On 11.19.2019 I was featured on the Trap Therapist Radio Show!

CLICK HERE TO LISTEN

Trap Therapist is an online platform for mental health therapists from urban, low-income backgrounds to share their stories, connect with other ‘trap therapists’ and people from marginalized communities.

I had a really good time participating on this radio show! Talking about being born/raised in the Bronx, New York by way of Guadalupe (Funda) Honduras of Garifuna ancestry will always be a part of myself that  I love to share with people.  Visibility is important, especially when seeking behavioral health services.  I had the opportunity to talk about identifying as a black woman who is not African-American. I also shared my upcoming anthology  ‘Unchain Me Mama: The forgiveness factor , lessons learned on my journey to understanding’ where I share being diagnosed with PCOS and the shift that caused in my relationship with my mother.

If you missed the replay, CLICK HERE to tune in.

-Nydia

I hope you are doing well and thriving at life.

RBF is defined as resting bitch face OR my personal favorite: really beautiful face  

I personally prefer the second option, but I would be lying if I said I was never referred to as the first example. Has this every happened to you? 

My earliest memory of being around people included hearing, “she’s so serious”, “she’s the mean one, the sister is the good one” or even “she has an attitude”.

Yes, I was serious.  I probably reacted in mean ways and probably did have an attitude from time to time.  However I am NOT a mean person.

Things happen in life that mold how you behave in the world.  I am so excited to have collaborated with Audra Lowray-Upchurch in the anthology Unchain Me Mama- The Forgiveness Factor, Lessons Learned On My Journey to Understanding. 

In my chapter, “Naturally Ever After- Forgiving through healthy living”, I share being diagnosed with PCOS (Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome) and how not having my cycle monthly like most girls created tension at home. I share what I needed to unlearn in order to forgive my mother as well as forgive myself for not honoring my feelings when I felt them.

PRE-ORDER your copy today at www.Nydia.UnchainMeMama.com

Official release in Fall 2019

-Nydia

In 2017, after attending the first annual Black Therapist Rock (BTR) Conference I decided to be a part of a book collaboration project titled  ‘Black Therapist Rock- A glimpse through the eyes of experts. In my chapter, Don’t get it twisted! I share a joyous moment in a past love story that took place on 02.14.15 at 10:18pm. That resulted in hair loss and turned into a defining character building moment of my life!

Four (4) years later, I can appreciate that time for what it was back then. Today I have transcended to being intentionally mindful of my feelings, when I have them and processing what I need in the moment. Especially in relationships, we often default to romantic relationships however the same can be applied to friendships, interactions with relatives and peers. Life has its challenges, this part no one can escape however things do not need to be toxic. Let me repeat that again for the people in the back, Things DON’T NEED TO BE TOXIC.

According to WedMD.com stress is defined as:

“The body’s reaction to harmful situations — whether they’re real or perceived. When you feel threatened, a chemical reaction occurs in your body that allows you to act in a way to prevent injury. This reaction is known as “fight-or-flight,” or the stress response. During stress response, your heart rate increases, breathing quickens, muscles tighten, and blood pressure rises. You’ve gotten ready to act. It is how you protect yourself”

Makes sense right? It does to me, no wonder my hair was falling out! Other stress related symptoms include but are not limited to headaches, low energy, insomnia and upset stomach just to name a few.

I was so stressed with everything that was going on that my body had a build up of the stress response. I remember feeling sad and anxious on the regular basis, I was unable to sleep and could barely eat. Has stress ever hit you this hard before?

In my book chapter, I share the very moment when I realized that I was over it and made the decision that was healthy for me. I re-learned through actively implementing self care and journaling that there is not greater love than what you extended to yourself first.

What helped me get to a consistent space of healing and light was journaling.  I journaled about EVERYTHING, the weather (lol), my hair, my heart, my feelings, finances and health goals that I wanted to accomplish. Journaling kept me in a space of appreciativeness for the process.  I also learned to extended grace to myself because I was truly doing my best with what I knew at the time.

Click the image below to purchase your copy today!

-Nydia

In today’s episode of The other side of natural hair: Natural Hair Talk (NHT) episode #9 features Ashely Gilmore, recent graduate who studied marriage/ family therapy.

In our candid conversation, we talk about the in-between phase when transitioning from a relaxer to natural hair. What do you do when hair is your identity?

Watch the FB live below and share your own experience/ thoughts in the comments.

-Nydia

In today’s episode of The other side of natural hair: Natural Hair Talk (NHT) episode #8 features Dr. Kizzy Pittrell (counseling psychologist) and Veronica Martin, MHC (Mental Health Counselor).

In our candid conversation, we talk about the coin! Money, Money and more MONEY! As it relates to the expense associate with the maintenance of natural hair.  Truthfully, everyone wants to look and feel good and unless you know how to style your own hair professionally, maintenance is going to cost you some coins:

Watch the FB live below and share your own experience/ thoughts in the comments. On average, how much do you spend monthly on your natural hair?

-Nydia

In today’s episode of The other side of natural hair: Natural Hair Talk (NHT) episode #7 features DeShelle Devereaux, LAPC (Licensed Associate Professional Counselor).

In our candid conversation, we talk about being natural and wearing protective styles.  The misconception is that wearing extensions, wigs or weaves means that you don’t have hair- WRONG!

Watch the FB live below and share your own experience/ thoughts in the comments.

-Nydia

Thank you Latrice for sharing your loc journey!

In today’s episode of The other side of natural hair:Natural Hair Talk (NHT) episode #6 features Shenikka Moore-Clark, LCSW (Licensed Clinical Social Worker) *woot woot*! Shenikka is the founder of Golden Life Coaching and Counseling, LLC in Washington, DC.

In our candid conversation, we talk about transitioning back to natural hair before support to maintain natural hair became mainstream and easily accessible.

Watch the FB live below and share your own experience/ thoughts in the comments.

-Nydia

Thank you Maria for your contribution in the Autism community!

In today’s episode of The other side of natural hair:Natural Hair Talk (NHT) episode #5 features Latrice Sampson Richards, LPC (Licensed Professional Counselor) founder of Latrice Sampson Richards Life Enhancement Coaching.

I’ve been waiting to have this convo for some time!

My last relaxer was in November 2007; in my 10.5 years of being natural I have had locs three (3) times.  Each loc journey taught me something new about myself, one thing that I do remember was how isolating it was emotionally.

Locs are often left out of the natural hair community.  In our candid conversation, we talk about locs and Latrice’s unique hair journey in re-establishing her self esteem and SLAYING along the way!

Watch the FB live below and share your own experience with locs/ thoughts in the comments.

-Nydia

Thank you Shaketa for sharing your story with Alopecia.

In today’s episode of The other side of natural hair:Natural Hair Talk (NHT) episode #4 features Maria Davis-Pierre, LMHC (Licensed Mental Health Counselor) founder of Autism in Black.

In our candid conversation, we talk about Autism also referred to as Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD): refers to a range of conditions characterized by challenges with social skills, repetitive behaviors, speech and nonverbal communication, as well as by unique strengths and differences (AutismSpeaks.org).

Cultural sensitivity in large arenas are common, Maria’s expertise fills the gap in providing a culturally sensitive approach to children living with Autism and their unique experience with their natural hair journeys/ self esteem.

Watch the FB live below and share your thoughts in the comments.

-Nydia

Thank you Tasha for being so candid and open to sharing your story! My hope is that these interviews are giving you a glimpse behind the scene of the pictures with typically see in social media.  Pictures capture a moment and don’t tell the whole story of how people truly feel and challenges they are faced with.

In today’s episode of The other side of natural hair:Natural Hair Talk (NHT) episode #3 features Shaketa Robinson Bruce, LPC (Licensed Professional Counselor) founder of Open Arms Counseling Center in Atlanta, Georgia.

In our candid conversation, we talk about  health.  Yep, health! Well, what does health have to do with hair growth? I am glad you asked, it has EVERYTHING to do with healthy hair growth and self esteem.

I was diagnosed with PCOS (Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome) and as a result have experienced an excess in hair growth which can be good and not so good depending on how you look at it.  Shaketa shares her journey with Alopecia and how she rebuilt her self esteem in redefining herself and new look.

Watch the FB live below and share your thoughts in the comments.

-Nydia