MY BOOK IS COMING SOON!!! And I’m excited for you to read it. But first, because you’ve been reading my blog, I’ll give you an inside scoop. Here is a little about the book: 1) What is the book called? Drum roll please... NOT FAR FROM THE TRUTH 2) What is the book about? Not Far From The Truth is a fictional book of 10 short…
Many people today have been to therapy, are currently in therapy, or are considering going for therapy. (By the way, if you are considering going to therapy and you reside in Pennsylvania, I am currently accepting new clients here!) Psychotherapy is hard work. Although it is not the visible type of work like working on your garden, it truly can lead to growth in multiple ways.…
Mental pain is less dramatic than physical pain, but it is more common and also more hard to bear. The frequent attempt to conceal mental pain increases the burden: It is easier to say, ‘My tooth is aching’ than to say, ‘My heart is broken.’ —C.S. LewisDepression is marked by sadness, emptiness, and/or irritable mood. You lose the pleasure you once felt in doing things you…
You know how, many African cultures have rituals involving dancing and chanting? They are done on many occasions including after births and deaths. It turns out that the Western world is catching up to these along with other art forms as beneficial ways to heal from trauma. Well of course, everything originated in Africa 😉Anyway, last week I wrote about Black American trauma: 3 important concepts…
A few days ago, I was talking to a friend and mentor from Central Africa whom I have known for 13 years and who has read a few of my blog posts. From our conversation, he just now understood what I do for a living. “You mean to tell me you are one of those people on TV to whom people come and tell their problems?”…
I often hear African immigrants say that they have never had a reason to seek professional counseling. (Read this post for common reasons they give). I believe counseling is even more important for African immigrants because traditional practices geared toward mental health in many parts of Africa are no longer common and are definitely not available in the U.S. African history lesson First off, I am not…
But I pray, why do I still need counseling? You’ve probably heard someone say this or you’ve thought it yourself. I get it, I used to think so too. But it is not accurate. If all we needed were prayers without action, then we wouldn’t need medical doctors, dentists, scientists, how far do you want to go? It would be unwise not to go to the…
You know when you go to your doctor and they ask for your family’s health history? Many Africans don’t have much to write, not because there are no health issues in the family, but because they are not aware of them. Maybe some health issues weren’t diagnosed. The responses to mental health history are even more scarce. The questions go something like this… Do you have…
As I stated in my last post, a major reason why African immigrants don’t seek counseling is because they believe they can’t afford it. Before you nod in agreement, keep reading and you'll see that there are a lot more inexpensive resources available to you. (Here are some answers to other questions people have about psychotherapy)1. If you are a student (undergraduate or graduate) at a…
Seeking mental help is not an easy thing to do. Not only do I know from personal experience (yes therapists need therapists, we’re human), but I've met many people, Africans included, who have thought about psychotherapy and have given up without trying. After all, you are first acknowledging that you have struggles. Second, you are recognizing that your issues are beyond your capacity to handle. Third,…