What motivated you to become a therapist?
I have always been fascinated by human behaviour. I took a psychology class while I was an undergraduate at Xavier University of Louisiana and fell in love with the field. I initially wanted to become a professor but, after participating in a student teaching experience, I didn’t feel like it was the right path for me. I then had the opportunity to shadow a counsellor in New Orleans, and felt like working in that setting was much more in alignment with my interests and excitement.
Do you have a specialist field of practice?
I specialise in black women and girls. My work focuses on making mental health more relevant and accessible for this community and in creating spaces where they are seen, valued and affirmed via the website and therapist directory Therapy For Black Girls. I also really enjoy being able to merge my love for pop culture with psychology with my podcast, Therapy for Black Girls. In 300-plus episodes, we’ve covered things like managing a tense relationship with your mother, healing after a break-up, how to know if you need a new therapist, and much more.
How has being a therapist changed you?
Being a therapist has sharpened my intuition and sense of compassion. It has also led to me being much more focused on taking care of myself and setting firmer boundaries. My work is very relational in nature, which means that I have to ensure that I am as rested, attentive and regulated as possible so that I can be fully present for the work that I do.
Where do you see yourself in five years’ time?
I hope to be offering groups and retreats that help black women better connect with one another and themselves. So much of the healing that happens for black women happens in community.
What do you find challenging about being a therapist?
Not having larger systems in place to support the work that really helps people to be well is the most challenging part of being a therapist. It often feels like the work that I do as a therapist is just putting a Band-Aid on a gaping wound without more support around fair wages, time off and community resources for mental health. It’s hard to encourage wellness when there are so many societal ills.
And rewarding?
Hearing from and getting messages from people whose lives have been touched by something they heard on the podcast. It is incredibly heartening to know that people’s lives have changed in very tangible ways because of the work that we do at Therapy for Black Girls.
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What is your favourite piece of music and why?
Currently I would say it’s Beyoncé’s Renaissance album. It is just a beautifully composed body of work that was released at a time when many really needed to be reminded of joy and play. This album embodies that and has not left my rotation since it was released.
What do you do for self-care/to relax?
I love naps, and I missed a lot of new documentaries and movies while I was preoccupied with writing and the launch of my book, Sisterhood Heals, so now I’m playing catch-up. I also enjoy sitting outside letting the sunshine hit my face. There are few things better than a sunny day with a good breeze!
What is the meaning of life?
To be as present and connected to and with the people in your world as possible. I also think that each of us has a purpose for being here. There are unique gifts and talents we each have that make this world better, and our time spent here should be about offering those gifts and talents in the service of humanity.
What would people be surprised to find out about you?
I think people would be surprised to find out how much of a homebody I am. I often travel a lot because of work obligations but my preference is to be working from home in soft clothes surrounded by my favourite snacks.
Who is your counselling/ psychotherapy hero(ine)?
Dr Janet Helms – the work that she has done on racial identity development has been groundbreaking. She has taken on ideas in the field that have been critical to move it forward but that haven’t always been welcomed. She has been bold and consistent despite pushback from others, and that is something I really admire and appreciate about her.