Safe Haven Healers for the Body Positive community

Upon starting a new therapeutic journey, I always share that through this process, we will change the idea of “why is this happening to me” to “everything is going according to plan.” As we get started, the first order of business is to construct an environment where you can feel seen, heard, and safe throughout this journey of self-discovery. The goal is to meet you where you are, so we can get you where you want to be. We will accomplish this by taking an integrative approach to facilitate personal growth and healing by identifying themes, unresolved conflicts, and behavioral patterns. As a culturally competent Therapist, I focus on being an agent of change that supports women, men, and couples. I incorporate an eclectic approach of Liberation Psychology, Psychodynamic Therapy, and spiritual modalities that utilize astrology and numerology. With that, we can tailor a treatment plan that is uniquely tuned for you. Ultimately, the question comes down to how motivated and committed you are to be the change you want to see. As much as therapy can be a positive instrument, it does not keep you from experiencing the hardships of life, but it does make sure that you will be supported with navigating and growing from those experiences.

Asking for help shows your strength. You are navigating life’s challenges and you don’t have to do it alone. Hi I'm Nicole, a clinician and life coach with a background of working with and supporting a diverse group of people and needs. I would love the opportunity to assist you with overcoming current challenges and adversity. If you need an empathetic, non judgmental ear, I am here. I have over 27 years of mental/behavioral health experience. I work with teens, adults, couples, and also assist with parenting/co- parenting concerns. My experience and training helps me to competently serve clients with from various demographics with a diverse list of needs from corporate level stress to victims of crime, trauma, anxiety, and military related struggles, even everyday stress, relationship challenges, and promotion of self-love/self-care. The goal is to provide hope and tools that create change. Many times all we need are the proper tools, support, and the willingness to change. These changes can impact our families and bring hope to those we love as well. These tools can then be used in every area of our lives to achieve goals. In the process I want to celebrate your strengths and help you feel empowered. To me you are not just a number or name, here we truly care.

My name is Aldwin Soumare, and I am a medical graduate of PCOM-GA, an osteopathic medical school near Atlanta GA in 2022. I started neurology residency and realized psychiatry was a place where I could evolve as a quintessential clinician and become an advocate for mental health. In medical school, I engaged in CBT and motivational interviewing with patients across a variety of psychiatric rotations. I currently serve as a podcast co-host for two podcasts, the Melaninwhitecoats and SNMA presents the lounge podcast where we discuss medicine at the intersection of society and culture. I love the opportunity to share optimism and support for my fellow brothers. I have had previous experience with research in how mindfulness/meditation can help individuals with depression in the African American community. In this I created a website where African Americans would come and listen to mindfulness/meditative music and I would guide the meditation sessions. I also serve as a coach for black professionals especially in the medical space and how to navigate trauma, stereotype threat, institutional racism, and discriminatory practices. I am author of the book Tools of Excellence: From Hood to Hooded: A Guide to Becoming the Physician You Dream which is a guide for black men and woman on how they can become physicians. Coming from the hood, I never understood the work and involvement that was necessary to get the Doctor before my last name. I also avail myself to the brothers on the block as a the psych guy to them where I help them ascertain why and how they feel regarding elements in their environment and personal lives. I take joy in being able to instill confidence and provide a source of encouragement utilizing my expertise for them. I also have created and spearheaded barbershop and talk therapy sessions at barber shops in Georgia and have aspirations to continue to do this in NYC where I have relocated. Instinctively, I desired to be involved with expressyourselfblackman as I listened to Kizzle on the Black Wealth Renaissance Podcast earlier today. I have followed the page for quite a while on IG and listen to the podcast actively and love the work that is being done. Thank you for your consideration and feel free to reach out to me regarding your interest. I absolutely want to help you in your journey of achieving higher level excellence in your personal, emotional, spiritual and physical life. Keywords: Depression, Anxiety, Imposter Syndrome, Self Confidence, Anger, Relationships, Trauma, PTSD, Conflict, Depressed,

Alicia Crooks is a seasoned executive leader and mental health provider with over 12+ year of experience in relationship management and community enrichment. Her diverse background spans to corporate leadership, nonprofit advocacy, and clinical psychology, underscoring her commitment to fostering meaningful connections and positive change. Her dedication to relationship-building lead her to establish the Young Black Professionals of Orange County and serve on the Advisory Board of the African American Real Estate Professionals of Los Angeles. Two roles that allowed her to cultivate strategic alliances with community leaders and emerging professionals across Southern California. Complementing her corporate achievements, Alicia embarked on a journey of academic excellence. She earned a MA in Clinical Psychology, specializing in Marriage & Family Therapy. Now in her role as an Associate Marriage and Family Therapist(AMFT) & Wellness Life Coach, she leads in developing treatment plans, crafting interventions, and engaging in psychoeducation which underscores her commitment to fostering wellness among diverse populations. Alicia's profound impact extended to the public health sector, where she served as Program Manager for two different government community health divisions. Here, she supervised teams, guided outreach initiatives, ensured the dissemination of vital health information to diverse populations, and managed strategic collaborations to enhance public health outcomes. Her prowess in project management and crisis intervention was pivotal in facilitating effective community health education. Throughout her journey, Alicia has amassed a repertoire of certifications and training. Notably, she received certification from the Zero Suicide Institute at the Suicide Prevention Resource Center, alongside other achievements in trauma-focused cognitive behavioral therapy and trauma-informed care. Alicia epitomizes authentic connection, dynamic leadership, and unwavering commitment to positive transformation. Her drive was nurtured at Howard University where she earned her BS in Psychology & Political Science, continue to propel her towards her lifelong goal: leaving an indelible mark of positive change on marginalized communities, ushering in an era of well-being and abundance for individuals and families alike. Keywords: depressed, grieving, struggling, breakup, momma drama, baby momma, anxiety, anger, anger management, self care, sad, sadness, trauma, ptsd