Belonging Reimagined

In this episode, Dr. Mona speaks with clinical mental health counseling student Maria Hailey about her experience of coming out as bisexual at 50 years old. Having grown up in a racist and homophobic town in the 80s, Maria didn’t feel safe to share with others her bisexual identity, and has only recently found communities that see, embrace, and celebrate her. Tune in for a vulnerable conversation...

In this episode that kicks off our special series for the June 2024 PRIDE Month, Dr. Mona speaks with Pip Davidson, a Publicist and Influencer Strategist at Hay House Publishing, who identifies as a trans man. Pip shares his personal gender exploration journey and what it means to be gender expansive. Listen now and explore: - The introspection aspects of gender expansiveness - Imposter syndrome i...

In this episode, Dr. Mona speaks with licensed therapist and professor Dr. Richard Tyler-Walker about the intricate relationship between self-esteem and belonging. Drawing from his personal journey of identity exploration as a gay man, Richard shares his hard-fought path towards belonging and self-esteem. He invites us to examine the relationship we have with ourselves by reflecting on the way we...

In this episode, Dr. Mona speaks with licensed therapist Asha Simpson about Body Dysmorphia – the perception of one’s body being different from their expectations of the ideal. Sharing from their personal stories and clinical expertise, Dr. Mona and Asha delve into our distraught relationship with our bodies, teasing out societal forces that shape our understanding of the ideal body and shedding l...

In this episode, Dr. Mona speaks with Patrick Casale, an AuDHD therapist, host of All Things Private Practice Podcast, and Co-Host of Divergent Conversations Podcast. Weaving in their personal experiences and advocacy work, Dr. Mona and Patrick challenge our internalized anti-autism ableism and explore the many ways to nurture belonging for neurodivergent folx. Listen now to discover: - The comple...

In this episode for Mental Health Awareness Month, we flip the script where Dr. Mona is interviewed by a guest host, the show’s producer Julius Shepard-Morgan. Dr. Mona shares her insight into the important role belonging plays in our mental wellbeing. She explores what mental health is, and what it isn’t. Listen now to discover: - Dr. Mona’s spirit of who she is and her journey on reluctantly bec...

In this episode, Dr. Mona chats with Licensed Clinical Social Worker and influencer Marvin Toliver to uncover the complexities of Black masculinity and the power of belonging. Marvin is the co-founder of the mental health collective Melanated Social Work. He is a queer, Bi-sexual, Black creator, writer, consultant, public speaker, mentor, wedding officiant, and radical educator. He encourages othe...

Do you ever feel like you can't say no? Struggle to stand up for yourself? Tune in for this episode as Dr. Mona chats with boundary coach Kami Orange, author of the book "Say The Thing." Kami, who identifies as fat, autistic, queer, white cis woman, has 17 years of experience helping people set boundaries and speaking up in defense for others. In their conversation, Kami and Dr. Mona explore: - Wh...

In this episode, Dr. Mona speaks with guest Dr. Mariel Buqué, an Afro-Latina clinical psychologist and author of the book, “Break the Cycle: A Guide to Healing Intergenerational Trauma” – featured on Oprah’s Book Club Instagram. Dr. Mariel breaks down the complicated concept of intergenerational trauma and guides the listeners to explore how our ancestors' experiences can impact our nervous system...

In this episode, Dr. Mona dives into the world of interracial dating with Latreash McCurdy, a biracial brand and web designer and entrepreneur. Latreash shares her experiences and challenges in interracial relationships and breaks down the associated complexities: - Feeling like an outsider: Latreash shares her experience growing up mixed-race and the struggles and lack of belonging she felt. - Da...

Join Dr. Mona as she speaks with Dr. Giavanni Washington, affectionately known as Dr. G, the creator of "Black Goddess Within Oracle Deck." Dr. G discusses the inspiration behind the deck, the importance of Blackness and Black bodies in spirituality, and how the deck can be used to heal the wounds of colonialism. They also delve into the creative process behind the deck and the meaning of ancestra...

Feeling like you are either too much or not enough at work? Are people making microaggressions either to you or someone else in the workplace? You might be experiencing workplace trauma. Join Dr. Mona as she speaks with Kristin Reddick, a licensed mental health therapist who specializes in career counseling and racial trauma. Kristin has over 14 years experience in the financial services industry...

In this episode, join Dr. Mona and Dr. Deborah Egerton for a powerful conversation about using the Enneagram for personal growth, social justice, and creating a more unified world. Dr. Deborah Egerton, affectionately referred to as “Dr. E,” an internationally respected psychotherapist, best-selling author, and President of the International Enneagram Association. In her conversation with Dr. Mona,...

In this episode, Dr. Mona speaks with Dr. Tara Sanderson, a psychologist and author, as they explore how the need to be perfect can lead to disconnection within ourselves and with others. Dr. Sanderson shares how her own struggles with perfectionism led to isolation and masking her true self. In this episode, you will discover: - How perfectionism can be a barrier to belonging - The role of vulner...

In this episode, Dr. Mona discusses creating her inclusive therapy practice and meeting Sherri, a Black, queer-identifying therapist. Sherri emphasizes the importance of authentic inclusion beyond tokenism. Intersectionality: Sherri explores how her various identities interact, highlighting how even diverse spaces can feel unwelcoming. Feeling Belonging: Sherri describes finding true belonging wit...

In this episode, Dr. Mona introduces the podcast, sharing her family's journey to the U.S. and her experience growing up as an Egyptian American in the rural South. This led her to reclaim the inevitable question “What ARE you?” to asking herself "Who am I?" and explore connection in various forms as a theater kid: 1. Self: Theater freed her to explore and understand herself better. 2. Interperson...