Today in the chair we have Erin Nkele, LCPC. Erin is the first therapist in our “Ask a Therapist” series. She is a native of San Diego, CA and now resides in Maryland. She received her Bachelor of Science in psychology from Xavier University and her Masters of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from the Chicago School of Professional Psychology. She is the owner and founder of Melanated Wellness, LLC, which is a private psychotherapy and life coaching practice. She is employed as a therapist at the Victim Assistance and Sexual Assault Program Coordinator for Montgomery County Department of Human Health Services. Her responsibilities include: working with survivors of crime and trauma and a contract therapist at COMPASS Mental Health Consultants, LLC. working with juveniles with sexual behavior problems.
One fun fact about Erin, she is OBSESSED with Game of Thrones. She will sit and talk to you for hours about it; even more so, if you have read the books! When I asked Erin, What does it mean to be a black woman? She responded, “Such a loaded question, as a black woman I feel so complex and so Multidimensional. I am a creator, I have brought life to this world. I am a healer, I make people's lives whole again and I am an individual who if flawed yet loves extremely hard and deeply and is forever growing to be a better human. I love being a black woman and all that it brings to the table.”
In this episode we discuss grief and trauma as it relates to the holiday season. Erin mentions the following definition and resources for those experiencing grief and trauma as well as abuse.
Seasonal affective disorder (SAD) is a type of depression that’s related to changes in seasons- SAD begins and ends at about the same times every year.
Grief and loss-wendtcenter.org
Sucide Hotline- 1-800- 273-8255
Global Crisis text line-TEXT 741741 crisis text line global
DV National HotLINE 1800799 SAFE (7233)
RAINN 1800-656-HOPE 4673 National Sexual Assault Hotline/also have a chat option
Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration- samhsa.gov
You can follow Erin on Instagram @melanatedwellnesstherapy or if you are looking for a therapist you can email Erin at [email protected] .
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