April is not just the time for budding flowers and warmer weather; it’s also National Poetry Month, celebrating the beauty and power of poetic expression. But poetry isn’t just about crafting verses—it’s a gateway to a world of healing and self-discovery. Let’s delve into the transformative realm of expressive arts therapy, where poetry is just one brushstroke in a colorful palette of healing modalities. Poetry: The Language of the Soul Poetry has a unique ability to distill complex emotions into a few poignant words. Whether you’re writing or reading poetry, it can be a cathartic experience ..read more

In our previous post, Breaking the Chains: Overcoming Historical Stigmas Surrounding Mental Health in the Black Community, we discussed the historical context behind the inequalities that exist for Black mental health. Highlights from the post discuss how racial disparities, underdiagnosis/misdiagnosis, and stigma surrounding mental health have prevented Black people from getting the care they need to truly experience equitable mental health care. This demonstrates how Black mental healthcare has been pushed to the back for generations. The push for mental wellness resources curated for the Bl ..read more

Nurturing Resilience: The Intersection of Black Womanhood and Mental Health Being Black and a woman is an experience like no other.  We are often stereotyped and invalidated in the world around us while also being the beneficiaries of a wonderful community of women who look like us.  I have never felt more love, more support, more at home, than when I am surrounded by Black women.  Black women create, uplift, and do so with all of the love in our hearts. But there are unique challenges that come with this. I have often felt that there is this expectation for Black women to be on ..read more

By: LaToya Rice In a world where distractions are abundant, genuine human connection often takes a back seat. However, there is a powerful approach to interpersonal relationships that is gaining traction and making a profound impact: Radical Attunement Work, often abbreviated as RAW. This innovative practice goes beyond the surface to foster authentic connections, emotional resilience, and deeper understanding among individuals. In this blog post, we will explore what RAW is, its principles, and how it can transform the way we relate to ourselves and others. What is Radical Attunement Work (RA ..read more

Licensed Clinical Psychologist, Professor at Tennessee State University, Acclaimed Researcher and Scientist Company Name: Martin Psychological Services  Instagram: @raquelmartinphd We are thrilled to shine a spotlight on Dr. Raquel Martin, a distinguished figure in the realm of mental health and wellness. Dr. Martin’s journey is as inspiring as it is impactful, driven by her unwavering commitment to advocating for Black mental health. As a professor, scientist, and licensed clinical psychologist, she brings a wealth of knowledge and dedication to her roles at Tennessee State University an ..read more

Holistic Integrative Wellness Practitioner/ Optimal Life Breathologist Company Name: The Beebodi Marketplace  Instagram: @beebodi @thegkbabe  We’re thrilled to introduce Kayla Harley in our Practitioner Spotlight for February! Kayla’s journey into the world of mental health and wellness is both inspiring and transformative. A Yankee-Bermudian, Kayla was born in Washington D.C. and raised by a family deeply rooted in healthcare. Her passion for art, history, culture, and nature coupled with her background as a dancer led her to explore somatics and holistic care, particularly after s ..read more

PART 2: Breaking Chains, Embracing Change: Modern Solutions for Mental Health In Part One, we embarked on a journey through history, uncovering the deep-seated stigmas surrounding mental health that have weighed on the Black community for generations. The invisible chains of silence and discrimination have left a lasting imprint, but they are not unbreakable. In Part Two, we continue our exploration, shifting our focus to the modern-day impact of these historical stigmas and the actionable steps we can take to confront them head-on. The Silence Continues: The Modern-Day Impact While we have ma ..read more

Part 1: Unraveling the Historical Stigmas Surrounding Mental Health in the Black Community In the rich tapestry of Black history, there is a thread that weaves through generations, one that has too often remained unspoken yet profoundly impactful—the historical stigmas surrounding mental health. For far too long, the Black community has endured the weight of these silent chains, facing misconceptions, discrimination, and a lack of understanding when it comes to mental wellness. In this post, we embark on a journey to unravel these age-old stigmas, shed light on their origins, and explore the r ..read more

Challenges with mental health are common, and 1 out of 4 individuals will experience a mental health disorder at some point in their lifetime. Many of us are currently living with symptoms of a mental health condition that could be improved with professional intervention. Therapeutic intervention can assist people struggling with a variety of mental health concerns including depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder, bipolar disorder, and substance use challenges. Additionally, therapy can assist in treating relationship challenges, self-esteem, anger management, or managing daily st ..read more

A few holistic health and wellness strategies to consider At the Boris Lawrence Henson Foundation, we strive to help individuals find pathways to peace and well-being and to learn to choose joy over everything. While happiness and joy can be present at the same time, they are different emotions. Happiness is experienced because of external circumstances. Joy, however, is a deeper, longer-lasting emotion that results in feelings of inner peace and contentment. Most importantly, joy can be present even during unhappy times. Finding our joy often begins with intention and caring for our mental he ..read more