The Real Therapists for the Culture

Everybody is promoting “Self-Love” but few can actually say what it takes to love oneself.  In this episode Soph and Dr.L outline the recipe to achieving self-love as well as the possible barriers to accessing each ingredient that is needed. This episode will make you laugh, reflect, and give you action steps to move accessing self-love.

This episode Sophia and Dr. L have a conversation about social media trending couple Blueface and Chrisean. This couple have publicly displayed many toxic traits, their last incident was an fight outside that was recorded by many bystanders. This lead to the 2 therapists to breaking down the psychopathology of why people stay in unhealthy relationships. Sophia and Dr. L openly shared their views and more importantly the clinical take aways which will support those who are in toxic relationships.

It's Minority Mental Health Awareness Month and contrary to popular belief, mental health issues are present in the Black Family. While the diagnosed individual will have a lot to deal with, we often overlook how families are affected.  Dr.L and Soph spend some time discussing and outlining steps to balancing compassion for others as well as self when Mental Health struggles are present. 

After almost half a century the supreme court overturned the famous Roe vs Wade decision and you know Sophia and Dr. L ha ve some deep thoughts surrounding this recent event. These 2 real therapists discuss the effects on women's mental health as well as the impact this new change in America has had on them.

We'rrrre Back Its been a little while since you've heard from the real therapists but they are back.  They took some time to rebrand find a new home and some selfceare. Join Dr. L and Sophia as they updated you about what they've been up to and how the world has been impacting them both.  Of course you know there are some gems you will receive.  They have an amazing store for you so stay tuned!

Being a woman in 2022 is less than easy. When success and melanin is added to that recipe, the word difficult can't even begin to describe how intense life can get.  As we witness Judge Kentanji Brown Jackson make history as the first Black Female Supreme Court Justice, we are also witnessing the offensive disrespect and disregard that successful Black Women have to navigate even after they have earned their seat at the table.  Dr. L and Sophia chat about how they have navigated the “Successful Black Woman” road and how it can affect mental health and well-being.

Statistics have shown for decades that the divorce rate is 50% in the United States, however with some further research it was found the rate is more like 16% which is the lowest rate it has been since the 70's. Today Sophia and Dr. L have a conversation about divorce and the many factors that come along with it. Their guest Cedric Launcher joins them as he describes his 25 year journey of marriage. This is a conversation that needs a part 2 even though so many gems and take aways were given of course from the realest clinical and personal perspective you can get.

Join the realest therapists Dr. L and Sophia as they look at a few hot topics in current events that impact people also outside of the news. Dr. L came out discussing the recent murder/suicide that took place in Baltimore, Maryland. The therapists broke down the importance of believing people when they say they don't feel safe. The jumped to something less serious of Tristan  Thompson allegedly having another baby on Khloe Kardashian. The therapists had some fun with exploring "once a cheater always a cheater." They ended the episode celebrating Travis Hunter the #1 prospect in the country who chose to commit with legend Deion Sanders at Jackson State University. All the topics varied in severity however they all lead to learning how to trust yourself and what you know so you will always bet on yourself.

We are at that time of year where people often realize they struggle with seasonal affective disorder also know as SAD however we forget to zone in specifically about the "Holiday Blues." Holiday Blues can be very challenging for many due to grief, financial issues, trauma, and many other reasons. Join Soph and Dr. L as they share how holiday blues have impacted them both and the effective ways to get through this time of year. 

Summer Walker released her album “Still Over It” and the internet went into a frenzy. The songs were relatable for some people who have experienced similar pain in relationships and it triggered others who thought they had already healed from their pain. Dr. L and Soph could not miss this opportunity to provide their professional and personal opinions of the relationship journey.

Dr. L and Sophia are proud Morgan State University Alums, and because its Morgan's homecoming week they decided to shed some light on the major impact HBCU's have had on peoples lives. Daryl aka "Dj Radio" joined the 2 as a in studio guest and shared his fondness of MSU. They also had Hope sharing her amaziing experiences working with the late Dr. Nathan Carter. Because they didn't want to be bias they decided to share some love to other HBCU alums such as Vernon repping Clark Atlanta University, and Sloane repping spending some time at Coppin State University as well as MSU. This was a great discussion sharing how HBCU's molded and developed them to who they are today.

Having a baby is overwhelmingly life changing, but for most new parents; both moms and dads, the emotions are often ignored.  Dr. L and Sophia talk today about their own experiences and assumptions related to postpartum depression and how it can show up for moms and dads.

Entrepreneurship is a challenging yet  rewarding journey. Sophia and Dr. L are both are entrepreneurs. They observed many people during the pandemic started businesses of their own and have shared how their mental health have been affected during the process. They invited licensed social worker, and business owner Tamika Stewart also known as "Mik The Builder" to share some great insight and jewels to their listeners. You only get the realest on this platform and of course some great take aways.

Although it is more socially appropriate for women to be emotional, women who disclose mental health vulnerabilities continue to be shunned, rejected, punished, and ostracized.  Soph and Dr. L discuss some of the myths related to women to express emotional or mental struggles.  Let's stop assuming and create a safe space for everyone to freely express themselves and their struggles.

The Real Therapists play by their own rules and today that bring a topic that has been having people on the edge of their seats. WE always knew politics, religion and talking about people's kids are those sensitive topics that most people stay away from. However, the climate of our country has everyone deciding if they should or shouldn't receive the Covid-19 vaccine. This question has caused a huge division in many cultures. Listen to Sophia and Dr. L go after this topic at the realest level and of course provide you with ways to manage your mental health while you get to decide what is best for you and your family.

After a long 16 months, Soph and Dr. L are back in the studio!  In this episode Dr. L and Soph offer new listeners some background information about how the Real Therapists for the Culture came to fruition while also dropping some gems on how to get back to the norm without draining the life out of yourself. 

They have stayed away far too long, however Dr. L and Sophia are bacccckkk and they jumped right  into what's happening in the culture. They described the uproar that was created by Meghan Markle and husband Prince Harry"s candid interview regarding why they left the royal family. Of course Dr. L  and Sophia explored how feelings of being unheard, unseen and unprotected could leave people feeling they want to escape their family as well. The ladies missed recording and are excited to reconnect with their listeners.

Dr. L and Soph have not been able to be in the same space since the beginning of the pandemic.  In this episode they physically reunite for a glass of wine, lots of laughs, conversation about emotional effects of the 2020 election and how SEX can help!  

Dr. L and Sophia have a candid conversation about the mental health of the side chick. Sophia invited 2 guests Shawn and Myke to give an individual perspective about this topic. Shawn discloses being in the position as a side chick at several different times in her life, while Myke gives us his view of this new era and how the roles have shifted greatly. This conversation is filled with humor, vulnerability and of course great take-aways to continue this journey of wholeness we are all on together.

2020 just has not let up! With things happening around us being so serious and stressful, Dr. L and Sophia decide to keep things light in their conversation about the personalities of each zodiac sign, what may cause anxiety in their lives, as well as suggestions to engage in self-care!  We promise to make you laugh all while dishing some useful mental health knowledge.

Join Dr. L and Sophia as they discuss how mental health affects black men. Sophia and Dr. L was joined by Robert Smith to provide a more personal experience as a black man growing up in Baltimore and changing his life as a father and a business owner. He schooled them on how life experiences impact black men's perception of mental health. This episode is filled with education, humor and of course realness.

In the history books, 2020 will be known as the "The Year when Shit just never Stopped"!  As if a global pandemic is not enough, everytime we think things are going back to normal, something else alarmingly unbelievable hits our news feed.  In this episode, Soph and Dr. L weigh-in on a variety of topics that are buzzing and because they are always for the culture, they have some perspectives and suggestions to offer all of the listeners.

Join Sophia and Dr. L as they kick.off July honoring Minority Mental Health Awareness Month and openly discuss why black mental health matters. While we are in the midst of fighting for social justice for black and brown people Dr. L  and Sophia encourage all listeners to nurture their mental wellness at all cost.

Juneteenth commemorates the anniversary of all slaves in America being Free.  Several years prior in 1863, Abraham Lincoln signed the Emancipation Proclamation, which was intended to set all Slaves Free.  Unfortunately, all states did not comply and continued to maintain slaves.  In this episode Soph and Dr. L chat about the ways in which we continue to be bound by mental chains.  We are free and it is time for all of us to start acting like it.

Today's conversation was intense for Dr. L and Sophia being two black women living in America, they have lived through times of social injustice towards black and brown people which evokes an array of emotions. The recent murder of George Floyd has outraged the country and black people want answers and change. Join them on this difficult yet needed dialogue about race and injustice.

After a 2 month break due to the current pandemic we are currently experiencing, Dr. L and Sophia have a conversation about how they have been impacted by coronavirus. As usual they use humor as they describe the new way of life has put them in like becoming at home teachers, cooking several times a day and doing their own nails and feet. They give their gems or as they say "take aways" to support their listeners through this journey.

Coronavirus disease is a respiratory illness that can spread from person to person, it has impacted 114 countries. This virus has been declared a pandemic, and has impacted many Americans on multiple levels such as emotionally, mentally, spiritually, and financially. Dr. L and Sophia have a candid conversation about how this virus has impacted them on multiple levels. They invite several guests in the studio to add their perspectives and the effects. Sophia and Dr. L intention for this episode to uplift the spirits of their listeners and also provide some information about what's happening in our country.

Talks about addiction often focus on drugs, alcohol, and nicotine.  In 2020, conversations have expanded to include categories of addiction that also include behavioral addictions.  Soph and Dr. L have an open conversation about various types of addictions that can affect our psychological and physical functioning. 

Dr. L and Sophia have the conversation with a special guest Keisa Johnson on the importance of talking to your children about sex. Sophia realized in recent conversations with parents they feel they are having the sex talk “too late.” It is a difficult conversation however it is extremely important for a child to develop self acceptance, responsibility, and self-awareness. The way we impact and affect the people in our lives are also a part of our journey to wholeness.  

People are not separate from their experiences.  We take these experiences with us even when we think we have forgotten.  Soph and Dr. L are using this episode to discuss the their own reflections of being BLACK and how those experiences shaped the Real Therapists for the Culture.

Forgiveness is one of those principles which is perceived to be extremely difficult for many of us. Forgiveness is the act of forgiving or the state of being forgiven. What appears to be difficult for many of us to forgive is the ideas we hold about forgiveness, such as we have to reconnect with the person who offended us or excuse their behaviors.  Sophia and Dr. L discuss the reasons why forgiveness is hard to do and all the reasons why it is necessary for healing and growth.

Many people often assume that in order to grieve someone, you must know them personally.  Listen in as Soph and Dr. L educate and discuss the concept of collective grief.  A national tragedy, loss of a prominent figure, or even a terrorist attack can evoke a collective sense of mourning that should not be questioned or invalidated just because there was not personal relationship.

American Society has adopted perfectionism as the norm to attain success.  Sophia and Dr. L explore how perfectionism can be detrimental to one's mental health.  Sophia discloses how perfectionism has impacted her life for many years, and the recent shift that has occurred. The Realest Therapists use humor and clinical information to support their listeners in shifting from perfectionism to striving for excellence.

Focus on domestic violence is ever so popular and rightfully so.  However the issue of emotional, mental, and psychological abuse is highly overlooked and ignored.  This dialogue between Dr. L and Soph shines light on the signs, symptoms and overall cycle of violence that occurs in abusive relationships.

Every year we hear people scream “New year new me.” As Dr. L and Sophia kick off a new season in 2020 they discuss all the reasons why “New Year New Me” is not effective. They challenge their listeners to embark on a new way of being “New Day, Better Me.” For the next 2 weeks they will be posting on instagram the intention they set to be better for that day. This episode is full of great take aways which will support you in making the shift that will stick and manifest the life you want.

Being different in any type of way can be a source of stress for anyone.  Even in a time when same sex marriages are legal and widespread, it seems as if coming out about your sexuality can be a daunting and stressful process that has to be done every time you change environments, jobs, or social settings.  In this season finale, Dr. L and Sophia have two very courageous guest who weigh in and share their stories.

Parenting is the hardest job in life. This episode Sophia and Dr L. talk with hosts of the podcast Fatherhood Project about the woes of parenting. The recent post of Alicia Keys discussing her son painting his nails rainbow colors imploded the internet with great opinions on her mothering style. This discussion is filled with humor, opinions, and of course take aways given by 4 parents who admit this a job where you are constantly learning. They all agreed working on yourself is the best study guide which will support passing this test.

Social media controls everything we do and has been a gift and curse in all of our lives.   Social media affects all the ways that we function.  Listen in as Dr. L and Sophia discuss how social media sneaks into our physical, emotional, and mental well being. 

Emotional intelligence refers to ability to identify and manage one's own emotions, as well as the emotions of others. Sophia and Dr. L further explored the areas that contribute to emotional maturity. Dr L. discloses her emotional maturity puts her in the 11th grade and admits she can improve her control of thoughts. They will always encourage their listeners to continue with their personal development in such a humorous and therapeutic way. 

Although we have come a long way in accepting mental health issues, we still have a way to go.  Dr. L, Soph and a special guest identify some of the reasons that people avoid mental health treatment.  Listen in as we debunk all the myths associated with mental health treatment.  

Wikipedia describes friendship as a mutual affection between people.  Sophia and Dr. L have fun and creative discussion describing what friendships look like for them.  Sophia was able to contact some of her and Dr L's friends to get some raw and uncut descriptions of the way they view them as friends. What they acknowledge just like other areas of life people get to describe friendships as it suites them. Angie founder of she polished salon and Mike CEO of DIEM drop some jewels about their views of friends. One main thing Dr. L and Sophia agrees on is friendships can significantly impact mental and physical well-being. 

Approximately 800,000 people in the United States die by suicide and it is rarely discussed.  Sophia and Dr. L discuss the myths, risk factors and protective factors related to suicide.  Listen in as they provide personal and professional insight related to this taboo topic.  

Research shows more than 90% of people believe cheating is unacceptable, yet 30-40% of people engage in it. This episode Sophia and Dr. L explore the thoughts behind a cheater. They use humor and empirical data to support this very popular topic. You get to hear them debate with one another about their opinions on the reasons why men and women cheat, but of course they provide their listeners with some good takeaways for both the cheater and the cheatee.

In 2019 cosmetic work of all kinds has become very popular and almost normal.  In this episode, Dr. L and Sophia pick apart the factors that influence people to get cosmetic work done.  Listen in as the realest therapists you know share their personal and professional thoughts on when cosmetic work becomes a reflection of low self esteem and a need for external validation. 

Dr L. and Sophia kick off Season 2 recapping “Hot Girl Summer” and how freeing it was for women to be and do whatever they wanted. But now as we transition into “Cuffing Season” where people are looking to be in a relationship during the colder months of the year. They break down in order for you to be cuffed in a healthy way there are very important qualities to learn about yourself which will support a level of awareness and the ultimate goal of moving towards wholeness.

When you ask little girls what they want to be when they grow up you may get, teacher, lawyer, doctor, etc…but no one ever says “I want to be a baby mother when I grow up!”  This term has been used widely over the years but often attaches a negative connotation to women who have children with men they are not in a relationship with.  Sophia and Dr. L discuss some of the negativity attached to this term and a special guest joins in to give her perspective on being a baby mother.

We live in a world where you are told being selfish is wrong. Episode 9 you will hear Sophia and Dr. L discuss the importance of self-love, self-compassion, self care and self worth. They educate the importance of attending to self is just as important as the breath you take. They disclose some of their own hard lessons which helped them come to terms that if they don't take care of themselves effectively they really aren't no good to others. 

In the hustle and bustle of our everyday lives, we experience things directly and indirectly but we don't always think about how these things really affect us.  In this episode, Sophia and Dr. L discuss the types of trauma as well as the symptoms that may arise after we have experienced trauma.  Let's release these experiences so we can keep moving in this journey of wholeness.   In this episode, we used a small amount of Meek Mill's song Trauma.  I  We used for example and educational proposes under "Fair Use".   We encourage you to support this and all artists buy going out a buying their original work. 

Grief is a multifaceted response to loss, however it is natural response.  We all experience grief differently. Join Dr. L and Sophia as they share their experiences of significant losses and how they have been able to come to acceptance.  They acknowledge that the stages of grief are not linear and want their listeners to give themselves permission to grieve as they continue their journey to wholeness.

July is Minority Mental Health Awareness Month.  Although minority often brings about thoughts of race and ethnicity, in regards to gender, women are the minority, but report more issues related to mental health.  In this episode, Sophia and Dr. L talk about the mental health effects that women experience as they balance the double standard of being a woman—be strong, but not too strong…be sexy, but not too sexy…let your man provide, but don't be a gold digger.

Communication is essential in everything we do.  Communication affects ours jobs, family and other personal relationships. People learn who we are by the way we communicate with others.  On this episodes Sophia and Dr. L discuss 4 communication styles (passive, aggressive, passive-aggressive and assertive) and how it's impacting your life. As you travel this journey of wholeness it's time to ask yourself is your communication style working for you.