcounselorpodcast | @throughthevalleytherapy
Final Word
If you’ve ever felt unseen, overwhelmed, or stuck in high-functioning survival mode—this episode will speak to your soul. Remember, rest is not laziness. Asking for help is not weakness. And healing begins with awareness.
Listen now, share it with someone who needs this conversation, and subscribe so you don’t miss next week’s episode.
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