Life can be tricky sometimes, and there are moments when it feels like the world is conspiring against you. Black women, in particular, face numerous challenges and adversities, from systemic racism and discrimination to gender-based violence and economic inequality. But despite these obstacles, many black women show remarkable resilience and continue to have faith even…

We are officially in the middle of a public health epidemic. According to the CDC, 1 out of 3 Americans suffer from sleep disorders, and many reports that they are unsatisfied with their quality of life. The group of Americans reported to suffer the most from this crisis are African American adults aged 40-59. Teens…

Divorce can be a painful and challenging experience for anyone, but it can be especially difficult for black women who often face unique cultural and societal pressures. From stereotypes about black women being too strong to need support to the lack of representation in mainstream media, navigating divorce recovery as a black woman can feel…

Intergenerational trauma is a complex and pervasive issue that can significantly impact families. It refers to transmitting traumatic experiences and their effects from one generation to another. This can include a range of backgrounds, such as abuse, neglect, violence, addiction, and poverty. Intergenerational trauma can have long-lasting effects on individuals and families, often leading to…

Throughout the decade, my clinical journey always crossed paths with individuals suffering from childhood trauma that presents in adulthood. Whether by the hands of others, vicarious trauma, or simply “trauma,” I have noticed a specific theme. “Being Stuck”. This notion of being stuck presents itself differently per person; it can look like perfectionism, fear of…

    Within the past few years, we have seen an increase in the number of high-profile suicides. Among the most recent is the ‘So You Think You Can Dance’ superstar, Stephen “Twitch” Boss. As this news reverberated through our communities- as clinicians- we take a step back to look at some of the symptoms…

With statistics showing that over half of survivors of color have experienced some form of racial trauma, it’s time to explore how these expressive outlets can help with recovery. In recent years, conversations around racism have become increasingly prevalent and necessary in society. But, unfortunately, experiences of racism can have profound impacts on individuals’ mental…

Picture by Unsplash We all have days where we don’t feel confident or beautiful, but recent research has highlighted the importance of having a healthy self-image in order to maintain a healthy lifestyle. Protecting your heart doesn’t just mean following a balanced diet – it also means protecting and nurturing your emotional well-being. Bariatric self-love…

The intersection of mental health and race for Black women is a complex and often an underrepresented topic that deserves more attention and understanding. Black women face unique challenges when it comes to mental health due to the intersection of systemic racism, sexism, and other forms of oppression. Understanding these dynamics is crucial in addressing…

    As a health equity expert, it is heart-wrenching to see the stark disparities in access to mental health care in communities of color. People of color, especially Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC), have historically faced systemic barriers to accessing quality mental health services. This has led to a significant mental health…

Mental health is an important issue that affects people of all races and ethnicities. However, for Black individuals, seeking therapy can often be met with unique challenges and stigmas. In this blog post, we will explore the barriers that prevent many Black people from seeking treatment and the importance of addressing these issues in the…

Mental well-being is an essential aspect of overall health and well-being, yet black individuals often face unique challenges when accessing mental health care and achieving good mental health. For example, black people are more likely to experience discrimination, poverty, and trauma, all of which can harm mental well-being. Additionally, black people are less likely to…

It’s a New Year! Welcome to the beginning of the new year and the all too realistic pressure to “carpe diem” and “achieve your goals” mantra that will be constant for the next couple of months. As a therapist, I have a challenging relationship with the beginning of the year. Ideally, it’s delightful to see…

By Jessica Bullock, LCMHC-QS Photo By Canva Resentment is an intense emotion that can stagnate your growth, develop bitterness within you and compromise your freedom. According to the Cambridge dictionary, resentment is defined as, “a feeling of anger because you have been forced to accept something that you do not like.” For many individuals, this…

Mental health is an essential aspect of overall well-being that is often overlooked in the Black community. However, Black children must receive the mental health support they need to thrive. One study found that Black children are more likely to experience mental health issues such as depression, anxiety, and conduct disorders than their white counterparts.…

Traditional healing practices can be an important tool for mental health professionals to use when working with clients seeking to heal from trauma and address mental health issues. These practices involve connecting with the wisdom and knowledge of one’s ancestors and using that connection to heal intergenerational trauma and find a sense of purpose and…

Audrey Hepburn famously said “Nothing is impossible. The word itself says I’m possible!” This is an example of a growth mindset. A person with a growth mindset views the world as having limitless potential. A growth mindset isn’t just for the high-achieving celebrity or athlete; it’s also for the small business owner who wants to…

Mental health is an important topic that affects everyone, but Black women, in particular, face unique challenges regarding their mental well-being. Several mental health issues disproportionately affect Black women, including depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). One reason Black women may be more prone to mental health issues is because of the stress and…

The word ‘boundaries’ was easily one of the buzzwords of 2022. Many people believe boundaries are about building walls to keep people out. That’s not the most helpful way to look at it. It’s also important to note there are many reasons why individuals don’t understand or enforce boundaries, including not having the ability due…

The new calendar year often makes people want to set goals. For many people, it can be hard to set goals when there is a fear of failure or disappointment. That was my experience for a long time, giving myself the perspective that “you can’t fail if you don’t try”. It was an excuse. What…

In light of the death of Stephen “Twitch” Boss yesterday, I feel compelled to write about an increasing struggle for Black men. Suicide is a serious public health issue that affects people of all genders, races, and ages. However, Black men in the United States face unique challenges that can increase their risk of suicidal…

If you’ve watched the movie Black Panther 2 (10/10 highly recommend) or even heard of the movie, one of the major themes is making space for grief. For many people, holiday grief isn’t something their aware of. They just ‘don’t like this time of year’ or ‘aren’t really feeling it’. If you feel it, it’s…

Is the holiday season difficult for you? If so, you are not alone. The holidays can be a triggering experience for many people. Dealing with challenging family dynamics can potentially lead an increase of emotional distress. During this holiday season, we reconnect with friends and family, some of whom we trust. Others who have taken…

By Jasmine Cobb, LCSW Picture by Pixababy Typically, there isn’t a positive association around the idea or experience of how it feels to grieve and the action or lack thereof that comes with mourning. But on the contrary, believe me when I say, “there is good in grief.” However, reactions to this will heavily rely…

Let’s talk about vulnerability and finances during the holidays. The only way I know is to share my experience. It is my intention that this helps someone. I grew up with a single mother who didn’t drive in an area outside of a major city. It was tough for my mom as her circumstances changed…

Everyone in my family knows that I can’t swim. I simply put my feet in the water. As long as I am in the shallow part, I am fine. However, I was on a study abroad experience with my host family from Costa Rica. We were enjoying one of the beautiful beaches there. I was…

How are You Doing? Tips For Stress Management By Stephanie Barbee, MSW, LCSW Photo by Pixababy Historically, that’s always been a complicated question and in 2022, that complexity seems exponential. In other words, it’s hella hard out here for EVERYBODY! “How are you doing?” is rarely truly “ok,” “good,” or “well” as most of us…

Failure Mirroring Depression in the Professional Black Woman  By Asia Hall, LPC Picture By Canva Professional black women are hitting the glass ceiling and shattering it. A lot of evolution has occurred since the days of the “stay-at-home mom”. Women have begun reaching new avenues in their careers and have even commonly begun establishing their…

The Forgotten Mourners of Breast Cancer Awareness/ Breast Cancer Awareness: Entendre of Survivor Status By Jasmine Cobb, LCSW Picture By Pixababy Breast Cancer is a cruel disease that generally affects both men and women alike. The illness arrives unannounced and shakes up many lives in unimaginable ways. Although, you may understand if you have been personally diagnosed or…

Coping with loss during the holidays/Grieving Mindfully During the Holidays By: Jasmine Cobb, LCSW, CGCS Picture by Canva As the leaves begin to change and cooler temperatures arrive, the holidays typically signify a time for joyful spirits, cheerful giving, and banding together with family, friends and community. Yet, your outlook and feelings toward the holidays may also…

How to Support a Loved One Diagnosed with Breast Cancer By Sabrina Lynch, LCP, LCPC Picture By Pixababy In 2021, when I was diagnosed with breast cancer, I was scared. There’s no other way to put it. I was afraid of dying. I realized that I had to share this information with those who loved…

Written By Dr. Renetta Weaver Photo by Annie Spratt on Unsplash Introduction: What is Seasonal Affective Disorder If you noticed that your mood and motivation tend to shift with the seasons you are not alone. It is estimated that 50% of the population also experience these same changes. Lower mood and motivation can negatively impact…

A new recommendation by The US Preventive Services Task Force suggests that all adults 65 years of age and younger should be assessed for anxiety. This recommendation is significant because many people have experienced increased anxiety in the past couple of years. First it was the world shutting down due the pandemic and now it…

What do your adult friend relationships look like? Who do you feel is “in your corner?” Has this changed for you since the pandemic? For me and MANY others I know, it absolutely has. Some people who have been close since the sandbox don’t talk and people who thought they could never like each other…

According to the US Census Bureau, over 50 million children will be attending school this fall. However, many children are struggling with waves of Anxiety as they adjust to the new school year, start testing, while protecting themselves from whatever dangers of illness and sickness they perceive they are exposed to. How do you assist…

These three words hold so much power over people’s emotions, with good reason. Between the variety of systemic issues that exist in most of the schools I’ve heard about around the country, the severe mental and emotional needs of our children and teachers, and the resulting violence that has only continued to increase within the…

Maybe you remember the times when Sunday morning service, Wednesday night bible studies, or church gatherings were the social norm. According to Pew research, even though church attendance by people of color has drastically decreased, the fact still remains that over 50% of Americans identify as being religious or spiritual. Some people have decided to…

This month is Mental Health Awareness Month! According to the American Psychological Association, people are starting to harbor more positive views about Mental Health. One survey identified that 87% of individuals believed that mental health is nothing to be ashamed of. In the past 2 years, statistics regarding suicide, depression, and anxiety, (just to name…

When you think of stress, what’s the first thing that comes to mind? Is it good stress like preparing for a presentation or is it bad stress like not being able to pay a bill this month? Stress can be both things. Stress is defined by stress.org as “a neutral word that refers to our…

We all know what it’s like to have a great conversation — the type of conversation you walk away from feeling lighter, more confident, and motivated. It adds a bit of clarity to your life, maybe even a bit of self-compassion. But those conversations can be pretty rare. After all, they require a very generous…

This is infuriating and triggering. We are not in 1921 anymore, yet we are still facing the same issues.   Christian Cooper. Ijeoma Ukenta. X’Kye Husain.   These are just a few names of individuals whose attacks have caught national attention.  These viral videos have re-traumatized and caused increased fear and anxiety among African Americans…

The union of a man and a woman signifies a moment of pure bliss and happiness. Both of your families are there, your friends are complete, you have guests that add to your happiness and you have presents! We all love presents! Who wouldn’t? Your wedding is the very start of the future you will…

Even before the pandemic hit, maintaining wellness during our busy and stressful lives wasn’t easy. Now that we’re getting into 2022, there’s a lot of pent-up pressure that we need to acknowledge and cope with. From financial uncertainty to isolation and health-related stressors, the pandemic has had an incalculable emotional toll on everyone. That’s why…

Photo by Nadine Primeau on Unsplash Emotional eating is something we all do from time to time. I mean who hasn’t enjoyed or indulged in food when you were not physically hungry? Food and friends/family go together. Food is the great social connector and is often the centerpiece of a wonderful experience. However, food can…

We all may know someone who has experienced a miscarriage. We’ve heard the news of the tragedy from at least one of friends who knew a friend that knew someone else. Better yet, we may even think, “S/he would be 4 years old today.” Every 4th of July, we remember ‘Today was my due date.’…

The end of the year is a time to pause, reflect and set goals for the New Year. As we shift from one season to another, we often reflect on our goals and plans for the New Year. For many, that means new career resolutions. We have all made abstract resolutions in the past and…

Yes, we all know it takes a village, but have we created it, or did we get comfortable relying on someone else to build it? For me, October 4, 2001, started out as a regular Monday until Social Media went down unexpectedly for about 6 hours. I don’t know about you but a lot of…

Being Black and Queer in some parts of America today is a death sentence in a way that is different for people that are closer to White and Queer. This burden is especially heavy for Black Queer youth. Take Lil Nas X or Zaya Wade. Most of what you see, even in “positive portrayal” of…

There is a pandemic, in the Bariatric community, and that is people are tired of carrying their emotional weight underneath the heavy mask of obesity. The expectation to be strong and pretend you’re happy, even in the most challenging circumstances, is uncomfortable and makes it hard to breath. The reality that this is a shared…

I don’t really like musicals but because of social media pressure, you know how it is to scroll and notice those “everyone else is doing it posts,” I reluctantly decided to go ahead and watch it too. And let me just tell you, there are not enough positive adjectives to describe how much I truly…

In the midst of a pandemic, we can often forget that there are other silent epidemics present. One that has been continuous throughout time is Domestic Violence. I thought it would be a great idea to shine light onto a frequently quieted topic during the month of October as it is recognized as Domestic Violence…

I took my first brainspotting training in April 2021. I wasn’t sure what to expect and if I’m honest I was quite skeptical. Well, my mind was changed immediately! I was able to participate in demonstrations and practice with other practitioners. I even stepped outside of my comfort zone and volunteered to be a part…

Michael K. Williams was an actor who became well known and loved because of the characters he portrayed in The Wire, Boardwalk Empire, and Love Craft Country. However, he became so much more than his characters when he was interviewed by Tamron Hall. Mr. Williams was invited to share his humanity as he and Mrs.…

When a person swims, they use their whole body. This year I set a goal to learn how to swim. I was over 35 and didn’t know how to swim. My two oldest children knew more than I did. So here I was a walking stereotype not knowing how to swim because of fear! I…

You’ve finally decided to seek therapy, and now you’re ready to find a therapist in your area. It’s hard to know where to start. Let’s discuss! First, what issues that trouble you? Anxiety? Depression? Trauma? Marital problems? It’s essential to find someone who specializes in your areas of concern. You want someone who gets you…

Infidelity is one of the most common problems in marriage. According to the American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy, national surveys indicate that approximately 20% of marriages experience some level of infidelity. This poses a difficult situation. Once trust has been broken within the relationship, couples have to spend time rebalancing and rebuilding their…

You’ve worked hard to be in your current position. Finally, you made it. But perhaps: You feel like a fraud. You feel like you are underserving of everything you have worked for. You may feel like you aren’t smart enough You may feel like you aren’t good enough You think success is difficult to achieve…

As a licensed therapist specializing in career development, I spend countless hours working and engaging with professionals about their career development and goals – from changing careers to asking for a raise or becoming an entrepreneur. For professionals seeking to succeed in their careers, you may have feelings of self-doubt or question if they can…

Ever wanted to spend time with BAE only to discover BAE wants to go hang with the homies for the third weekend in a row? You start to open your mouth in protest only to be shut down by your own inner thoughts, “She did pull an all nighter at work, BAE deserves” or “He…

Do you know that feeling of sitting on the exam table after just having your weight and blood pressure checked by the nurse? Have you gnawed on the inside of your jaw thinking about what your medical provider would say either verbally or through body language when they enter the room? As you sit on…

Men have been considered strong and emotionless since the beginning of time. When a man is born, society builds in him certain beliefs and notions that he begins to unconsciously live by. So, we hear things like men don’t cry, men aren’t ‘weaklings’, men shouldn’t show vulnerability, all of these things have affected men in…

Dear Anxiety, You showed up when I least expected. You started off as a whisper, but you continued as a loud bang. You would say things like, you’re not good enough, you don’t deserve good things, you’re flawed. I tried to brush you off. You would go away, but only for you to return even…

Have you ever parked your vehicle on top of a hill? It feels great as you look down the hill and admire the view. Wow, things have never looked clearer and you may find yourself starting to feel sentimental. Ok, so now it’s time to walk down the hill. Gravity naturally pulls you down and…

    In the previous blog post (link here), we talked about some considerations for Black men and Black LGBTQIA+ individuals. We briefly looked at and considered some of the challenges these communities face. Now let’s dig deeper into how to do this.   Explore your biases/judgments/perspectives. Before engaging with the Black LGBTQIA+ community or…

June has several observances, including national best friend day and national selfie day. It is also the month that signifies the beginning of what so many people look forward to (depending on where you are in the country) SUMMER! For me, the most important observances are PRIDE and men’s health. In particular, these observances are…

There’s no such thing as a perfect relationship or marriage, for that matter. One way or another, married couples face rocky episodes at some point during their marriage. Below are three of the most typical marital issues that every couple face during their married life. 1. Struggling With Finances This wouldn’t pose a challenge if…

How do you know that you are worthy? What makes you feel worthy? Is it the attention or admiration that you get from others? The likes, the DMs, or people telling you you’re attractive. Or is it having a significant other that validates that someone finally wants to be with you. The elation that someone…

Have you ever thought to yourself, damn I am enough, or am I worthy of these opportunities that are presenting themselves? Am I worthy to be in this relationship, or am I worthy to be with this person? If you’ve answered yes to any of these questions then you are certainly not alone. I have…

It is estimated that over 40 million people suffer with Anxiety Disorder, however only about 35% seek treatment. It is commonly diagnosed in conjunction with Depressive Disorders. Anxiety is a mental health disorder that impacts a large number of those suffering with Mental Illnesses. Most recently, with the state of racial tension in America, ‘Racial…

Growing up black in an impoverished community in the 1980’s mental treatment was not discussed in a positive manner. I remember in grade school hearing kids bully other kids because of their mental status. Also overhearing adults speaking on receiving mental health treatment as being a weakness. However, I would like to enlighten everyone that…

With almost daily inundations of news of a Black person being mistreated or killed, the topic of self-esteem in Black professionals is a nuanced one. Within this post, I intend to speak from my own experience, fully acknowledging and owning that this is not reflective of every Black person’s experience.    The catalyst for making…

    Late last summer, my husband, Paul, and I contracted COVID 19. That experience hands down was the most scared I had been in my entire life. According to doctors, by the time Paul agreed to go to the ER for his labored breathing (which turned out to be fluid in his lungs), he…

In 1967, Dr. Martin Luther King gave a speech, “Where Do We Go From Here”. It is sad to say that this speech is more relevant today than it should be. Hours after a verdict regarding the death of George Floyd, a young 16-year-old girl had her life taken outside of her home with 5…

Oh Burnout! This is the word that makes professionals around the United States cringe. Burnout, or work-related exhaustion is a result of performing high-stress tasks on a regular basis. Generally, the cost of such work demands means neglecting our physical and mental health. Although burnout can happen to anyone, women of color are sadly affected…

    When we walk into a crowded room and observe the people around us, we make quick assessments of these people and place them into categories. Then, almost instantly, we associate a certain belief with that category of people which dives into how we initially behave towards them. This act of stereotyping is done…

    I have to be honest and tell you that as an Emotional Eater, I knew I wanted to permanently lose weight, but I wasn’t ready to permanently change my relationship with food. When my surgeon told me about the Bariatric surgery options and gave me his expert Medical recommendation for which one would…

2020 has been an especially stressful and triggering one nationally, on top of other unique and personal life challenges. Which is why I found it important to revisit the topic of Trauma (what it means, its impact and symptoms, as well as ideas for coping), and share some reminders through the blog post. Hope you…

The word process intrigues me for some reason. By definition it means a series of actions or events taken in order to achieve a particular end. However, it is not a requirement that the actions involved or referred to be mechanical in nature. There are some processes that occur naturally so, for example, the growth…

It is common for children to have fears. They may have fears that they will eventually outgrow such as being scared of the monster under the bed. The year of 2020 has given them fears that they will have to cope with alongside adults, such as the COVID-19 pandemic. And children of color have additional…

by Irene Bernard, Dmin, LADACII, CAADC, EMDR, CPRS, QCS I’m not sure if Robert Palmer had this in mind when he performed the song, but Love Addiction is real. In my practice as an Addiction Specialist, I’ve had to help address a variety of addictions and behaviors. Research and experience confirm that addiction is a…

  You finally decided that it’s time to do the work. You’ve been carrying the burden of your life’s experiences, and you’re sick and tired of being sick and tired. Perhaps you want to tackle your self-esteem issues or get a better understanding of why you continue to pick the same type of love interest.…

Since 1996, when my oldest son initially lost his ability to speak, I became a case manager of sorts: monitoring, linking, and ensuring that Aaron has what he needs to be happy and productive. When I became pregnant for the second time, I prayed for a “normal” child, one that would not experience so many…

Why we created this directory I, along with a business partner, recently created an online mental health directory specifically targeting BIPOC. Mental and emotional concerns are increasing in this population, yet, Black and Brown therapists only compromise between four (4) and five (5) percent of mental health professionals. Historically, Black and Brown communities have endured…

What’s the difference between emotions & feelings, and how do they impact our behavior?   NEWSFLASH: Feelings Aren’t Facts! Did you know that your feelings are like a warning system in your body, and that they are learned? They show up in our behavior and come from our belief system but be clear: feelings are not…

Every so often themes pop up in a week, between clients, colleagues and loved ones. A theme that popped up multiple times in one week was that therapy is mysterious. There was also a sense that the therapist didn’t want to share how therapy was going to work for these clients.   Let me just say,…

Are beautiful wedding rings, gowns, receptions and such enough to deem your marriage a successful one? You have been a couple for how many years yet if ever you’ll take your relationship to the next stage, do you think it will actually be successful? What do you think are the ways to a successful marriage?…

Hypnosis can seem scary, primarily because of the bad press that it has received over the years. It stands to reason,  considering that most people’s initial exposure to hypnosis came from old black and white movies that depicted unsuspecting ‘victims’ put under another person’s ‘spell’ and then  ‘mesmerized’ by a swaying of pocketwatch. More recent…

I can remember my first experience with play therapy, it was during my second-year placement at an inpatient treatment program for children in Towson MD.  My field supervisor and the other clinicians that I worked with were skilled and trained in play therapy, so fortunate to be able to learn new and different approaches to…

It’s OCTOBER! It seems bizarre that for almost 7 months we’ve been at home….that’s like almost as long as I was pregnant! At home….with kids….and limited social outlets! It’s a wonder ANY of us are still sane. And then there are therapists. Wonderful helping healers, who dedicate time and energy to others, willingly. Even in…

Trigger Warning: Suicide   May 22, 2020, changed my life forever.   “Morgan is dead.”     I felt my heart drop reading the message on my screen. I scanned my mind quickly for every Morgan the sender and I knew, and immediately was in denial.   I was driving to see my mother when…