By: Pam Perry PR
There’s a pervasive misconception that the Strong Black Woman doesn’t cry, doesn’t need rest, or doesn’t need help. Dr. LaVerne H. Collins is on a mission to shift that narrative—and she’s doing it with faith, resilience, and a commitment to speaking from experience.
As a board-certified therapist, ordained minister, bestselling author, educator, and internationally recognized speaker, Dr. Collins has built her career around what society often overlooks: the emotional labor, cultural challenges, and unspoken resilience of Black women.
“We’ve been taught to survive at the expense of our souls,” Dr. Collins says. “But survival is not the goal. True wholeness and well-being should be the aim.”
The Woman Behind the Wisdom
Dr. Collins isn’t just teaching theory—she’s lived through the challenges she discusses. A mother, a ministry leader, and a mental health advocate, she faced unimaginable loss when her 32-year-old son died by suicide in 2019. Instead of silencing her grief, she transformed it into purpose. She now travels the country helping women process their pain, understand their trauma, and find their voices once again.
Her impactful book, OVERLOOKED: Counselor Insights for the Unspoken Issues in Black American Life (Rowman & Littlefield), is both a researched and deeply personal exploration of what often gets missed in the lives of Black women—grief, racial trauma, misdiagnosis, emotional suppression, and the invisible scars passed down through generations. She invites readers to reconsider that what has often been labeled as dysfunction may actually be a response to generations of compounded loss and societal neglect.
Dr. Collins is also the author of The Fruit of Your Pain: Experiencing Spiritual Renewal Through Seasons of Struggle, which offers hope for anyone grappling with suffering. In both books, Dr. Collins merges spiritual strength and psychological insight, bringing together clinical practice and divine wisdom.
Her podcast, The MultiCultural Mindset, offers a weekly invitation to explore real-life mental health challenges through a culturally conscious lens. It’s not about ticking off a diversity training box—it’s about redefining how we view, hear, and care for BIPOC clients and communities.
“A multicultural mindset isn’t about competence—it’s about humility,” she says. “It’s a willingness to unlearn, to listen, and to hold space for someone’s lived experience without judgment.”
A Different Kind of Strong
Through her company, New Seasons Counseling, Training and Consulting, Dr. Collins leads virtual and in-person workshops, executive therapy sessions, and corporate wellness retreats designed to create spaces for healing. She works with women leaders, nonprofit teams, educators, and faith-based professionals to help them lead from a place of balance and emotional well-being.
She knows firsthand that women—especially Black women—often carry the emotional burdens of their families, workplaces, and communities. But, as she argues, that strength should never come at the cost of one’s joy.
Her Message to Women
Dr. Collins offers five powerful truths every woman needs to hear right now:
- You’re Allowed to Pause.
You don’t need permission to rest. You don’t need to earn your break. Taking time for stillness is important—and necessary. - Your Rage is Righteous.
Don’t suppress your anger. Learn from it. Use it. Expressing it can lead to growth. Black women have often been taught to smile through pain, but Dr. Collins invites us to honor our emotions. - You Don’t Have to Do It Alone.
Therapy isn’t weakness—it’s wisdom. Seeking help is a sign of strength. Get support. Join a sister circle. Book a coaching session. Allow yourself to be held. - You Can Lead and Heal.
You don’t have to choose between being a powerhouse and being vulnerable. You can be both. You already embody both qualities. - Grief Doesn’t Expire.
If you’ve lost a loved one, a dream, or a part of yourself—it’s okay to still be grieving. Healing isn’t linear. Give yourself permission to move through grief at your own pace.
Seen, Heard, and Healed
Dr. Collins has been featured in Speakers Magazine, The USA Leaders, CEO Times, and Women’s Insider for her significant contributions to mental health and personal development. She has taught in counselor education programs at the University of North Carolina-Greensboro and serves on the Industry Advisory Council at the University of Phoenix.
Her speaking reel showcases the depth of her impact, where she blends testimony and teaching in a way that engages and transforms audiences.
Dr. Collins is available for:
- Keynote speaking engagements
- Women’s wellness retreats
- Faith-based leadership conferences
- Grief and trauma workshops
- Mental health training for educators and clinicians
Connect and Heal
Order OVERLOOKED: Amazon
The Fruit of Your Pain also available via major retailers
Podcast: The MultiCultural Mindset
Website: NewSeasons.training
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/lavernehcollins
Speaker Reel: Watch Now
In a world that often asks women to do more with less, Dr. LaVerne H. Collins offers us something different entirely: the freedom to heal, feel, and embrace our full humanity.
Because true strength isn’t about how much we carry.
It’s about knowing when to set it down.
Photo Courtesy: Jeff Brooks / Dr. LaVerne H. Collins
Disclaimer: The information provided in this article reflects the personal views and experiences of Dr. LaVerne H. Collins, as well as her work in mental health and personal development. While the article discusses topics related to mental health, grief, and personal growth, it is not intended as a substitute for professional therapy or counseling. Readers seeking personalized mental health advice or treatment should consult a licensed mental health professional.
Published by Joseph T.
