I was speaking with a 92-year-old woman who by the way was vulnerable enough to ask me to come and sit with her for awhile. My grandmother raised me so no way was I going to decline this request, but I was anxious because the task master in me was saying, but you had plans... During this conversation, she said with an exasperated voice, "the world is moving too fast." I agreed, but my life reflected that same "hustle and bustle" that seemed to discourage her. I took several moments to ponder about the rarity of taking pauses for reflection and rejuvenation. Tune into the podcast via www.talkingwithdrtoy.com  

Black history month is a time to celebrate and acknowledge the contributions African Americans have made and continue to make in this nation. James Baldwin stated, "People are trapped in history, and history is trapped in them." He also stated, History is not the past. It is the present." The field of psychology has a history that continues to influence the present which is why it is important to acknowledge the contributions of the Association of Black Psychologists. Tune into the podcast via www.talkingwithdrtoy.com.

Black history month is a time to celebrate and acknowledge the contributions African Americans have made and continue to make in this nation. James Baldwin stated, "People are trapped in history, and history is trapped in them." He also stated, History is not the past. It is the present." The field of psychology has a history that continues to influence the present which is why it is important to acknowledge the contributions of African American men and women who utilized their intelligence and talents to forge a path for the equality and humanity of marginalized people. Drs. Inez Beverly, Robert Williams III, and Joseph White are such individuals.

Black history month is a time to celebrate and acknowledge the contributions African Americans have made and continue to make in this nation. James Baldwin stated, "People are trapped in history, and history is trapped in them." He also stated, History is not the past. It is the present." The field of psychology has a history that continues to influence the present which is why it is  important to acknowledge the contributions of African American men and women who utilized their intelligence and talents to forged a path for the equality and humanity of marginalized people. Drs. Kenneth and Mamie Clark are two such individuals. Tune into the podcast via www.talkingwithdrtoy.com.

Tina Turner asked a very powerful question: What's Love Got to with it? The answer, everything! Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. spoke of the Beloved Community and Radical love as a path of healing from a world wracked with pain. According to Maslow's hierarchy of needs, love is just above safety as a foundational aspect of our need as humans trying to be and live in this world. So if it is so important, why are we ashamed of admitting that we need and desire love? Tune into the podcast via www.talkingwithdrtoy.com.

The pandemic has definitely altered our sense of normalcy and has induced a great amount of grief and loss. Some of us are unaware of how these aspects are acting upon us because we may be in survival mode. In taking some time to be still, there may be an acknowledgement that the coping skills previously used pre-pandemic are not working quite well in this space. A podcast, a book, etc., may not be enough to resolve our issues and they are no substitute for individual therapy. It may be time to acknowledge without shame, that we need more assistance. Tune into the podcast via www.talkingwithdrtoy.com

I want to pay homage and celebrate the Life and Legacy of the late Dr. Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. Thank you and all the past and present soldiers who continue to fight for civil rights and racial equality. One of the most consistent issues I've encountered as a counselor is the shame some clients experience when attending therapy. I commend them for their courage because many have the obstacles of stigmatization, etc., to overcome before even making the call. Why is there shame admitting that I'm not okay and I don't know what to do in order to be okay? Tune into the podcast via www.talkingwithdrtoy.com.

The process of restoration has it risks and rewards, however the risks may deter one from exploring the rewards. Restoration entails a process of renewing and reviving and only you can determine what that looks like for your life. Some of us may have prematurely buried aspects of our purpose, hopes, and dreams and left them for dead, however, upon re-examination, can these aspects live? Even in times like these, there remains an opportunity to embark upon a journey of restoration. Tune into the podcast via www.talkingwithdrtoy.com.

The new year is approaching and some may be unsure of what to feel or think. Some may be wondering whether expectations are in order or whether to give up and brace for whatever is to come. Approaching a new year, especially during these times can be fraught with much trepidation. Individuals may question whether they should be intentional or just totally surrender to what life brings their way. Is restoration on your agenda for the new year?  Restoration consists of both intentionality and surrender. Tune into the podcast via www.talkingwithdrtoy.com.

Many are familiar with the phrase 'tis the season to be jolly'! However, for some, navigating the holiday season may be anything but jolly. This season may be filled with profound aspects of grief, loss, sadness, anxiety, guilt, shame, and loneliness. The holidays may induce a complexity of emotions.  The tendency may be to run, distract, avoid, and mask as if all is well because that may be what others expect during this time of the year. I'm inviting you to explore and process what 'tis the season', this present moment, means for you. Tune into the podcast via www.talkingwithdrtoy.com