The Dope Black Therapist

Anthony Courman is a Licensed Clinical Social Work Associate, and native of New Bern, NC. Community is a big part of his life. Anthony and his wife actively participate in the community doing outreach through their church, working with at-risk youth in the community, and fostering children. Anthony considers the professional service as a therapist a calling. He is very passionate about serving others with the intent of impacting lives that inspire change and hope within those he serves and in the community. Anthony believes every human being has value and purpose.

How often do we allow opportunities to pass us by because we are afraid to step out of the shadow of doubt? I imagine it happens more than we care to admit. Personally, I've been guilty of this because I don't want to fail, but also, I don't think people want to hear what I have to say or show. To hell with that noise! Show up and show those folks who you are and what you can do! Nobody can do it the way you do, so show out and let em know who they are dealing with!

What's going on everybody? You ever wondered why it's so easy for us to function in chaos and be uncomfortable with peace? Things are going really well for The Dope Black Therapist, yet for some reason, I'm finding things to make a problem because things are going well. Anyone else guilty of this?

Happy Black History Month!!! It has been a very eventful month so far and I'm looking forward to what is to come. I recently spoke at the Black Mental Health Conference in Durham at the beginning of the month. The amount of knowledge I received from other Black clinicians and the connections made were astronomical! The next opportunity I had was to speak on health and relationships and y'all...that lead to some passionate conversation about intimacy and communication. Follow along as we discuss experiences of this month, Kendrick's half-time show, and the strength of our people!

Happy New Year y'all! Thanks for coming back for another episode of the podcast. I recently celebrated my birthday in a way that felt great for me. It was a dope celebration and a great way for me to start the year. Been making some time for community and stepping out of my comfort zone as well. Let's make the most of this year y'all. What are you doing to make it as dope as ever? Be sure you register for the Black Mental Health Conference https://www.thebmhmovement.com/2025-conference

Sorry it's been a minute since my last episode. It's been a lot going on and I've been taking the time to reflect. Thank you so much for the support and I hope you enjoy the holidays! If you would, please complete the link for feedback on how to improve the podcast. https://forms.gle/Coc1ehvxi5g1yoEr6 Upcoming events: Black Mental Health Conference 2025: https://www.thebmhmovement.com/2025-conference Doubt Yourself, Do It Anyway Summit Scotland: https://thedopeblacktherapist--allthingsprivatepractice.thrivecart.com/scotland-1500-2025/

Man, it's wild when you finally accept who you are and stop hiding from the things that can and will propel you to another level. It's all part of the healing process, right? Despite the healing, there's always that self-doubt that tries to creep in and derail your progress. Listen as I discuss how we go from afraid to be seen, to walking head high into success!

One thing I've come to realize is that I lack community. This is something I've had growing up having several cousins around and having a neighborhood full of kids. Not only that, but I've also been a part of some team since middle school. What happens to us when we become adults? What makes it so hard for us to build community today?

Been a minute since I've done an episode and for good reason. Several things have been going on lately and I was handling things the best way I can. The Black Fathers Summit was a success, business is picking up with G Squared, and things are going well here overall. I love and appreciate you and all of your support!

Boredom is a bitch! We get into a bit of a slump and then you start doing things that don't serve us in any way, shape, form, or fashion. We make bad decisions and/or we don't listen to our gut. Boredom can come from inadequate rest or nutrition, monotony of the mind, or a high need for excitement. Instead of feeding into the boredom, let's do the things we enjoy so boredom has no chance to take over! Black Fathers Summit is coming up on August 24th at the Southeast Raleigh YMCA. Register here: https://www.blackfatherssummit.com/registration

Man, you ever needed a break from everything? I had to take a break from my group and the podcast for a bit because I was so overwhelmed! However, I'm back at it now. I also talk about dating how much of a simp I was with this one chick and how that has changed my perspective on things, especially boundaries. Finally, I end up discussing all of the dope things that are coming up soon! Register for The Black Fathers Summit on August 24th: ⁠https://www.blackfatherssummit.com/registration⁠ Get you a Resilient Fathers t-shirt here: ⁠https://square.link/u/1VVT5Fcr⁠ Get you a signed copy of The Dope Black Therapist here: ⁠https://square.link/u/A9moFUqa⁠ Hire Blaise for a speaking engagement or workshop here: ⁠https://www.thedopeblacktherapist.com/services⁠

I chose to end my relationship with my biological father last year. This was my choice after years of wanting him to be part of my life, I no longer wanted him to be. When he called, I'd get annoyed and when I did talk to him, he spoke to me as if I was obligated to speak to him. I forgave him a few years ago, however, that doesn't mean I have to have a relationship with him. Listen as I discuss how I navigate the end of my relationship with him. Black Fathers Summit on August 24, 2024. This is a FREE event addressing mental and physical health. Be sure to register today! https://www.blackfatherssummit.com/education-for-teachers Also, if you'd like to join us for our men's support group, you can register here: https://www.thedopeblacktherapist.com/mens-group

How often are you pissed off when something is planned and it ends up getting cancelled or things change last minute? Do you fuss, get discouraged, throw a tantrum or do you adapt and overcome? Listen as I discuss how a change of plans can lead to an amazing discovery! If you haven't registered for The Black Fathers Summit on August 24th yet, please visit: https://www.blackfatherssummit.com/ and register today! The next virtual men's group will be on June 13th from 8-9 pm EST and you can register for that here: Men's Group — G Squared Counseling and Consulting Services (thedopeblacktherapist.com) We look forward to seeing you!

Been in my feelings all this month because my brother's birthday is coming up. He would have been 40 this year and I'm angry, sad, and frustrated I will not be able to celebrate with him. Grief shows up whenever it feels like it. There's no time limit on grief at all and you're allowed to feel what you feel. Personally, I've been more depressed than usual, however, I'm acknowledging it and allowing others to help when I need them to.

You ever get discouraged when shit seems to go sideways? It's really easy to do, right? A lot of shit went sideways last week and instead of getting discouraged, I took it as a lesson on what I need to do to get prepared for what is coming up next. We are still holding the Black Fathers Summit on August 24, 2024! Please head to https://www.blackfatherssummit.com/ and register today. Vendors, we want you to be a part of this. If you are interested in sponsoring, we would really appreciate your support and/or donations.

Finally! I get to share the news about what we have been planning! Listen along as Lamar and I discuss The Black Fathers Summit happening on August 24 at the Southeast Raleigh YMCA in Raleigh, NC. If you want to register, sponsor, or do a breakout session, please visit: www.blackfatherssummit.com today!

How many of you have ever had something good happen, yet you don't celebrate it because you are worried about something bad happening? It's like you are "waiting for the other shoe to drop" and don't celebrate the good thing because of it. You don't have to live and function in chaos, yo! Yes, you may be use to it, but that doesn't have to be your norm. A calm place full of happiness and joy can be! If you haven't got your copy of Becoming The Dope Black Therapist yet, be sure to get your copy by clicking the link: https://square.link/u/A9moFUqa

I've noticed my anger has been creeping in a lot more lately. The reality is, anger is just a surface level emotion, so I needed to get to the root of what was really going on with me. Have this ever happened to you? Ever amped on someone and you weren't angry with them? Yeah...it happens more often than we think. We gotta get to the origin of the problem so we won't let that anger monster out, especially to those who didn't do anything to us. If you haven't gotten your copy of Becoming The Dope Black Therapist yet, hit up Amazon and get you one. If you'd like an autographed copy, use the link below to get you one! https://square.link/u/A9moFUqa

Have you ever been critiqued and it didn't come from a place of genuineness, but from hate and vindictiveness? Yeah, me too. I used to hate when people would suggest for me to do things differently, like, who the hell are you? Recently, I got some constructive criticism that will not only make me a better speaker, but also, help me better prepare for workshops, engagements, and podcasts! Becoming The Dope Black Therapist is still available on Amazon, but if you want a signed copy, please use the following link: https://square.link/u/A9moFUqa If you are in the Bunn and surrounding areas, we will be having an in-person Men's Support Group on Thursday, March 21 from 8-9 pm EST. You can also register for the virtual group on Thursday April 4 from 8-9 pm EST. You can register for both using the following link: Men's Group — G Squared Counseling and Consulting Services (thedopeblacktherapist.com)

It's been a year since the release of my book, Becoming The Dope Black Therapist. Who would've thought I'd become an author, much less write something that would help others? Turns out, my book did just that! After speaking at a conference I heard from two people who told me how my story helped them through some tough times...chill bumps even thinking about it. You never know the impact you'll have on someone...until you do. If you would like an autographed copy of the book, click the link below: https://square.link/u/A9moFUqa If you or someone you or someone you know have had thoughts of suicide or self-harm, please dial 988 or visit the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline - Call. Text. Chat. (988lifeline.org)

Man, I had a whole different episode planned and I was moved this morning to go back to the drawing board...this is what happened and I'm proud of how it turned out. Remember, you are loved, you are valued, and you are dope as hell!

Have you ever felt like you've forgotten how to show up for yourself? It's really easy to do that for others but when it comes to us, it's like it's a problem! I've gotten away from showing up for myself and it's time to change all of that shit. Day by day, I'm doing the things that I know that I need to do for me so that I can be in the best place possible for success. I hope you are doing the same because you are loved, you are valued, you are dope as hell, and you are more than worth it!

Help me celebrate my birthday! Go head and get you a copy of "Becoming The Dope Black Therapist" on Amazon or if you want an autographed copy, follow the link: https://square.link/u/oabxxSoe?src=sheet Remember, you are loved, you are valued, and you are dope as hell!

Happy New Year!!! Thanks for rocking with me so far and I hope you continue to do so! The words of the year for me are exploration and discovery. What are some of your words for the year? If you haven't picked up your copy of Becoming The Dope Black Therapist yet, please head to amazon and get you a copy. If you want an autographed copy, hit me up at bharris@thedopeblacktherapist and I got you! Also, please checkout the YouTube page The Dope Black Therapist - YouTube

Wow, it's hard to believe I have recorded 40 episodes of this podcast! Thank you all so much for rocking with me! I'm reporting from Lisbon, Portugal as part of a retreat that I'm on for therapists and entrepreneurs. After this episode, I'll be taking a little hiatus just to recharge and give you all better content for the next season. Drop me a message on my IG @the_dopeblacktherapist and let me know what you'd like covered, addressed, or if you'd like to be a guest! Also, if you haven't gotten your copy of Becoming The Dope Black Therapist, go ahead and head to Amazon and get you a copy! You're loved, you're valued, and you're dope as hell! See you soon!

We all have stories about dating; good bad, horrible, indifferent. Honestly, I don't like it, yet I know if I'm gonna find my person, I gotta do it. Listen as I navigate the dating world. Hit me up and tell me your dating stories too at bharris@thedopeblacktherapist.com. Also, what topics would you like to hear about on the podcast?

Have you ever thought that you weren't good enough? Have you ever sought external validation from others in hopes they would acknowledge your success? I definitely understand where you're coming from! What happens when we become our biggest cheerleader? You can be the person that you need to validate your success! You don't need other people to tell you how dope you are. Own that shit and cheer yourself on!

Found out another friend of mine died this week and it's weighing heavy. Listen as I talk about the very taboo subject of suicide. If you or someone you know is struggling or in crisis, there's always help. You can call or text 988 anytime day or night. Veterans can press 1 when calling. The crisis text line you can txt the word TALK to 741741. For the Veterans crisis line send a text to 838255. Remember you're loved, you're valued, and you're dope as hell!

You ever feel yourself pulling away from everyone and everything? That's kinda where I've been for the past couple of weeks. Separating yourself from people can be good at times, however, when you isolate yourself from EVERYONE…it's not a good luck. Listen as I talk about why I have isolated myself and what I plan on doing to make it better. Please be sure to check out www.thedopeblacktherapist.com and register for the men's support group if you are in North Carolina. Follow me on IG at the_dopeblacktherapist.

Man…anger is a bitch! It's one of those emotions we are all familiar with and yet it's one of the most difficult emotions to manage. Not only that, we tend to pile shit on top of shit we don't deal with in the first place and wonder why we explode on others who really haven't done anything to us! You don't have to hold on to that anger y'all…we can learn to let it go. Listen along as I go over a couple of coping mechanisms, several I've mentioned before…it doesn't help to get a reminder every now and then. Enjoy the episode!

You ever get tired of talking down to yourself? You ever think you only do things the wrong way or that you ain't shit because you don't have who or what you want? This is the episode for you! Let's change all that shit around with the power of positive self-talk! Be sure to check out our YouTube Page (The Dope Black Therapist) and if you're in North Carolina, you can register for the men's support group at www.thedopeblacktherapist.com.

What is going on everybody? Lots of things have been happening since the last time we talked. I attended my first Juneteenth and Pride events and man did I learn so much! Listen as I discuss both events and how they impacted me. Be sure to check out my YouTube page, https://youtube.com/@thedopeblacktherapist follow me on IG at https://instagram.com/the_dopeblacktherapist?igshid=OGQ5ZDc2ODk2ZA== or visit my website: www.thedopeblacktherapist.com for speaker and workshop requests.

I lost my Aunt Lacine earlier this week and I'm still wrapping my head around it. She was an amazing woman who brought so much love, joy, and happiness to those around her. My heart hurts for my grandma, my cousins, my aunts, and my uncles with her loss. I love you Aunt Lacine. Please, love on your people…

It's been 2 years since my brother has been gone and it doesn't get any easier. Listen as me and my cousin Binky discuss our relationship with my brother, Linden, grief, and how we manage our emotions during these difficult times.

Mother's Day episode celebrating all of the moms of the world :)

What's going on everybody?! You ever have a shitty start to your day and then it ends up being awesome? That's what happened to me this past weekend. Listen as we discuss a shitty start to the day, what I did to manage it, and how it ended up being one of the best days ever! Fellas, we are having a men's group on May 4th from 8-9pm and it will be virtual! Head over to www.thedopeblacktherapist.com, click on men's group, and register today! Also, Becoming The Dope Black Therapist is available on Amazon at the following link: Becoming The Dope Black Therapist https://a.co/d/fuidhJ2

What's going on everybody? Have you ever been sick and tired of being sick and tired? Listen as we discuss where this quote comes from and how this can affect us. Also, we talk about what we can do to get out of this thought process. Don't forget to pick up your copy of Becoming The Dope Black Therapist from Amazon Becoming The Dope Black Therapist https://a.co/d/h544hzE or you can come join me at the book signing on April 30th from 3-5pm at Cake Town Bakery at 903 N Smithfield Rd in Knightdale, NC and get a signed copy for $12. You are loved, you are valued, you are dope as hell.

What's going on everybody?! I can't front, I've been down for the past few weeks and I should be celebrating! There are times where we think people don't care about what we do or what we accomplish and it's really our own shit not allowing ourselves not to be great! Listen as we discuss ways to get out of that. Becoming The Dope Black Therapist is available for purchase Becoming The Dope Black Therapist https://a.co/d/aEinwqc There will be a book signing on April 30th from 3-5pm at Cake Town Bakery in Knightdale, NC. Come out and get a signed copy! If you aren't following us on IG, you should be: the_dopeblacktherapist

What's going on everyone?! I'm excited about this episode with him Army Sergeant Major Jermaine Crudup. Join us as we discuss mental health, masculinity, and the military in this episode. We hope you enjoy!

Hey everyone! Join Blaise as he talks about growth and what that has meant for him over the past few months. How are you growing? Are you used to the safety net? Listen as Blaise discusses how he has grown over the past few months and what is coming for the future. Oh yeah…Becoming The Dope Black Therapist is available now on Amazon! Purchase your copy (paperback or Kindle) today! Becoming The Dope Black Therapist https://a.co/d/8rmBd32

Heather Hill is a licensed funeral director at Renaissance Funeral Home in Raleigh, NC. She also moderates Death Café Raleigh. Heather has been in the funeral industry for 8 years now, and feels that her past careers in the healthcare field and traveling the world as a flight attendant has led her to this passion. The opportunity to work with families in their time of need is a calling and Heather takes a personal approach when helping families. She also advocates for green burial, end of life care and providing meaningful memorial services. Heather is a recent widow and is raising three children along with the help of her close family and friends. Having experienced such a profound loss in her life, she can connect with others at their level and offer support and a shoulder to lean on. Renaissance website: https://rfhr.com/ Death Café FB Page: https://www.facebook.com/deathcaferaleigh To learn more about Death Café: https://deathcafe.com/ My personal website where I share about grief: https://www.heathermariehill.com/

We are excited to have Therapeutic Life Consultant, Sara Wilder on the podcast. Listen as we discuss, substance use, trauma, mindfulness, and a host of other topics. Website: www.sarawilderlcsw.com; IG: rightsize_perspective; the_dopeblacktherapist;

What is going on everybody?! Blaise just recently celebrated his birthday and took himself out on a little getaway for the weekend. Listen as he discusses why taking time for ourselves can be difficult and why taking that time can be beneficial for us. If you haven't checked out the website, please do at www.thedopeblacktherapist.com and follow us on IG @the_dopeblacktherapist. Remember that you're loved, you're valued, and you're dope as hell!

Happy New Year!! I hope that your new year is off to an amazing start. Listen as Tai Caldwell, aka Tai Connects, joins me as we talk about resiliency, wellness, and mental health. Tai will be hosting The Power of Focus on February 5th which is a 6 week webinar series. Please visit her website at www.hike2connect.com to register for the webinar series and/or to signup for a hike with the awesome Tai Connects! Feel free to reach out at bharris@thedopeblacktherapist.com with questions, comments, or suggestions, and be sure to visit www.thedopeblacktherapist.com for your merch!

Why is it so easy to point out the bad things and/or mistakes that we or others do, and difficult to point out the good? Listen as Blaise discusses how acknowledging the good things in our life can prove beneficial to our well being. Thanks for rocking with us all year! We are going to be doing some even greater things in 2023!

This week, Blaise talks to Artist and LCMHCA, Lamar Whidbee. Listen as we discuss grief, trauma, art, and discuss his upcoming exhibit, Thanataphobia. The opening reception for Thanataphobia will take place on December 16th from 6pm-9pm at The Durham Art Guild Gallery at Golden Belt located at: 800 Taylor St. D in Durham, NC. Be sure to visit his IG at afro_picasso. Also, follow us on IG at the_dopeblacktherapist.

Have you ever wondered what it feels like to surround yourself that are operating on a higher frequency than you are? Join Blaise as he discusses growth by interacting with people that are on the same frequency and/or higher and how that can help you build more. Change doesn't have to be scary or difficult.

On this episode, Blaise discusses how he wants to break the stigma of mental health in Black men and also in his community. Listen as he discusses giving back while also maintaining boundaries.

This episode, Blaise talks about burnout and how it is affecting him. He discusses the things that has burned him out lately and give you some tips that you can use to avoid burnout.

The term YOLO (you only live once) is a phrase that many of us use to go after what we want. A friend of mine introduced a new term instead, YODO (you only die once) but you live every day! Listen as Blaise talks about how he is trying to incorporate YODO into his lifestyle.

Have you ever found every reason possible not to say yes to something? Don't feel bad, you're not the only one. There's a risk in saying yes and we want to be sure that we don't do anything to jeopardize our safety. Join The Dope Black Therapist as he talks about times that he has said YES and how that has worked out for him.