15 Minutes on the Couch

Today in the guest chair, we have Dr. Loree Johnson, Psychotherapist and CoachDr. Loree Johnson has combined 20 years of clinical work to help women navigate their mental health and reproductive health and heal from the trauma of infertility. She also help couples navigate uncertainty in their relationships so they can overcome their fertility challenges with their relationship still intact. “It’s something that our families really didn’t talked to us about…the research is telling us that Black women are twice as likely to struggle with infertility.”Dr. Johnson live in Hermosa Beach, CA with her husband, and in my spare time, she enjoy salsa dancing, traveling, reading, and riding her motorcycle.. Follow her on Instagram or visit her website.

Today in the guest chair, we have Beatrice Dixon, Founder and CEO of HoneyPotBeatrice Dixon is a true believer about living in the present and not having fear. The Atlanta-based CEO and founder has a varied background, including work in pharmacy, natural foods, and retail. She combined her business acumen with her experience, and a little help from her ancestors to launch The Honey Pot Company.“Be relentless about your life. Any moment you have, live it”Dixon is the epitome of what visualization, chasing your dreams, never giving up, and overcoming adversity, looks like. Follow her on Instagram or visit her website. Resources from this episode:Osho

Today in the guest chair, we have Lauren WilliamsLauren Williams was born in the heart of the city Atlanta, into the renowned Williams family, highly regarded for their work in community service, civil rights and philanthropy.As part of Bravo's "The Real Housewives of Atlanta." Lauren has used her platform to share her health and wellness journey through her social media following while advocating for the elimination hunger and homelessness, assistance for single mothers, mental health, activism for civil justice and speaking at the March of Dimes.“There’s no possible way you are able to give 100% to everything so counterbalance is what it is.”As co-owner of Go Naked Hair, a beauty & lifestyle company and Real Life Snacks, Lauren's aim is to provide everyone with ways to make their life a little bit better. Follow her on Instagram or visit her website. Resources from this episode:The Dance of Anger: A Woman’s Guide to Changing the Patterns of Intimate RelationshipsThe One Thing: The Surprising Simple Truth Behind Extraordinary Results

Today in the guest chair, we have Dr. Kelli Rugless, Psy.D. Dr. Kelli Rugless is a Licensed Psychologist and the owner of Flourish Psychology, a private psychological practice dedicated to meeting the unique needs of women. She received her Bachelor’s degree in Biopsychology from University of California, Santa Barbara, and her Master’s degree and Doctorate of Psychology (Psy.D.) in Health Psychology, from Loma Linda University. Dr. Kelli is a Board Member at Breaking the Chains Foundation, a nonprofit organization focused on using creative arts as tools for healing eating disorders, disordered eating and negative body image. Her work focuses on delivering evidenced-based services in a culturally-sensitive manner to the women in her practice as well as making psychological concepts more relevant and accessible to the general population. “This idea that it doesn’t impact Black women actually hurts us when we are struggling.”She has participated in a number of panels, podcasts, magazine articles, and speaking engagements and is in production of her own podcast “The Hangup” which focuses specifically on uplifting women by discussing our unique strengths and how to capitalize on them in our everyday lives. Dr. Kelli is a member of several professional associations including the American Psychological Association, The Academy for Eating Disorders, and the International Association for Eating Disorder Professionals. Dr. Kelli lives in Los Angeles, CA with her husband and two sons. Follow her on Instagram or visit her website. Resources from this episode:National Eating Disorders AssociationAcademy of Eating Disorders

Today in the guest chair, we have Dr. Ayanna Abrams, Psy.D. Dr. Ayanna Abrams is a licensed clinical psychologist in Atlanta and Founder of Ascension Behavioral Health, LLC. Her specialties include working with black women with symptoms of anxiety, depression, and other mood disorders that affect functioning, and clients who struggle to get their needs met in personal and professional relationships. “Because that is ingrained in our community, it feels innate, it feels hereditary but it is a learned behavior”She has extensive experience with black couples addressing emotional disconnection and dissatisfaction. Dr. Abrams has been featured on several global platforms including Essence, AfroPunk, Therapy for Black Girls, Silence the Shame and WeWork as a podcast guest, article contributor or mental health speaker. She is the co-founder of Not So Strong, an initiative to improve the mental health and relationship functioning of black women through vulnerable storytelling. Follow her on Instagram or visit her website. Resources from this episode:LiberateHeadspaceCalmInsight TimerBurn OutCodependent No More*Disclosure: Some of the links are affiliate links, meaning, at no additional cost to you. BFT will earn a commission if you click through and make a purchase.

Today in the guest chair, we have Miss United States 2018 Andromeda Peters, LICSWMiss United States 2018 Andromeda Peters is a licensed therapist, spokeperson, and model. Andromeda's childhood has provided her with a journey filled with many circumstances that Andromeda has risen above, but she says she was given a gift that led her to being such an open-minded and welcoming person of diversity.Coming from an LGBTQ family and having a transgendered father, she is taking her love of prose one step further and writing a book with her dad about diversity. Her movement: “Your Mind Matters” promotes mental health support self-care and self-love. Proclaimed health nut, Andromeda loves taking care of her health-mind, body, soul and helping others to do the same. She is a lover of life who gives thanks for every single blessing. Social Media InfoAndromeda Peters: @andromedapetersWebsite: https://www.andromedapeters.comBlack Female Therapists – @blackfemaletherapists

Today in the guest chair, we have Myra Muckle, LPC, CCTPMyra Terry Muckle is a Licensed Professional Counselor in the State of Georgia. She is the owner of Charlie’s Second Chance Counseling, LLC. In Gainesville, GA. She has over 11 years of experience in the field across various counseling settings and populations. Myra is a Certified Clinical Trauma Professional with a focus on women’s issues such as low self-esteem, trauma, depression and anxiety and healing from childhood sexual trauma or molestation. She also has over 9 years experience working with clients with Co-occurring disorders like addiction and eating disorders. Myra has a desire to work with clients who grew up like she did, in addiction, abuse, and with low self-esteem. She believe that “it’s our secrets that keeps us sick” and says that she is simply here to help clients heal and to love and accept themselves JUST AS THEY ARE! Her philosophy is “You are enough so embrace who you are scares and all.” Myra received her Bachelor’s degree in Business Management for Brenau University in 2002 and her Master’s degree in Community Counseling from Argosy University in 2009.Social Media InfoMyra Muckle: @myramuckle_therapistWebsite: https://www.charliessecondchancecounseling.com/FB page: @charlies2ndchanceBlack Female Therapists – @blackfemaletherapists

Today in the guest chair, we have Cynthia Branch, LCSWCynthia Branch is a psychotherapist and transitional life coach that is enthusiastic about helping people find, reveal, and honor the best of themselves. She has her Bachelor of Arts in Social Work, Masters in Social Work, and is licensed to practice by the state of NY. She has honed her skills working with various populations in therapeutic settings in the boroughs of New York.She specializes in working with women and men, using a cognitive behavioral approach which focuses on changing thought patterns which ultimately influence feelings and behavior. Cynthia believes that if you change the way you think, you can change your entire life!Social Media InfoCynthia Branch, LCSW: @therapywithcynthiaWebsite: www.therapywithcynthia.comFB page: @TherapywithCynthiaBlack Female Therapists – @blackfemaletherapists

Today in the guest chair, we have Katiuscia Gray, LCSW-R, CYTKatiuscia Gray is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW), a certified yoga teacher (CYT- 200hr), certified restorative teacher, yoga nidra certified and kids yoga teacher. She graduated from Adelphi University in 2006 with a master’s degree in social work. In addition she received her certification in yoga in 2018. She is the owner of Mind Movement Holistic Services, PLLC located in Valley Stream, NY, which focuses on individual, group and family therapy for children adolescents and young adults. She felll in love with yoga 8 years ago, it was recommended by her doctor when she was developing severe migraines. The stress of her being a young mother, with 2 small children and a husband while she was trying to complete her education took a big toll on her physical and mental health. The first yoga class that she took was a restorative class in 2010, which is a class that focuses strictly on relaxation with very minimal poses. At the end of the class my whole mind and body was so relaxed and she never felt that type of relaxation in her whole life. She was instantly hooked! She started to realize that the mind and body is connected and the only way to understand that is by making sure that both are treated equally.Social Media InfoKatiuscia Gray, LCSW-R, CYT: @mindmovementhsWebsite: www.mmholisticservices.com/FB page: @MindMovementHolisticServicesBlack Female Therapists – @blackfemaletherapists

Today in the guest chair, we have Brandi Harvey!Brandi Harvey is the Founder of BEYOND HER an active wellness brand for women of color. A former high school teacher, personal trainer, NPC fitness competitor, and nonprofit Executive Director, Brandi is a true renaissance woman.As the author of the revolutionary resource and personal transformation book Breakthrough Sold Separately, and her Go Beyond Her Guide, Brandi has taught thousands of women around the world to become more confident as they step into the arena of their lives.With thousands of subscribers to her weekly Beyond Her newsletter, Brandi Harvey has created a lane that is all her own. From national and local appearances on the Steve Harvey Show, Sister Circle, Good Morning DC, Atlanta & Company, Essence Magazine, Redefining Wealth, Rolling Out, and serving as a contributing writer for Sheen Magazine, Brandi uses every vehicle she can to bring holistic wellness to women of color.Authentic in spirit and a certified truth teller, Brandi has captivated audiences in both the United States and abroad. Having graced the stages of Harvard Business School, Princeton University, Disney Dreamers Academy, NYU in Florence, Italy, and The United States White House just to name a few, Brandi is a premiere speaker, and leader of this generation.Recognized as a 2019 Blossom Award Recipient through the White Dress Project, a 2018 Ambassador of Change in Health and Wellness, a 2018 Boss Woman of the Year, Atlanta’s Top 100 Women in Business, and having received the White House Drum Major of Service Award under President Barack Obama, Brandi Harvey is a woman on a mission to change your life and the world around her.Social Media InfoBrandi Harvey: @iambrandiharveyWebsite: www.beyondher.coFB page: @BeyondHerBlack Female Therapists – @blackfemaletherapists

Today in the guest chair, we have Quinn Gee-Edwards, LPC.Quinn Gee-Edwards is from Clarksdale, MS, a current resident of Washington D.C, and began practicing psychotherapy in 2014. Quinn is an alumna of the University of Mississippi, holds a BA in Psychology, an MS in Professional Counseling, and is currently a PhD candidate with a focus on advanced human behavior. Quinn identifies as cisgender, queer, and uses the pronouns she/her. Quinn is also the founder of Hey! Black Girl, a division of MMH that focuses on the emotional, physical, and spiritual health of Black women.Her areas of professional focus include women's issues (such as relationships and codependency), intersectionality, healthy sexuality, gender identity, sexual orientation and race based trauma. Quinn has devoted thousands of hours to working with marginalized persons, including private practice, mental health hospitals, and outpatient therapy services, since beginning her professional career in 2014.Social Media InfoQuinn Gee-Edwards, LPC: @magnoliamhealthWebsite: www.magnoliamhealth.comFB page: @MagnoliaMentalHealthBlack Female Therapists – @blackfemaletherapists

Today in the guest chair, we have Dr. Anisa Shomo. Anisa Shomo, MD is a board-certified Family Medicine Physician. Through her business, DR SHOMO KNOWS, LLC, she aims to make health information relatable and fun. She is a force love, light, and knowledge in medicine and her interests include healthy lifestyles, sexuality, and aging gracefully. She is also a Cervical Cancer Survivor and an advocate for routine health check-ups. She is a graduate of the Ohio State University for both her Bachelor of Arts in Spanish and Doctor of Medicine degrees. She completed Family Medicine residency at the University of Cincinnati/The Christ Hospital. She also completed a fellowship in Geriatrics at the University of Cincinnati/The Christ Hospital. She is a member of Alpha Psi Lambda, Inc the nation’s first co-ed Latinx fraternity. She is also a member of Black Girls Run! a national running group for all women.Social Media InfoDr. Anisa Shomo: @dr.shomo.knowsWebsite: www.drshomoknows.comFB page: @KnowbieNationTwitter: @DrShomoKnowsBlack Female Therapists – @blackfemaletherapists

Today in the guest chair, we have Dr. Mariel Buque. Dr. Mariel Buquè is an AfroLatina, a Ph.D. in Counseling Psychology from Columbia University. Her work focuses on the advancement of culturally responsive clinical care and healing wounds of intergenerational trauma. She focuses her free time delivering racial healing workshops through her Patreon community and conducting mental health and anti-racism workshops across the nation. She believes in the liberation of our minds as a necessary quality of our overall wellness and liberation.Social Media InfoMariel Buque: @marielbuqueBlack Female Therapists – @blackfemaletherapists