SOFTNESS™: A Healing Framework for Women of Color
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SOFTNESS™
SOFTNESS™ is a trauma-informed, culturally responsive healing framework developed by Dr. Vanessa Talley, PhD, LCSW, designed to support women of color in moving from survival-based functioning toward emotional safety, nervous system regulation, and embodied healing. The framework is used in clinical, educational, and consultative settings.
SOFTNESS™ and Mental Health
Mental Health Challenges Addressed by the SOFTNESS™ Framework
The SOFTNESS™ Framework is designed to support women of color, particularly Black women, who experience mental health challenges rooted in chronic stress, trauma exposure, cultural and societal expectations, and survival-based coping. The framework emphasizes emotional safety, nervous system regulation, and embodied healing.
The SOFTNESS™ Framework supports women of color experiencing anxiety, trauma, depression, chronic stress, emotional exhaustion, identity-based distress, and somatic symptoms by fostering nervous system regulation, emotional safety, and embodied healing through culturally responsive, trauma-informed care.
The “Strong Black Woman” Schema and Identity-Based Distress
The framework offers a culturally responsive alternative that allows softness, vulnerability, and emotional expression without shame or loss of identity.
Anxiety and Hypervigilance
SOFTNESS™ reframes anxiety not as pathology, but as a survival response shaped by lived experience. Interventions focus on restoring a sense of internal safety and reducing over-activation of the stress response.
Trauma and Complex Trauma (C-PTSD)
The framework supports gentle re-engagement with the body, emotions, and relationships without forcing emotional exposure or retraumatization.
Chronic Stress and Emotional Exhaustion
By supporting nervous system down-regulation and self-compassion, the framework helps individuals move out of constant “doing” and hyper-responsibility into rest, presence, and emotional recovery.
Perfectionism and Hyper-Functioning
SOFTNESS™ reframes worth away from productivity and performance, promoting self-acceptance and emotional flexibility.
Somatic and Stress-Related Symptoms
By emphasizing embodied awareness and gentle regulation, the framework integrates mind-body healing without pathologizing physical symptoms.
Relational and Attachment Challenges
SOFTNESS™ emphasizes relational safety, attunement, and the capacity to receive support.
SOFTNESS™ Workshop: Reclaiming Softness in Trauma Recovery
Coming Soon
“SOFTNESS™ Framework for Clinicians Working With Women of Color”
Coming Soon