On episode 19, I am bringing you a conversation with Aba Cato Andah, that will give you a great perspective on  therapy and mental health as a whole, particularly within African and Christian communities. Aba, is a professional Christian Psychotherapist of over a decade and the founder of Chrysalis Counselling & Coaching, a private counselling practice. 

On today’s show, Aba emphasises the power of total wellness of the whole human body. She refers to it as a three legged stool consisting of our spiritual health, our physical health and our soul, which consists of our mind, our intellect and our emotions. For total wellness all of these will need to be performing optimally. 

Aba speaks very passionately on the importance of prioritising our mental health. We speak about the intersection between faith and therapy and some of the cultural biases which make people less eager to go see therapists. She encourages listeners not to let shame or stigma keep them from speaking out or seeking the help they need. “You cannot overcome that which you have not identified,” she says. My earnest hope is that this episode gives you enough insight and helps you become the champion of your mental health, for your benefit, and also for the benefit of those who need you at your best.  

Some key highlights of the episode include:

• The power of storytelling. Being vulnerable gives others room to be vulnerable with you too (8:43)
• “Just because you face mental illness doesn’t mean you aren’t an effective Christian” (21:53) 
• “Therapy is not a taboo, there is a power in the listening ears of a stranger who doesn’t have a preconceived notion about you” (23:34) 
• Some telltale signs for when to seek help from a therapist (27:58)
• How therapy differs from coaching (29:08)
• “Your feelings are always VALID. They stem from your thoughts and assumptions ...and if you can change your thoughts, you can also change your feelings” (32:18)
• Seeking first to understand in all our relationships (35:05) 
• “The unexamined life is not worth living”- Socrates (37:09)
• What you should look out for when undergoing therapy (40:01)
• The wonders of journaling. “Bad feelings are not supposed to stay inside of you” (42:56)
• Pain serves a role in our lives. Pain is not a predictor, it’s a signal (45:14) 
• Aba’s New book- “The Reflections of a Hope Monger” (51:40)

The constant theme in Aba’s life and career has been her concern for the well-being of others and her love for imparting information and new insights to encourage people to live more authentic and rewarding lives. Aba is also a Director of Health and Wellbeing International, an NGO aimed at mental health education and promotion. 

Aba is the author of the book “Reflections of a Hopemonger”, and the Host of “The Hopemongers” Podcast, debuting this month. Aba lives in Davenport FL with her husband Eddie, an OB/GYN and they are blessed with a Son, a Daughter and a Daughter-in-Law.

Aba and her family are active members of winter Haven Worship center, in Winter Haven, Florida.

Aba is on Instagram as @abacatoandah

Let’s continue this conversation on Instagram and Facebook using the hashtag #iamunscathed.