This is a podcast about all things mental health and most importantly, a safe space for Black people and any other communities that align with our mission to dialogue, find support and share resources in our healing journeys. Join us, your homegirls who also happen to be therapists, each week as we explore mental health topics from the perspective of Black women. By sharing our authentic stories and showing up for ourselves and others, we become active participants in our healing process, so be sure to subscribe and connect with us! Let's keep the conversation going! Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/hues-to-healing/support
Dr. Janai and Dr. Pam are joined by Candice, LCSW this week to discuss the struggles in finding balance between healing while assisting others on their healing journeys. They take a look at the self-imposed as well as projected expectations and limitations placed on mental health professionals that serve as obstacles to their personal healing. Join us this week as we highlight the humanity that is often forgotten for those in the helping professions. This episode is a gentle reminder that clinicians face the same struggles as others, in spite of being subject matter experts.
Connect with Candice
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This week, Dr. Janai and Dr. Pam are joined by Asia Williams, a mental health advocate who shares her experience with mental health challenges that stem from employment related issues. She shares her story and strategies for navigating workplace burnout. Together, they discuss tangible actions to take to care for yourself while keeping your job and your peace.
Connect with Asia
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This week, Dr. Janai and Dr. Pam address the underlying self-esteem and mental health issues that can be linked to masking and code switching behaviors. This conversation will empower listeners to be their authentic selves in all spaces, celebrating who they are and where they come from.
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This week, Dr. Janai and Dr. Pam are joined by Marvin Merriweather, LCSW, owner and lead therapist at Be Strong Mental Health & Therapeutic Services and head coach at Railsplitter Fitness. Marvin specializes in a psychosomatic and modern approach to mental health treatment that focuses on helping clients heal from deeply rooted unresolved trauma. Together they look at how individuals are able to achieve goals and overcome traumas but still present with deeply seeded wounds that need addressing. This conversation offers a new lens for understanding strength and vulnerability, especially in a society where masking and toughness are perpetuated as badges of honor.
Connect with Marvin
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This week, Dr. Janai and Dr. Pam address misconceptions about trauma bonds and discuss the reasons why unhealthy and codependent attachments form. They define the term, explain how trauma bonds are created and reinforced, and provide strategies for cutting these difficult ties. Although it is often seen in romantic relationships, it can also manifest in familial relationships and friendships. During this conversation your homegirls highlight unhealthy aspects of interpersonal relationships that may be standing in your way to overall growth.
The Hues To Healing Podcast is edited by Phil Jackson (Instagram: @philapproved).
To contact us to be a guest or ask questions, DM us on Instagram or email us at huestohealing@gmail.com
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This week, Dr. Janai and Dr. Pam are joined by Ms. Bukky Babalola, a public health communicator and activist, here to discuss all things Black mamas and Black babies. She is a health communication specialist specializing in diminishing health disparities by implementing health education and promotion via communications, with a focus on minority populations. Bukky highlights the impacts of structural and systemic racism on Black maternal health and the issues we face peri and postpartum.
To contact us to be a guest or ask questions, DM us on Instagram or email us at huestohealing@gmail.com
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Join your homegirls, who happen to be therapists, as they discuss the dangers of minimizing and ignoring issues in the name of peace as well as effective confrontation strategies.
Dr. Janai and Dr. Pam highlight the differences between truly coping and growing as opposed to avoiding dealing with issues in our daily lives.
To contact us to be a guest or ask questions, DM us on Instagram or email us at huestohealing@gmail.com
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This week, Dr. Janai and Dr. Pam are joined by EJ the therapist, a motivational facilitator, licensed therapist, and wellness advisor to discuss boundaries from a social and cultural perspective. They take an in-depth look at how societal norms/expectations and childhood upbringing play a large factor in how adults approach boundary settings. EJ discusses his personal and professional journey to discovering how deeply rooted one’s ability or inability to set, respect, or enforce boundaries are connected to their childhood and experiences.
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Join Dr. Janai and Dr. Pam as they take a deeper look at entitlement in interpersonal relationships. This week's discussion takes a fresh perspective on what entitlement looks like from those within our support systems. Oftentimes it is harder to gauge problematic and unbalanced relationships when they are with individuals within the family system or with those we hold close relationships with. Dr. Janai and Dr. Pam highlight variations of entitlement such as emotional entitlement and discuss how pervasive it can be.
To contact us to be a guest or ask questions, DM us on Instagram or email us at huestohealing@gmail.com
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This week, Dr. Janai and Dr. Pam are joined by Dr. Torie, an educational consultant, mentor, certified life coach, motivational speaker, and ACEs expert. Dr. Torie provides insight in what adverse childhood experiences are and how prevalent they are in our communities. Dr. Janai and Dr. Pam discuss the mental health implications of ACEs and how they manifest in our adult lives. They delve into the potentially harmful behaviors, triggers, and mental health symptoms that can negatively impact one’s quality of life and overall functioning.
The Hues To Healing Podcast is produced and edited by Phil Jackson (Instagram: @philapproved).
To contact us to be a guest or ask questions, DM us on Instagram or email us at huestohealing@gmail.com
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This week, Dr. Janai and Dr. Pam discuss the topic of terminating therapy. Your homegirls go deeper into looking at when it is appropriate to end your formal therapeutic journey. They highlight the meaning behind “graduating” from therapy, what stops people from wanting to terminate, and the true natural progression of individual therapy. Although therapy is helpful and needed, it is not an always and forever thing. Dr. Janai and Dr. Pam help you reevaluate your healing journey and ask yourself the question, when is enough… enough?
Links:
To Contact us to be a guest or ask questions, DM us on Instagram or email us at huestohealing@gmail.com
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Welcome to the Season 3 premiere of the Hues To Healing Podcast! Your homegirls who happen to be therapists, Dr. Janai and Dr. Pam are back with more mental health conversations. This season they will be joined by special guests, kicking it off with an oldie but goodie, your favorite co-host from season 1, Raven! Raven and your homegirls dive into the concept of self-love while loving your partner. Raven gives updates and shares her experience of discovering the importance of self-love, partnership, and growth during her healing journey. “Me, Myself, and You” looks at the importance of loving oneself even when building romantic relationships.
Links:
To contact us to be a guest or for questions, DM us on Instagram or email us at huestohealing@gmail.com
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This week, Dr. Janai and Dr. Pam explore the power of affirmations and manifestations in mental health. They demystify these practices, emphasizing their potential to combat self-doubt and offer practical steps for integrating them into daily life as essential tools for personal growth and well-being.
This week’s listener letter addresses some of the challenges of parenting, something Dr. Janai knows all too well. She offers valuable insights into intentional parenting, particularly for children of color, and how it can foster a positive connection with their mental health and emotions.
Links:
DM us your questions on Instagram or email us at huestohealing@gmail.com
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This week, Dr. Janai and Dr. Pam discuss Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), often times referred to as Seasonal Depression, a kind of depression that can sneak up on you with the changing seasons. They chat about what puts you at risk, the symptoms to watch for, and how to cope, with a reminder to seek help from a mental health pro when needed.
This week’s listener touches on the challenges that first-generation Americans face when trying to live up to cultural expectations, while staying true to themselves — something Dr. Pam can relate to on so many levels, so she chimes in to give some homegirl advice!
Links:
DM us your questions on Instagram or email us at huestohealing@gmail.com
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This week, Dr. Janai and Dr. Pam dive into the role of faith and the church in Black communities, stressing the need to blend faith with professional help for mental and physical health. They discuss the importance of a holistic approach that involves God, therapists, friends, and more.
This week’s listener letter touches on dealing with social anxiety and how to work through those moments when you realize, “I wanna go home!”. Dr. Pam offers some homegirl advice on how to get to the root issue of where those feelings stem from.
Links:
DM us your questions on Instagram or email us at huestohealing@gmail.com
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This week, Dr. Janai and Dr. Pam talk about your Day 1 friendships and how they differ from your Day 2 connections. They emphasize the importance of being vulnerable and allowing new friendships to blossom, but also share personal experiences about recognizing when it's time to let go of struggling relationships. Tune in to hear how to prioritize relationships that bring value and reciprocity, regardless of their duration or titles.
This week’s listener letter dives into maintaining and developing friendships and meaningful relations with long distance. Dr. Janai sheds some light on how she leads with intentionality in her friendships and different ways to connect meaningfully from afar with the ones we love and care for.
Links:
DM us your questions on Instagram or email us at huestohealing@gmail.com
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This week, Dr. Janai and Dr. Pam explore the concept of cultivating abundance in mental health. They emphasize that abundance begins with self-care, extends to building abundant relationships, and ultimately fosters community collaboration and support for optimal living and personal growth.
Links:
DM us your questions on Instagram or email us at huestohealing@gmail.com
Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/hues-to-healing/support
[CW: This episode will discuss suicidal thoughts and ideations.]
This week, Dr. Janai and Dr. Pam tackle the crucial topic of suicide prevention and ideation in honor of September being Suicide Prevention Awareness Month. Whether you're concerned about someone you know or facing these thoughts yourself, Dr. Janai and Dr. Pam share practical tips for detection and prevention, as well as helpful resources to find help.
This week’s listener letter discusses one of the many factors that prevents people from seeking therapy — the cost. Dr. Janai shares her industry knowledge on how to find the help you need both virtually and in person within your budget.
Links:
DM us your questions on Instagram or email us at huestohealing@gmail.com
Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/hues-to-healing/support
This week, Dr. Janai and Dr. Pam explore the potential obstacles that may be holding you back in your healing journey. They dive into the character tropes or self-narratives you might have adopted and analyze the symptoms you may be encountering, whether they are expressed inward or projected onto others. These insights strive to help put you back on your path towards further personal growth.This week’s listener letter shifts gears and revists the topic of grief, but from a different perspective. Have you ever grieved the loss of someone who was still alive? Tune in to hear what your homegirls, who happen to be therapists have to say about the topic. Links: Peace Is Every Step: The Path of Mindfulness in Everyday Life by Thich Nhat Hanh The FREE Hues To Healing Mental Health Resource Guide Hues To Healing on Instagram Hues To Healing on Twitter The Hues To Healing Podcast is produced and edited by Benjamin Pola.DM us your questions on Instagram or email us at huestohealing@gmail.com--- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/hues-to-healing/support
This week, Dr. Janai and Dr. Pam talk about sex! More specifically, its relationship to mental health and therapy. They break down the stigma that often deters individuals from seeking therapy, while exploring the historical taboos surrounding discussions about sex and how these narratives continue to influence our daily experiences.This week’s listener letter has multiple layers that often times impact our boundaries and mental health. Would you lend money to a friend who ghosted you for 8 months with no explanation? Tune in to hear Dr. Janai and Dr. Pam’s homegirl advice. Links: The FREE Hues To Healing Mental Health Resource Guide Hues To Healing on Instagram Hues To Healing on Twitter The Hues To Healing Podcast is produced and edited by Benjamin Pola.DM us your questions on Instagram or email us at huestohealing@gmail.com--- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/hues-to-healing/support
This week, Dr. Janai and Dr. Pamdebunk misconceptions about vulnerability, highlighting its link to authentic human connections and personal growth. They share personal stories and their expert insights in order to uncover how embracing vulnerability can lead to stronger relationships and increased emotional well-being. By shedding light on the psychological benefits, they reveal how vulnerability fosters self-awareness, acceptance, and resilience.
This week’s listener letter takes us back to our episode on shooting your shot — how do you stay motivated to try again after you missed your shot? Tune in to hear Dr. Janai and Dr. Pam’s homegirl advice.
Links:
DM us your questions on Instagram or email us at huestohealing@gmail.com
Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/hues-to-healing/support
This week, Dr. Janai and Dr. Pam dive into an often-overlooked topic, high-functioning depression, which is usually dismissed because of its elusive nature. Have you ever felt off or found yourself stuck in a low mood and don’t know why? Tune in this week to gain some insight on how to recognize those feelings and ways to work through them.
This week’s listener letter, Dr. Janai and Dr. Pam circled back and revisit Episode 4's themes and explore a thought-provoking angle on being the dependable figure for others. They offer guidance to a listener grappling with ways to support an older sibling who is struggling with feeling undervalued and overlooked for assistance.
Links:
DM us your questions on Instagram or email us at huestohealing@gmail.com21. Are You Your Best Self?
Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/hues-to-healing/support
This week, Dr. Janai and Dr. Pam talk about the topic of heartbreak and grief that we experience with different breakup, and focus on the breakups that are often overlooked. From the shock of losing a friend or even being the friend that is cut off, to the slow process of healing, they explore the ups and downs of navigating life after any bond is broken and offer recommendations on how to grieve that loss.
This week's listener letter raised the common question about the various roles of doctors in your healing journey. Dr. Janai and Dr. Pam shed light on the collaboration between different clinicians who work together to improve your mental health. As Dr. Pam put it, “I’m the talk lady, not the pill lady.” Tune in to your homegirls as they break down the important roles of these professionals, helping you understand how they can support you on your path to healing.
Links:
DM us your questions on Instagram or email us at huestohealing@gmail.com
Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/hues-to-healing/support
This week, Dr. Janai and Dr. Pam explore the role of "the go-to person" in relationships and its profound impacts. They discuss the allure and validation it brings, but also shed light on the potential downsides, as the constant responsibility and pressure to help others can take a toll on mental and emotional well-being. Dr. Janai and Dr. Pam wrap things up with tips on how to recognize if you or someone you know has taken on this role and offer practical strategies for maintaining a healthy and balanced connection with others.
This week's listener letter delves into the recent hot topic of romantic partners and reasonable expectations. Would you blast your partner on social media for something they wore? Should your partner have a say in how you choose to leave the house? Dr. Janai and Dr. Pam weigh in on the complexities of these dynamics and give their advice as a friend, who happens to be a therapist.
Links:
The FREE Hues To Healing Mental Health Resource Guide
Hues To Healing on Instagram
DM us your questions on Instagram or email us at huestohealing@gmail.com
This week, Dr. Janai and Dr. Pam explore the multifaceted dimensions of Blackness, from culture to identity and representation and its impact on one's mental health. This week's conversation aims to foster understanding, compassion, and appreciation for the rich diversity within the Black community, challenging stereotypes and celebrating its inherent strength.
For this week's listener letter, Dr. Janai and Dr. Pam revisit the concept of boundaries, focusing on the power of saying "no" and standing firm. Dr. Janai surprises Dr. Pam with her Spanish-speaking skills, and together, they share valuable insights and strategies on how to work up to demanding folks to put some respect on your "No's" and your boundaries.
Links:
The FREE Hues To Healing Mental Health Resource Guide
Hues To Healing on Instagram
DM us your questions on Instagram or email us at huestohealing@gmail.com
This week, Dr. Janai and Dr. Pam delve into the topic of setting boundaries as therapists when it comes to their personal relationships. They discuss the potential challenges and risks that can arise from blurring the lines between personal and professional. If you ever wondered why your therapist friends are always referring you to someone else, you'll know exactly why that is after tuning in to this episode.
This week's listener letter, the topic shifts to setting boundaries with family members and finding the courage to stand in one's truth and promote personal growth. Dr. Janai and Dr. Pam weigh in as a friend, who happens to be a therapist.
Links:
The FREE Hues To Healing Mental Health Resource Guide
Hues To Healing on Instagram
DM us your questions on Instagram or email us at huestohealing@gmail.com
Welcome to the Season 2 premiere of the Hues To Healing Podcast! This week you'll meet Dr. Pam, our new co-host joining Dr. Janai. Together, they explore the concept "Shooting Yo' Shot" and discuss the transformative power of taking chances on oneself, while offering strategies to overcome blocks that often hinder us.
We also answer our very first listener letter and discuss how to separate the stresses of work from our relationships at home. And Dr. Pam leads us into a new segment of a weekly mental health resource or recommendation from our hosts, who are your homegirls who happen ot be therapists.
Links:
The FREE Hues To Healing Mental Health Resource Guide
Hues To Healing on Instagram
DM us your questions on Instagram or email us at huestohealing@gmail.com
Dr. Janai and Raven discuss the reality that sometimes, despite our best efforts, we just don't click with our therapist. Or maybe our circumstances have changed, and we need a therapist with a different expertise or approach. Whatever the reason, breaking up with your therapist can be a daunting task. Tune in to learn how to recognize when it's time to break up with your therapist, how to have an honest conversation with them, and how to find a new therapist that's a better fit.
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Dr. Janai and Raven discuss the growing trend of self-diagnosing mental health conditions on social media and the potential dangers of doing so. While social media has become a hub for sharing mental health information and resources, it has also led to a rise in self-diagnosis by individuals resonating with a catchy post or graphic. Not only does self-diagnosing lead to a lack of accountability and responsibility, it can also create a dangerous environment where misinformation about mental health and treatment options thrives. Dr. Janai and Raven reveal when and how to seek professional help, rather than solely relying on social media feeds and influencers.
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Dr. Janai and Raven explore the complexities of codependency, from its definition and common signs to strategies for healthy resolution. Gain insight into how to identify codependency in your relationships and take steps to foster positive, uplifting connections. By bringing co-dependency into the open and understanding its effects, you can start moving towards healthier, more fulfilling relationships.
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Dr. Janai and Raven discuss Dr. Janai's research on the psychological impacts incarceration has on "Strong Black Women" who have incarcerated male loved ones. They delve into the cultural expectations and societal pressures placed on Black women, and continue the conversation on the impacts this notion of unwavering strength has on the mental and emotional well-being of Black women.
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Dr. Janai and Raven discuss Dr. Janai's research on the psychological impacts incarceration has on "Strong Black Women" who have incarcerated male loved ones. They delve into the cultural expectations and societal pressures placed on Black women, and continue the conversation on the impacts this notion of unwavering strength has on the mental and emotional well-being of Black women.
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Dr. Janai and Raven explore the damaging impact of the Strong Black Woman trope on Black women's mental health. They discuss how the stereotype, which portrays Black women as always strong and resilient, can lead to burnout, emotional exhaustion, and depression. They call for a shift in societal perception to a more empowering and nuanced view of Black women.
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Dr. Janai and Raven discuss authenticity at work. Being your true self can be challenging in a professional setting, as societal norms and expectations can often clash with our personal values and beliefs. They offer tips on how to show up as your true self in any space and just how much code-switching can impact your mental health and energy.
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Dr. Janai and Raven explore the complex relation between social media and privacy and how it can impact our mental health and safety. They discuss the risks and benefits of engaging on social media platforms and share tips on how to navigate the digital landscape authentically, while maintaining your privacy and mental well-being.
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Dr. Janai and Raven dive into the topic of growing pains and the power of failing forward. From learning to accept failure as part of the process to developing a growth mindset, this episode offers valuable insights and inspiration for listeners looking to transform their pain into strength and perseverance.
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Dr. Janai and Raven explore the importance of culturally competent therapy and how it impacts the therapeutic relationship and treatment outcomes. They define cultural competency and discuss the various ways in which therapists can improve their skills in this area. They also address common challenges that therapists may face when working with clients from different cultural backgrounds and offer strategies for overcoming these challenges. This episode will be valuable for therapists of all levels of experience and will help them to better serve their diverse clientele.
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Dr. Janai and Raven delve into the transformative power of journaling for healing and self-discovery. Journaling has long been recognized as a powerful tool for processing and understanding emotions, as well as for setting goals and tracking personal growth. Whether you are a seasoned journaler or are just starting out, this episode offers practical tips and inspiration for incorporating journaling into your self-care routine.Links: Follow Hues To Healing on Instagram and Twitter Hues To Healing is produced and edited by Benjamin Pola.
Dr. Janai and Raven explore the complex and often overwhelming experience of grief. Grief is a natural response to loss, and everyone experiences it differently. However, there are certain common themes that many people encounter when dealing with grief, such as feelings of sadness, shock, anger, and guilt. Whether you are currently dealing with the loss of a loved one or are looking for ways to support someone who is grieving, this episode offers valuable insights and resources for finding comfort and healing, especially as the holidays approach.
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Dr. Janai and Raven discuss the importance of being intentional in all of your relationships, including friendships. They explore what it means to be intentional and the benefits of incorporating this mindset into your daily life. They share some tips on how to be more present and purposeful in your relationships and foster deeper, more meaningful connections with others.
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Dr. Janai and Raven continue the conversation about going to therapy and offer additional insight into what to expect during your first session and the multitude of reasons one might consider starting a therapeutic journey. Also, did you know that you might be able to get some assistance from your employer to see a therapist at no cost to you?
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Dr. Janai and Raven discuss boundaries and unpack what that means for Black women. From defining one's self worth to implementing and upholding boundaries in healthy ways, they draw from their personal and professional experiences to give you real world examples and best practices on how to navigate the boundary setting process and protect your peace.
Links: Follow @HuesToHealing on Instagram and Twitter
Book Recommendation: "Set Boundaries, Find Peace" + Workbook by Nedra Glover Tawwab
Welcome to the very first episode of the Hues to Healing Podcast! Your hosts Dr. Janai and Raven, share a little bit about themselves and why the Hues to Healing community was created. They jump right into their journeys navigating the therapeutic process and share why it's important to seek help when needed. In telling their stories, they highlight some examples and signs of when you just might need to take yo' a** to therapy. We hope you enjoy and subscribe!
Links: Follow @HuesToHealing on Instagram and Twitter