Interview with Georbina DaRosa of G Therapy
Georbina in her NYC office
CAP: Tell us a little about yourself and what made you want to become a therapist and then what made you go off on your own to start G Therapy NYC.
Hi, I’m Georbina, founder of G Therapy NYC. As a child, I was fascinated by the human brain, how it functions, how it creates defenses to protect us, and how it determines what we remember and suppress. I initially set my sights on becoming a neuroscientist, but during my freshman year of college, I realized that wasn’t where my heart was. After taking an introductory psychology course, I was immediately drawn in. Understanding how people think, feel, and relate to one another came naturally to me, but stepping into the work as a social worker was an entirely different challenge.
“Only 4-5% of therapists are Black. I wish you could see my face as I type that.”
During my internships in graduate school, I worked with students in both a high school and a college setting. I saw so many of them drowning in a pool of oppression—navigating systemic barriers, generational trauma, and mental health struggles with little support. No matter how much I wanted to help, I often felt like I was throwing out life rafts that couldn’t reach them in time. That sense of helplessness left me burned out, and I knew I needed to find another way to support people in moments of deep vulnerability. That’s what led me to birth work.
I founded a doula organization, supported mothers through labor and birth, guided families as they grew, and walked alongside individuals seeking abortions. I loved that work, but something still felt incomplete. One of my biggest frustrations was the lack of Black clinicians I could refer my clients to. So, I decided to fill that gap myself. I merged my passion for mental health and maternal health into a practice that specializes in maternal mental health, helping individuals heal their own parental wounds while also supporting couples in becoming better partners and parents.
CAP: G Therapy NYC emphasizes culturally competent and identity-affirming care. In your experience, how does working with a Black therapist uniquely impact the therapeutic process for Black clients?
Only 4-5% of therapists are Black. I wish you could see my face as I type that. Not only is there a huge disparity in the number of Black therapists, but Black bodies have also been studied, pathologized, experimented on, and harmed by institutions that were supposedly designed for their well-being. Given this history, being in a room with a Black therapist can be deeply reassuring for Black clients.
When a Black client sees a therapist who looks like them, there’s often an unspoken sense of safety and understanding. But that doesn’t mean trust is automatic, it’s still the responsibility of the clinician to nurture it. A Black therapist brings a lived understanding of cultural identity, systemic racism, and microaggressions—things that don’t need to be over-explained in session. This shared experience allows for validation in ways that a non-Black therapist may struggle to provide.
CAP: Mental health stigma can be a significant barrier in Black communities. Although I believe that is changing, how do you approach breaking down those barriers, and what shifts have you seen in the way Black clients engage with therapy over time?
One of the most encouraging shifts I’ve seen is that younger Black clients, especially Millennials and Gen Z, are far more open to seeking therapy. There’s a growing recognition that mental health is just as important as physical health. Therapy is no longer seen as a last resort but as a proactive step toward healing and self-care.
The rise of telehealth has also played a huge role in expanding access. Many Black clients who may have been hesitant to seek therapy in person now have the option to connect with a therapist remotely, which provides a sense of privacy and ease.
Another shift I’ve noticed is the increasing demand for therapy that integrates spiritual practices, art, somatic awareness, and culturally relevant healing methods. That’s one of the reasons I incorporate somatic therapy into my work. Black bodies have been oversexualized, policed, oppressed, and brutalized. Somatic therapy provides a space to process not only personal trauma but also the weight of historical and intergenerational trauma stored in the body. It allows Black clients to reclaim their bodies, release stored tension, and reconnect with themselves holistically.
At G Therapy, my goal is to create a space where Black individuals and families feel deeply seen, supported, and empowered in their healing. The way Black communities engage with therapy is evolving, and I’m honored to be part of that change.