Championing Mental Well-Being For Women Of Color – Exclusive Interview With Joanna Lawrencia Gähwiler

Joanna Lawrencia Gähwiler is a pioneering advocate for mental well-being & the founder of Brown Girl Coaching. She has cultivated BGC into a safe space, where Women of Color & Black women living in predominantly white societies can explore their identities, confront societal pressures & embark on a transformative journey towards self-love & fulfillment. Her coaching philosophy is rooted in encouraging individuals to reclaim agency over their narratives. Through 1:1 sessions & community events, she has created a vibrant network of support that fosters empowerment. She continues to inspire & catalyze positive change in the lives of individuals, leaving a lasting mark on the landscape of mental well-being & personal transformation.

Joanna Lawrencia Gähwiler, Mental Well-Being & Systemic Coach

Can you share more about your personal journey and what inspired you to become a pioneering advocate for mental well-being, particularly focusing on Women of Color and Black women in predominantly white societies?

I believe my journey from being born in India and moving to Germany at the age of 8 has significantly shaped my perspective and fueled my commitment to promoting diversity and inclusivity. The initial transition to a European country was emotionally challenging for me. I recall feeling heartbroken to leave my homeland. Little did I know that this move would be the foundation of the work I do today.

One pivotal experience occurred when I entered a school where I was one of only two students of colour out of 150. Initially, the lack of diversity did not seem problematic to me in the first place because I was a 9-year-old, but it became apparent when I faced unwarranted attention and discrimination based on my skin colour. This was my first encounter with the harsh reality of racism. At that time, I lacked the understanding of discriminating concepts and the impact they had on individuals from diverse backgrounds.

I recognised early on that injustice deeply affected me, often more than it seemed to impact others. I began to delve into the history of colonialism and its connections to global discrimination that we still witness today. This awakening was like a lightning bolt, making me realise that my experiences over almost two decades were far from normal.

The struggles faced by BIPoC individuals are different and more challenging than those encountered by their white counterparts. This realisation has guided me to advocate for equity and inclusion, as I strive to contribute to a world where people are treated with respect and fairness.

How did the idea of Brown Girl Coaching come to fruition, and what motivated you to create a safe & brave space for Women of Color to explore their identities and navigate societal pressures?

The idea for Brown Girl Coaching stemmed from a deeply personal understanding and a strong sense of purpose. As a Woman of Color living in a predominantly white society, I intimately understood and navigated the unique challenges and pressures faced by individuals like myself on a daily basis. It became clear that my calling was to step into the role of a coach and mentor, specifically for BIWoC.

My motivation to create a safe and brave space for Women of Color to explore their identities and navigate societal pressures was also because I recognised a significant gap in the mental health sector — It is definitely an industry in dire need of more coaches who understand the importance of cultural sensitivity and also have a deep connection with the communities they serve.

Recognising that racism is one facet of the complex issues we encounter, I understood that being a Black or Indigenous Woman or Woman of Color involved an intersection of racism and sexism, just to begin with. This awareness crystallised my commitment to making BIWoC my niche.

Additionally BIWoC struggle with balancing their cultural background and the pressure to fit into a mostly white culture. The tension between embracing one's heritage and adapting to societal norms can result in a subconscious identity crisis, particularly for those who need to learn how to build a foundation of unwavering self-confidence along the journey.

In my own journey through my twenties, I underwent intense inner work to construct a set of values that involved all aspects of my personal identity, which encouraged me to be the guidance that I lacked, for other women facing similar struggles. All in all, I aspire to support BIWoC in building their own set of values, fostering self-confidence, and navigating the intricate yet beautiful path of self-discovery.

Photo credits: Sapna Richter

In your coaching philosophy, you mention encouraging individuals to reclaim agency over their narratives. Could you elaborate on how you incorporate this philosophy into your coaching sessions?

In my coaching philosophy, I deeply emphasise the importance of individuals reclaiming agency over their narratives, as this is foundational to stepping into their power and aligning with their authentic selves. It involves making decisions that prioritise your own well-being and desires. This is a procedure that can often be overlooked in the pursuit of clarity in life.

Through my work with clients, I've observed that a significant challenge they face is establishing and maintaining healthy boundaries. Many have been socialised to place the needs of others over their own, leading to a neglect of self-care and sometimes also the fear to advocate for themselves.

To address this, the first step we take together is conducting a life audit to identify areas where their boundaries have been disregarded and to establish routines that support their well-being. This process involves creating habits that focus on self-care and mental health, while also learning to communicate boundaries assertively and in a way they feel comfortable.

This work has many more layers and depth to it than what we witness on social media labelled as self-care & healing.

Additionally, I emphasise that learning about one’s boundaries and implementing them is an ongoing process. It requires continual adjustment depending on different situations, which is why learning how to show ourselves grace when boundaries are not successfully maintained, is an essential part of the journey.

Ultimately, my coaching approach starts with empowering individuals to take ownership of their narratives, focus on their well-being, and navigate the complexities of doing this work with love and compassion towards themselves.

If you could change two things about your industry, what would it be and why?

The first and foremost thing for me personally would be to address the lack of diversity and accessibility in coaching and mental health services. There's a pressing need for greater representation of diverse backgrounds, perspectives, and experiences among coaches, particularly for individuals from marginalised communities. While qualified coaches understand the importance of working inclusively and culturally sensitively, having coaches who reflect the diversity of their clients can enhance trust and create a safer space for vulnerability, especially in the context of mental health and well-being.

Moreover, coaching services can often be expensive, making them inaccessible to individuals from lower-income backgrounds. While offering pro bono services and implementing sliding scale fees can help, systemic changes are needed to ensure broader accessibility.

For example, in countries like Germany where health insurance is mandatory, there could be initiatives to financially support individuals with the cost of coaching services, particularly for mental well-being. Exploring alternative funding options for both clients and coaches can also contribute to making coaching more affordable and inclusive for all.

Photo credits: Sapna Richter

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