Signature talk #1

Embracing Selfishness-Its not what you think! How to redefine selfishness as radical self care

Overview:

The word selfishness has received a bad rap. Especially for women where in many ways’ society has asked them to define their superior womanhood by self-sacrifice and ultimately placing themselves on the back burner.  Many times, society’s message is that to be that “superwoman” you have to sacrifice yourself for your partner, for your children, for your family. But where do you fit in the equation?  If you leave yourself last, then you risk your own health and well-being. With the use of clinical psychological research data, I am going to challenge you to look at selfishness differently.  Once you change your perspective you will be able to look at selfishness as necessary self-care

Participants will learn that:

• Selfishness is not a bad word. Selfishness means that you take care of yourself…body, mind and spirit so that you can be the best version of ourselves

• Changing your language, changes your mindset.  The conversation that you have with yourself reflects your mindset.  You have to consciously change your inner dialogue.  If your dialogue is continually negative then you will be stifling your own growth.  

• There is courage in jumping out of your comfort zone.  The courage to pivot means jumping out of your comfort zone so that you are able to see other paths for your life and you muster up the courage to no longer settle with being comfortable

Signature talk #2

Aggression is sooooo yesterday….Using Assertive Communication as the key to women’s empowerment

Overview:

Usually, aggression is seen as a positive attribute in males.  It is perceived that someone who is aggressive is seen as strong, command their environment and ultimately get what they want.  Many times, women believe that they have to espouse aggressive traits in order to be taken seriously and get what they want.  However, at times when women are labelled as aggressive, it is seen in a negative light.  Through psychotherapeutic intervention strategies, we allow women to understand that there is a difference between aggressive and assertive.  Assertive is being self-assured and confident without being aggressive.  It is embracing your own voice, exuding confidence and boldness.

Participants will learn that:

• Aggressive and assertive are not the same thing. There is a difference between aggressive and assertive.  Aggressive means that you are hostile, combative, confrontational and attempt to get your way, at the expense of others.  Assertive is being self-assured and confident without being aggressive.

• Ladies…Assertiveness is a must.  Being assertive means being able to stand up for your own or other people’s rights in a calm and positive way, without being either aggressive, or passively accepting ‘wrong’.  

• Assertiveness communication leads to self-empowerment.  Assertiveness means standing up for your personal rights - expressing thoughts, feelings and beliefs in direct, honest and appropriate ways.

Signature talk #3

The Archetype of the Strong Black Woman! Breaking the stigma of mental illness for Black Women to embody mental health and wellness

Overview:

The “strong black women” and the “angry black women” stereotypes depict images of proud women who don’t take no for an answer.  While this can be seen as positive in some aspects, the image has been carved in order to not allow ourselves our humanity. Through the combination of research and clinical experience I will allow participants to understand how mental illness symptoms can be expressed differently in black women and how black women can take the first steps to facilitate healing.

Participants will learn that:

• The signs and symptoms of mental illness in black women may be different.  No two people experience mental disorders in the same manner. Symptoms will vary in severity and duration among different people. For example, while feelings of worthlessness is a common symptom of depression in Caucasian women, changes in appetite is cited as a common sign of depression for women of African decent. Black girls are often taught to “keep your head up” to get through anything.  While it can be seen as a great life lesson, it may also allow black women to use this same coping strategy through adulthood which may foster an environment in which they have to manage everything.  Regardless of what is happening in your life, black women are literally bred to be strong ‘all the time’.  If you are suffering from a mental illness, black women often don’t acknowledge it because they believe that they can’t. This stereotypical image can also be seen as a barrier to access to mental health treatment.  Issues may not be seen as mental health related due to societal mental health stigma.  

• Your historical identity will lead to improved mental health. A healthy identity is critical for overall good mental health. For women of African decent, this means seeing ourselves as the recipients of generations of collective wisdom and experience from African and African diasporic culture.

• The use of social supports is key in facilitating our healing. Using social networks found in the family, neighborhood, church, mosque, temple and community is how women of African decent seek healing through others with similar experiences.

Signature talk #4

Superwoman syndrome No More! How embracing the superwoman negatively impacts women’s mental health and the keys to cure the syndrome.

Overview:

The typical definition of the “superwoman” is a woman who works hard to manage multiple roles of a worker, a homemaker, a volunteer, a student, or other such time-intensive occupations.  Many times, the expectation of the superwoman is that she is expected to perform all of these roles and that she has to do them well.  However, this expectation may come at a cost to a woman’s physical, emotional and mental health.  As a psychologist, we explore the superwoman syndrome, its impact on women’s health and what strategies can be put in place to improve overall health and productivity.

Participants will learn that:

• The superwoman syndrome can negatively impact your health, how to identify the symptoms. Research has shown that some disorders are more common in women such as depression and anxiety. There are also certain types of disorders that are unique to women. For example, some women may experience symptoms of mental disorders at times of hormone change, such as perinatal depression, premenstrual dysphoric disorder, and perimenopause-related depression.  Regardless, your mental health can be compromised if you hold onto the “superwoman”

• The permission to be human is a gamechanger and how it will positively impact your life.   Shifting your thinking to understand that the superwoman is actually a myth and that we do not have to be perfect in everything we do will allow ourselves the room to be human and let go the idea of being perfect.  

• Letting go of the superwoman will improve health and increase your productivity and exactly how they can do it starting today and every day moving forward.  When we let go of the superwoman, we give ourselves the room to bring our best selves to any environment, which in turn will positively impact and improve our thoughts, feelings and behaviours.  

Signature talk #5

Resilient Mind, Resilient Life! Using faith to cultivate and maintain resilience.  

Overview:

Resilience is the process of adapting well in the face of adversity, threat and significant stress.  It means “bouncing back” from difficult experiences. Research has shown that resilience is ordinary, not extraordinary.  Resilience is not a trait that people either have or do not have. It involves behaviors, thoughts, and actions that can be learned and developed in anyone.

Through the combination of psychological research and clinical expertise I will allow participants to explore the concept of faith as a tool to cultivate and maintain resilience.  

Participants will learn that:

• Resilience is ordinary, not extraordinary and can be developed in anyone.  A combination of factors contributes to resilience. Many studies show that the primary factor in resilience is having caring and supportive relationships within and outside the family. Being resilient does not mean that a person doesn’t experience difficulty or distress. Your resilience level is a part of your identity that can be changed

• Faith is one of your tools to cultivate and strengthen your resilience.  While the concept of faith is typically used within religious frames of reference.  Faith as defined as confidence or trust in a person, thing, or concept can be used as a tool to create, improve and strengthen your resilience.

• Bounce back and reach out are the keys to maintain your resilience. Learning that bouncing back from difficulties rather than becoming helpless and resigned will allow you to reach out as a proactive tool to connect with others, pursuing new activities and become courageous in all you pursue.  

Signature talk #6

Stress, Anxiety and Covid 19-from surviving to thriving.  

Overview:

As we are all trying to cope with the COVID 19 pandemic around the world, many people are experiencing various symptoms including increased anxiety, worry, stress and possibly panic and fear.  Information is constantly changing and concerns regarding the spread and contraction of the virus is the primary focus of most people.  In these difficult times it is very important that we focus on our mental health and wellness

Through the combination of psychological research and clinical expertise I will allow participants to explore the difference between stress and anxiety and take away practical tools to not only survive during this pandemic but to thrive.  

Participants will learn that:

• Stress and Anxiety are not the same thing.  Stress can come from good and bad circumstances.  If there was no stress, we would not be alive.  However, stress can be a component of anxiety, which over time and left untreated can lead to mental health challenges.  Learn what the differences are between the two and what are some of the signs and symptoms of anxiety

• Learning to pivot will lead to new pathways.  While so many things have been restricted or taken away from us, learning to pivot and becoming mentally flexible will allow you to navigate through the difficult times with new perspective and focus

• Social distancing does not mean emotional isolation.  Care of self and compassion for others will foster resilience, create comradery and evoke solidarity with others in order to navigate through this time together. Connectedness through social media, phone, text or acts of kindness such as checking in on an elderly neighbour can all lead to

‍

Signature talk #1

Embracing Selfishness-Its not what you think! How to redefine selfishness as radical self care

Overview:

The word selfishness has received a bad rap. Especially for women where in many ways’ society has asked them to define their superior womanhood by self-sacrifice and ultimately placing themselves on the back burner.  Many times, society’s message is that to be that “superwoman” you have to sacrifice yourself for your partner, for your children, for your family. But where do you fit in the equation?  If you leave yourself last, then you risk your own health and well-being. With the use of clinical psychological research data, I am going to challenge you to look at selfishness differently.  Once you change your perspective you will be able to look at selfishness as necessary self-care

Participants will learn that:

• Selfishness is not a bad word. Selfishness means that you take care of yourself…body, mind and spirit so that you can be the best version of ourselves

• Changing your language, changes your mindset.  The conversation that you have with yourself reflects your mindset.  You have to consciously change your inner dialogue.  If your dialogue is continually negative then you will be stifling your own growth.  

• There is courage in jumping out of your comfort zone.  The courage to pivot means jumping out of your comfort zone so that you are able to see other paths for your life and you muster up the courage to no longer settle with being comfortable

Signature talk #2

Aggression is sooooo yesterday….Using Assertive Communication as the key to women’s empowerment

Overview:

Usually, aggression is seen as a positive attribute in males.  It is perceived that someone who is aggressive is seen as strong, command their environment and ultimately get what they want.  Many times, women believe that they have to espouse aggressive traits in order to be taken seriously and get what they want.  However, at times when women are labelled as aggressive, it is seen in a negative light.  Through psychotherapeutic intervention strategies, we allow women to understand that there is a difference between aggressive and assertive.  Assertive is being self-assured and confident without being aggressive.  It is embracing your own voice, exuding confidence and boldness.

Participants will learn that:

• Aggressive and assertive are not the same thing. There is a difference between aggressive and assertive.  Aggressive means that you are hostile, combative, confrontational and attempt to get your way, at the expense of others.  Assertive is being self-assured and confident without being aggressive.

• Ladies…Assertiveness is a must.  Being assertive means being able to stand up for your own or other people’s rights in a calm and positive way, without being either aggressive, or passively accepting ‘wrong’.  

• Assertiveness communication leads to self-empowerment.  Assertiveness means standing up for your personal rights - expressing thoughts, feelings and beliefs in direct, honest and appropriate ways.

Signature talk #3

The Archetype of the Strong Black Woman! Breaking the stigma of mental illness for Black Women to embody mental health and wellness

Overview:

The “strong black women” and the “angry black women” stereotypes depict images of proud women who don’t take no for an answer.  While this can be seen as positive in some aspects, the image has been carved in order to not allow ourselves our humanity. Through the combination of research and clinical experience I will allow participants to understand how mental illness symptoms can be expressed differently in black women and how black women can take the first steps to facilitate healing.

Participants will learn that:

• The signs and symptoms of mental illness in black women may be different.  No two people experience mental disorders in the same manner. Symptoms will vary in severity and duration among different people. For example, while feelings of worthlessness is a common symptom of depression in Caucasian women, changes in appetite is cited as a common sign of depression for women of African decent. Black girls are often taught to “keep your head up” to get through anything.  While it can be seen as a great life lesson, it may also allow black women to use this same coping strategy through adulthood which may foster an environment in which they have to manage everything.  Regardless of what is happening in your life, black women are literally bred to be strong ‘all the time’.  If you are suffering from a mental illness, black women often don’t acknowledge it because they believe that they can’t. This stereotypical image can also be seen as a barrier to access to mental health treatment.  Issues may not be seen as mental health related due to societal mental health stigma.  

• Your historical identity will lead to improved mental health. A healthy identity is critical for overall good mental health. For women of African decent, this means seeing ourselves as the recipients of generations of collective wisdom and experience from African and African diasporic culture.

• The use of social supports is key in facilitating our healing. Using social networks found in the family, neighborhood, church, mosque, temple and community is how women of African decent seek healing through others with similar experiences.

Signature talk #4

Superwoman syndrome No More! How embracing the superwoman negatively impacts women’s mental health and the keys to cure the syndrome.

Overview:

The typical definition of the “superwoman” is a woman who works hard to manage multiple roles of a worker, a homemaker, a volunteer, a student, or other such time-intensive occupations.  Many times, the expectation of the superwoman is that she is expected to perform all of these roles and that she has to do them well.  However, this expectation may come at a cost to a woman’s physical, emotional and mental health.  As a psychologist, we explore the superwoman syndrome, its impact on women’s health and what strategies can be put in place to improve overall health and productivity.

Participants will learn that:

• The superwoman syndrome can negatively impact your health, how to identify the symptoms. Research has shown that some disorders are more common in women such as depression and anxiety. There are also certain types of disorders that are unique to women. For example, some women may experience symptoms of mental disorders at times of hormone change, such as perinatal depression, premenstrual dysphoric disorder, and perimenopause-related depression.  Regardless, your mental health can be compromised if you hold onto the “superwoman”

• The permission to be human is a gamechanger and how it will positively impact your life.   Shifting your thinking to understand that the superwoman is actually a myth and that we do not have to be perfect in everything we do will allow ourselves the room to be human and let go the idea of being perfect.  

• Letting go of the superwoman will improve health and increase your productivity and exactly how they can do it starting today and every day moving forward.  When we let go of the superwoman, we give ourselves the room to bring our best selves to any environment, which in turn will positively impact and improve our thoughts, feelings and behaviours.  

Signature talk #5

Resilient Mind, Resilient Life! Using faith to cultivate and maintain resilience.  

Overview:

Resilience is the process of adapting well in the face of adversity, threat and significant stress.  It means “bouncing back” from difficult experiences. Research has shown that resilience is ordinary, not extraordinary.  Resilience is not a trait that people either have or do not have. It involves behaviors, thoughts, and actions that can be learned and developed in anyone.

Through the combination of psychological research and clinical expertise I will allow participants to explore the concept of faith as a tool to cultivate and maintain resilience.  

Participants will learn that:

• Resilience is ordinary, not extraordinary and can be developed in anyone.  A combination of factors contributes to resilience. Many studies show that the primary factor in resilience is having caring and supportive relationships within and outside the family. Being resilient does not mean that a person doesn’t experience difficulty or distress. Your resilience level is a part of your identity that can be changed

• Faith is one of your tools to cultivate and strengthen your resilience.  While the concept of faith is typically used within religious frames of reference.  Faith as defined as confidence or trust in a person, thing, or concept can be used as a tool to create, improve and strengthen your resilience.

• Bounce back and reach out are the keys to maintain your resilience. Learning that bouncing back from difficulties rather than becoming helpless and resigned will allow you to reach out as a proactive tool to connect with others, pursuing new activities and become courageous in all you pursue.  

Signature talk #6

Stress, Anxiety and Covid 19-from surviving to thriving.  

Overview:

As we are all trying to cope with the COVID 19 pandemic around the world, many people are experiencing various symptoms including increased anxiety, worry, stress and possibly panic and fear.  Information is constantly changing and concerns regarding the spread and contraction of the virus is the primary focus of most people.  In these difficult times it is very important that we focus on our mental health and wellness

Through the combination of psychological research and clinical expertise I will allow participants to explore the difference between stress and anxiety and take away practical tools to not only survive during this pandemic but to thrive.  

Participants will learn that:

• Stress and Anxiety are not the same thing.  Stress can come from good and bad circumstances.  If there was no stress, we would not be alive.  However, stress can be a component of anxiety, which over time and left untreated can lead to mental health challenges.  Learn what the differences are between the two and what are some of the signs and symptoms of anxiety

• Learning to pivot will lead to new pathways.  While so many things have been restricted or taken away from us, learning to pivot and becoming mentally flexible will allow you to navigate through the difficult times with new perspective and focus

• Social distancing does not mean emotional isolation.  Care of self and compassion for others will foster resilience, create comradery and evoke solidarity with others in order to navigate through this time together. Connectedness through social media, phone, text or acts of kindness such as checking in on an elderly neighbour can all lead to

‍