The Art That Heals Us

In today's *bonus* episode, guest therapist Nashay Lorick speaks about how close friendships affect our overall mental wellness. Being a woman that has cultivated a fulfilling tribe of friends, she shares about the importance of making sure that those whom you allow in your circle---are actually good to you and for you.

As a black woman, mom, therapist, author, and healer with over 17 years of experience in counseling, coaching, mentoring, teaching, public speaking, consulting, and creating various forms of content, Shay Lorick embodies what it truly means to be a Very Dangerous Woman. Her years of experience as a mental health provider and spiritual guide has endorsed her to walk boldly in perfecting her crafts. She has had the privilege of working both domestically and internationally in private and government sectors as well as providing private psychotherapy, coaching and consulting to entertainers, medical and non-medical practitioners, business, religious and government leaders, sports affiliates, and corporate entities. She has founded and co-founded various spiritual and community based organizations to date. As a clinician, she provides an eclectic and holistic approach to treating mental health and substance use disorders. She brings a mix of practical wisdom, vibrancy, and authority to enhance the lives of prominent individuals that desire to engage in self-development while healing from trauma. She joins with them in awakening radical self-love, authenticity, and god-consciousness. Despite her love for spreading love and light internationally and universally, Shay’s greatest accomplishment, privilege, and source of enlightenment has been the process of birthing, nurturing, and exploring the world of the 4 divine, intelligent and gorgeous souls that she is delighted to call her legacy.

Connect with Nashay on social media @averydangerouswoman on Instagram or visit her websites at linktr.ee/Shaylorick

In today's "Talk to me Thursday" episode, I sat with Licensed professional counselor and college professor, April Dixon. As she gave a very candid sista-girl approach to owning your mental health and specifically what that looks like as a Black Christian navigating through mental health challenges in this day and age. April, is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) in the state of MO and a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC) in KS whom received her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology in 2002 and completed her Master’s of Science in Counseling Psychology in 2008. She is an adjunct professor of psychology at the undergraduate and graduate level at several colleges and universities in the Greater Kansas City area.

April has worked in the field of mental health for 20 years and has extensive experience working with youth and adults experiencing behavioral and emotional difficulties including depression, anxiety, and substance abuse. She has received specialized training in treating clinical trauma and working with issues related to grief and loss. April is an advocate for mental health being accessible to all communities. As a woman of color, she is aware of and focused on examining how the trauma of systemic racism impacts the individual and collective mental health of those in the African American community. Her passion has caused her to be a leading educator in the field with a focus on increasing mental health awareness and reducing the stigma connected to therapy and other mental health services.

You may find her here:

Facebook: A Place to Thrive Counseling and Consulting, LLC

Instagram: @aPlaceToThrive

website: https://april-dixon.clientsecure.me/

Psychology today: https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/therapists/april-dixon-raytown-mo/156011?sid=61ef3978ab177&name=april+dixon&ref=1

In today's episode, I spoke with Maria Bush, known as the Self-Esteem Therapist on social media about walking your mental health into the New Year of 2022. Maria, a well experienced licensed therapist, has helped individuals reconnect and strengthen the relationship with themselves to develop and strengthen relationships with others for over 16 years. She is the former Assistant Director for the Office of Crisis Services and Suicide Prevention for the Tennessee Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services. She is also the founder and owner of her private therapy practice Kindness Connects Us Therapy Services, as well as the co-host of "Sweats, Heels and Mental Health Podcast."

Maria recently launched “Still a Queen with Self-Esteem” through her Self-Work Academy, an eCourse for women who have started or completed the process of divorce.

You may find maria on Facebook: @Kindness Connects Us LLC

IG: @MariaOBush

In today's episode, we sat down with the theatrical songstress Shon Ruffin as she discussed how she discovered that being her true "extra" self ushered her into acting and performing. She is a Kansas City native that received her Bachelors degree from Kansas State University in Theater Performance with a minor in Spanish. Shon has performed on several KC stages including; The Unicorn, Starlight, The Coterie, Kansas City Repertory, New Theater Restaurant, The Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts, Kelly's in Westport, Hamburger Mary's, Kemper Arena and many other venues. When she is not doing theater you can find her singing with the popular corporate, charity, and wedding entertainment bands, Lost Wax and 2Proud2Beg. Aside from performing she enjoys directing and assistant directing at several theaters in the area. She has been invited to be a guest Director at Kansas State University for several collegiate productions. There is nothing that Shon enjoys more than healing through the way of the stage.

You may find her on Instagram: @shon8diva

Youtube: Nahshon Ruffin

In today's episode, I spoke with self-taught/god-given illustrator & visual artist from Kansas City, MO, Flo Marie. Establishing her artistry in 2015, she specializes in both digital art and art prints. She talked candidly about using the power of your imagination fearlessly, especially within your creativity. She also spoke candidly about how embracing your imagination is also a way of trusting and embracing yourself.

You may find Flo on Social Media:

@FMarie_Art

www.fmarieart.com

@LovePeaceAndFlo

www.lovepeaceandflo.com