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Imperfectly Beautiful

Imperfectly Beautiful

By Imperfectly Beautiful

The Imperfectly Beautiful podcast is a heart-to heart community, aimed at helping women of color invest and thrive in their radical self-care journey. Hosted by LaToya Wilkins, each conversation will share her own life lessons and learnings in self-love and self-care, and she will also provide content that offers practical, intentional, and holistic self-care tips. All topics will help women transform feelings of low self-worth and acceptance into power and purpose.
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Mental Health Awareness Month: Reflections from My Journey

Imperfectly BeautifulMay 18, 2023

00:00
13:34
Mental Health Awareness Month: Reflections from My Journey

Mental Health Awareness Month: Reflections from My Journey

Toya shares her own mental health journey and offers some solutions on how to start yours.


If you're looking for a FREE self-car resource, check out our 7-day challenge.

https://imperfectlybeautiful.me/seven-day-challenge/


May 18, 202313:34
What is Mindfulness?

What is Mindfulness?

Check out this week's episode, which is a replay from 2022.


Niashani Washington is a National Board Certified Health and Wellness Coach, clinical massage therapist, artist, entrepreneur, and mother. For more than two decades, thousands of people from all walks of life have benefited from her healing touch, spiritual nature, intuition and insight.

Niashani has faced several challenges in her life; chronic pain, care-giving for terminally ill friends and family, divorce, and single parenting. She has overcome each challenge by learning how to balance her mind, body, and soul with various healing modalities. She is a firm believer in yoga, meditation, massage, acupuncture, journaling, self-expression, arts, exercise, nutrition, and laughter. Her gift is to ease others' pain and help them lighten the burdens they carry through self-care, living a healthy lifestyle, and facing challenges with grace and courage.

https://niashanti.com

May 11, 202336:23
Mental Health Awareness Month: Black Women, Perfectionism & Mental Health

Mental Health Awareness Month: Black Women, Perfectionism & Mental Health

Toya talks about perfectionism and mental health among black women

May 04, 202312:03
Relationships: A Message for the Journey

Relationships: A Message for the Journey

Tune in to this brief episode for some declarations to wrap up our series on relationships.

Apr 27, 202304:20
Relationships: Navigating An Unhealthy Workplace Environment
Apr 20, 202301:06:52
Relationships: Grieving Friendships

Relationships: Grieving Friendships

Apr 13, 202350:28
Relationships: Loving Myself. As I Am
Apr 06, 202336:16
The Power of Letting Go: A Message for the Journey

The Power of Letting Go: A Message for the Journey

We're wrapping up this month's series with some declarations!

Mar 30, 202304:29
The Power of Letting Go: Fear

The Power of Letting Go: Fear

Toya talks about fear. How it has held her back and what she's doing to overcome it. She also offers tips to help others address fear.

Mar 09, 202312:32
The Power of Letting Go: Negative Self-Talk

The Power of Letting Go: Negative Self-Talk

Toya talks about the impact of negative self-talk and identifies some solutions to deal with our inner critic.

Mar 02, 202309:54
Life Lessons: A Message for the Journey

Life Lessons: A Message for the Journey

Toya wraps up this month's series with some declarations. 

Feb 23, 202303:50
Life Lessons: Finding Balance and Learning to Put Yourself First

Life Lessons: Finding Balance and Learning to Put Yourself First

Toya talks about the importance of learning to put yourself first and how juggling too much has an effect on our well-being

Feb 16, 202311:18
Life Lessons: Here and Now

Life Lessons: Here and Now

On this episode, Toya talks about the challenges with being present and how to learn to live more in the moment.

Feb 09, 202311:46
Life Lessons: Letting Go of Control

Life Lessons: Letting Go of Control

Discussing control, how it's linked to fear, and what we can do to begin letting of it.

Feb 02, 202310:58
Back to the Basics: A Message for the Journey

Back to the Basics: A Message for the Journey

On the last Thursday of each month, tune in for A Message for the Journey: Affirmations & Declarations

Jan 26, 202304:31
Back to the Basics: Our Purpose and Mission

Back to the Basics: Our Purpose and Mission

If you're looking for a resource to help you jumpstart your journey, download my FREE 7 day affirmation challenge.

https://imperfectlybeautiful.me/seven-day-challenge/

Jan 19, 202311:22
Back to the Basics: Setting Goals vs. Setting Intentions

Back to the Basics: Setting Goals vs. Setting Intentions

we're continuing our discussion from last week on self-care and the importance of setting goals vs. setting intentions un your journey. 


If you're looking for a resource to help you jumpstart your journey, download my FREE 7 day affirmation challenge.

https://imperfectlybeautiful.me/seven-day-challenge/

Jan 12, 202308:51
Back to the Basics: What is Self-Care?

Back to the Basics: What is Self-Care?

This episode talks about the importance of holistic self-care and how to begin implementing basic steps to start your journey. 

 If you're looking for a resource to help you jumpstart your journey, download my FREE 7 day affirmation challenge. 

https://imperfectlybeautiful.me/seven-day-challenge/


Jan 05, 202310:45
Exploring Different Forms of Therapy: EMDR Therapy

Exploring Different Forms of Therapy: EMDR Therapy

In this episode, I discuss Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) with therapist, Robin Jackson.

Robin is a licensed professional counselor with over 9 years of clinical experience helping people to achieve their goals. As a clinician, she promotes authenticity, honesty, laughter, and care. She provides my clients with a safe space for healing and believes that everyone has the ability to live a meaningful life and not just exist. ​

Throughout the years, Robin has worked with diverse populations utilizing a person-centered approach.  Robin is trained in EMDR and as with her own personal healing utilizing EMDR, she can attest to the efficacy of this therapeutic approach and strongly wish for others to receive its benefits.

​https://www.timetohealcounselingservices.com/meet-robin

Nov 24, 202245:42
Exploring Different Forms of Therapy: DMT

Exploring Different Forms of Therapy: DMT

In this episode, I discuss Dance Movement Therapy (DMT) with therapist, Bria Campbell.

A Chicago native, Bria Campbell is an alumna of the illustrious North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University receiving her BA in Psychology in 2016. After receiving her MA in Dance/Movement Therapy and Counseling from Columbia College Chicago,  Bria has worked in school-based mental health, private practice, and crisis work with adults in Atlanta, GA where she later became a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) and Register Dance/Movement Therapist.

 In 2019, Bria published an article in the American Dance Therapy Journal (ADJT) entitled “Past, Present, Future: A Program Development Exploring Post Traumatic Slave Syndrome (PTSS) Using Experiential Education and Dance/Movement Therapy Approaches,” which integrated dance/movement therapy concepts and Dr. Joy DeGruy's Post Traumatic Slave Syndrome theory in her work with adolescents in Chicago's Roseland neighborhood. This article received the 2020 Marian Chace Foundation’s Journalism Prize. Bria has facilitated several workshops and trainings on PTSS, attunement through movement, and the ARC Model, an approach to increase awareness of trauma-informed care in a school-based setting.

 In 2020, Bria co-founded and co-leads the African American/black affinity group in the American Dance/Movement Therapy Association’s (ADTA), Black MAGIC. Her leadership was recognized by the ADTA where she was awarded the 2021 Leader of Tomorrow Award. Bria also was recently elected as the first African American Central Member at Large (MAL) on the ADTA Board of Directors.  She also served as the 2020-2021 Eastern Nominating Committee and Vice President of the Southern Chapter of the ADTA. Bria continues to provide school-based services in Atlanta Public Schools over the past four years. Currently, Bria is creating a holistic mental health brand entitled S.P.E.A.K: Supporting People Emotionally and Kinesthetically LLC.

Nov 17, 202246:25
Exploring Different Forms of Therapy: CBT
Nov 10, 202229:12
Overcoming Trauma

Overcoming Trauma

Toya Knowles shares her story of overcoming an abusive relationship and how healing has transformed her life for the better.,

Toya is known as The Short Hair Guru . Even though she specializes in short hair and is known as one of the top hairstylist in DFW, her success comes from empowering not just the women that sit in her chair but also to enrich the lives and careers of the men and women that come across her path.



Oct 13, 202234:28
Understanding the Role of a Domestic Violence Advocate

Understanding the Role of a Domestic Violence Advocate

Taryn Thomas is a Domestic Violence and Crisis Advocate, based out of Detroit, Michigan.  As a student at Michigan State University, she shares her role as a DV advocates and the roles that advocates play in assisting DV survivors. 

Oct 06, 202248:14
Relationships: Moving on After Heartbreak

Relationships: Moving on After Heartbreak

LaToya Lewis, LPC, believes that focusing on self-care is extremely important. Self-care isn’t just getting manicures and having spa days. Self-care is gaining awareness of who you are, speaking your truth and focusing on maintaining wellness. LaToya believes in recognizing unhealthy behaviors, patterns, generational cycles and learning ways to break those unhealthy practices can lead to overall health and wellness.

She takes a special interest in relationships and how they can affect clients in both good and bad ways. Also she takes an interest in stress management, physical, sexual and emotional abuse.

LaToya brings unique experience from a diverse background in the legal field, residential work and crisis intervention. She brings her passion, drive and creativity to learn new ways to assist clients to find their way back to a higher level of functioning.


https://www.downeytherapeuticservices.com/

Sep 22, 202234:37
Cultivating a Healthy Relationship with Self

Cultivating a Healthy Relationship with Self

A relationship with yourself is the most important relationship we can have. On this episode, I talk with Danielle Portis, LPC, NCC to discuss how we can improve our relationship with ourselves.

Danielle is a psychotherapist, mindset transformation coach, mental health consultant, speaker, and writer. Whether in individual sessions, group workshops or as an author, Danielle has a unique ability to be authentic and informative. She passionately takes people on a journey of self-discovery where they are able to acknowledge where they are, identify where they desire to be and work diligently to minimize barriers and bridge the gaps. Having overcome life-altering obstacles of her own, Danielle has dedicated her life to equipping others with the tools to do the same.


Sep 01, 202254:58
What is Mindfulness?
Jun 02, 202236:57
Self-Care After Birth: PMADS (Perinatal/Postpartum Mood & Anxiety Disorder)

Self-Care After Birth: PMADS (Perinatal/Postpartum Mood & Anxiety Disorder)

On this episode, I talk with Takeyanna on mood and anxiety disorders among black mothers and how to work towards healing and caring for self.

Takeyanna Myers-McGee, National Certified Counselor, Licensed Professional Counselor, and Certified Case Manager, doula, and founder of the She3 organization. She has provided individual and family therapy. She has hosted group therapy and foster care workshops/education. Takayenna’s goal through therapy is to help clients achieve the change they seek or themselves. Takayenna is a strong believer that how/what we think plays an important role in the feelings, behaviors, and actions that follow those thoughts. She possess the ability to relate to others regardless of age and her passion for life and helping others greatly contributes to her success as a case manager and therapist.

May 26, 202236:30
Reducing Disparities in Maternal and Infant Mortality: Why a Doula is Essential to Self-Care

Reducing Disparities in Maternal and Infant Mortality: Why a Doula is Essential to Self-Care

I talk with Ja'na Baylor concerning the importance of Doulas and how they're essential in helping to reduce mortality rates among black women during birth.

Ja'na is a certified full spectrum Doula (DTI) located in Chicago, leading with the strength of her matriarchy, transparency about the state of access to sustainable health care in America, and creative approaches to support. With a background in theatre art therapy, Ja'na is eager to bring her artistic toolkit to a space that recognizes advocacy, understanding, and cultural humility as conditions of the Reproductive Justice movement.  

Ja'na is a Certified Full-Spectrum Doula specializing in Childbirth education, Lactation, Labor/Birth Comfort Measures, Labor, and Birth Interventions, Postpartum Doula Care Practices, Infant Feeding Options, Business Practices, and Cultural Humility.

May 19, 202236:45
Healing After A Miscarriage

Healing After A Miscarriage

Anjena' Pierce, Licensed Clinical Professional, shares her story on experiencing a miscarriage in 2021, while also providing tools to help support other women that dealt with the loss of a pregnancy.

May 12, 202236:49
FInding Myself as a New Mom

FInding Myself as a New Mom

Shola Omodele is a corporate professional, wife and mother, who is passionate about self empowerment and entrepreneurship. She shares her story as a first time mom, learning to navigate through some of its challenges and wins, while also sharing tips and encouragement to other mothers.

May 05, 202241:50
Our Declaration: I Am Deserving of Self- Love

Our Declaration: I Am Deserving of Self- Love

check out this brief episode if you're in need of a bit more self-love. Toya shares some affirmations that are useful to helping you realize that prioritizing yourself is necessary.

Apr 28, 202204:26
I Am Not My Environment
Apr 21, 202251:29
Feelings...So Deep in my Feelings!

Feelings...So Deep in my Feelings!

I bring back Dr. Zanovia Tucker to discuss the importance of feeling our feelings and being vulnerable in our relationships.


About Dr. Zanovia Tucker

Dr. Zanovia is an advocate for healing, self-care, self-preservation and trauma education. She is a mother, educator, lifestyle coach, and what we like to call "The Counselor's, Counselor." Her background in mental health counseling and her personal journey of healing inspired her to start her own business to serve her community, primarily women, mothers and counselors.

Dr.Zanovia is currently licensed in the state of Michigan. If you're seeking counseling, please visit https://www.drzanovia.com/.

Apr 14, 202245:28
Setting Boundaries and Choosing You

Setting Boundaries and Choosing You

On this episode, I sit down with Licensed Clinical Professional, Dr,.Zanovia Tucker, native of Chicago, IL to discuss how to properly set boundaries. Boundaries is something that so many of us struggle with setting, which is often tied to our self-esteem and self-worth. Dr.Zanovia explains some of the tactics she uses with her clients and how we can begin to have healthier relationships with our peers, families, etc by setting the proper boundaries.


About Dr. Zanovia Tucker

Dr. Zanovia is an advocate for healing, self-care, self-preservation and trauma education. She is a mother, educator, lifestyle coach, and what we like to call "The Counselor's, Counselor." Her background in mental health counseling and her personal journey of healing inspired her to start her own business to serve her community, primarily women, mothers and counselors.


Dr.Zanovia is currently licensed in the state of Michigan. If you're seeking counseling, please visit https://www.drzanovia.com/.

Apr 07, 202243:38
Black Men Healing Series: Alone but Never Lonely

Black Men Healing Series: Alone but Never Lonely

Entrepreneur and Dallas resident, Keon Moore, shares his story of healing from a engagement that ended due to infidelity. His actions has led him on a path to growth, self-accountability, and change. He talks of the harsh realities he's had to face due to his actions and steps he's now taking to become more in tune with himself. 

Mar 24, 202257:09
Black Men Healing Series: The Journey of Loss & Grief

Black Men Healing Series: The Journey of Loss & Grief

Benjamin Joseph Bussie' is a resident DC and an advocate for mental health. He shares his story of his healing process after losing his mom to addiction and how the experienced shaped his life as a man who is now pursuing a degree to become a licensed clinical professional.


If you're struggling with thoughts of suicide, please do not hesitate to get help. Call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline below.

800-273-8255

Mar 17, 202245:30
Black Men Healing Series: Healing from Traumatic Experiences

Black Men Healing Series: Healing from Traumatic Experiences

On this episode, Joevan shares his journey of healing from sexual abuse as a child. What once has held him back, he is now using to help others heal through his business as a life coach, consultant, and podcaster. 

https://www.joevanjpalmer.com/

Mar 10, 202237:36
Black Men Healing Series: The Journey from Abandonment to Healing

Black Men Healing Series: The Journey from Abandonment to Healing

Durrelle Willis shares his story regarding the impact abandonment had on his life and and how is journey of healing led him to become a life coach. He now uses the skills that he's learned to coach and consult others.

To contact Durrelle regarding life coaching, feel free to reach out to him via Instagram at: https://www.instagram.com/royal_minds22/


Mar 03, 202239:53
Loving Me for Me:Thriving with PCOS

Loving Me for Me:Thriving with PCOS

Nellie Robinson, a Florida resident and PCOS advocate, shares her story about living with PCOS. Despite living with a condition that has not only affected her physically, mentally, and emotionally, Nellie shares her triumphs and successes along the way.

Feb 24, 202236:03
Self-Love Has No Size
Feb 17, 202242:29
Self-Love after Domestic Violence

Self-Love after Domestic Violence

Toya Knowles is a licensed cosmetologist who currently resides in Texas. She shares her story of bravely leaving a domestic violence relationship, taking back her power and learning the key to true self-love.

Feb 10, 202232:26
Experiencing Self-Love and Healing after Sexual Trauma
Feb 03, 202237:28
My Life with Anxiety (Part II)

My Life with Anxiety (Part II)

Toya touches back on the topic of anxiety from a spiritual perspective. Is your anxiety tied to your lack of trust in God? Are you worrying about something you have no control over?

Jan 27, 202213:19
Understanding and Overcoming Low Self-Esteem

Understanding and Overcoming Low Self-Esteem

To book a session with Toraneka Hampton, visit https://www.flourishingaffinitycounseling.com/toraneka


Jan 20, 202237:45
My Life with Anxiety

My Life with Anxiety

On this episode, Toya talks about her struggles with anxiety and methods she's used to manage anxiety. She also offers tips and suggestions to those who are also dealing with anxiety.

Jan 13, 202214:48
Protecting Your Mental Health

Protecting Your Mental Health

This episode will discuss the importance of mental health with therapist Anjena Pierce. 

Anjená likes to take a wholistic approach to therapy. She believes in healing the whole person mind, body, and soul. Anjená uses a collaborative approach to therapy. With a background of 12 years experience in the field of Early Childhood Education, Anjena’ specializes in issues surrounding new parents, child development and postpartum anxiety and depression care. A few more of Anjená’s clinical interests include women’s issues, childhood trauma, parent/child or partner relational problems, physical, sexual and emotional abuse, anger and stress management, teen issues, peer pressure, self-esteem, marriages, families and group therapy.

In addition to being a counselor, Anjená is also a licensed minister. She creates a space for her clients to feel comfortable and safe while engaging in the therapeutic process. Anjená believes in building a strong therapeutic alliance with clients in order to promote a sense of security, trust, and support. She views each client as being on a sacred journey and that her role is to offer guidance, insight, and support where needed. Anjena’ looks forward to joining you on your journey toward healing.



Jan 06, 202228:58
What Are You Looking At?

What Are You Looking At?

Comparison causes us to feel like we're never enough, and focusing on the wrong thing and people can hinder our growth . This episode will help you understand how comparison robs of us our joy, learning to shift your perspective and create a plan of success along your self-care journey. 

Dec 30, 202112:18
Depression & Anxiety (Part II )

Depression & Anxiety (Part II )

Depression and anxiety are topics that aren't often discussed within the black community. On this two part episode, I bring on Lauren Michelle Jackson (LCPC) as a guest to discuss the causes and effects of depression and anxiety. 

This week we're talking about recognizing anxiety, as well as learning ways to manage it in our self-care joruney.

About Lauren Michelle Jackson:

Passionate, empathetic and a driven desire to help facilitate positive change in the lives of others is the motivating force behind Lauren Michelle Jackson. Having the ability to relate to others and find common ground has served her well as a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor, Life Coach, Certified Domestic Violence,Professional, Speaker and Women’s Advocate.

Lauren’s passion for serving others began when she started her counseling career as a Domestic Violence Therapist and Community Educator. Under this title, Lauren provided individual and family therapy services to victims and their children, lead women empowerment groups, ran teen and adult dating violence seminars & workshops, taught Domestic Violence educational courses and conducted outreach presentations on the importance of Domestic Violence Awareness.

Within the therapeutic relationship, Lauren believes therapy should be a collaborative process, however just like most things in life, one get’s out of therapy what they are willing to put in it. It is her aim to provide a supportive and objective environment for clients to explore, become educated and to create the change they desire to see.

https://www.cultivateyouressence.

Dec 23, 202132:53
Depression & Anxiety (Part I )

Depression & Anxiety (Part I )

Depression and anxiety are topics that aren't often discussed within the black community. On this two part episode, I bring on Lauren Michelle Jackson (LCPC) as a guest to discuss the causes and effects of depression and anxiety.


About Lauren Michelle Jackson:

Passionate, empathetic and a driven desire to help facilitate positive change in the lives of others is the motivating force behind Lauren Michelle Jackson. Having the ability to relate to others and find common ground has served her well as a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor, Life Coach, Certified Domestic Violence,Professional, Speaker and Women’s Advocate.

Lauren’s passion for serving others began when she started her counseling career as a Domestic Violence Therapist and Community Educator. Under this title, Lauren provided individual and family therapy services to victims and their children, lead women empowerment groups, ran teen and adult dating violence seminars & workshops, taught Domestic Violence educational courses and conducted outreach presentations on the importance of Domestic Violence Awareness.

Within the therapeutic relationship, Lauren believes therapy should be a collaborative process, however just like most things in life, one get’s out of therapy what they are willing to put in it. It is her aim to provide a supportive and objective environment for clients to explore, become educated and to create the change they desire to see.

https://www.cultivateyouressence.

Dec 16, 202145:39
Let's Start this Journey Together

Let's Start this Journey Together

Listen to the first episode of Imperfectly Beautiful to find out if this community is for you! Tune in weekly for self-care content where you're encouraged to learn, heal and grow.


IG:https://www.instagram.com/imperfectlybeautifulofficial/

FB: https://www.facebook.com/imperfectlybeautifulofficial


Dec 09, 202109:18