Strong Mind, Soft Life with Dr. Topaz

Erin A. Harper, PhD- Part 2

Dr. Topaz has a huge heart for women.  She celebrates our victories and empathizes with our struggles. Dr. Topaz views a strong mind as the capacity to think clearly, feel fully and choose intentionally- without abandoning yourself.  This belief supports a soft life which values peace, pleasure and presence without abandoning responsibility or self-respect. On this #TherapyThursday, Dr. Topaz continues her robust conversation with Erin A. Harper, PhD. They take a deeper dive into political and societal issues that are prevalent today, and the impact they have on our mental health. Collectively, we are not ok. If you think the continuous news loop and never-ending group chat with your family is not impacting your mental health, you are mistaken. Resist the temptation to run and hide. The world needs your light more than ever. Don’t wait for this season of discord to blow over, you need to be a part of the winds of change. Engage with the community that Dr. Topaz and her guests are creating, AND if it will help you, make time to see a licensed, certified mental health professional. The transformation our world needs will not happen without Black women.  Black women who are whole, who are healing, who are putting themselves out there to shift the narrative to one of truth, hope, and love for all.  Let’s establish an interconnected community that is committed to creating strong minds and soft lives. Listening to this podcast is an investment in yourself. And when you are better, we are all better.  Join us, Sis!

Erin A. Harper, PhD- Part 1

Dr. Topaz has a huge heart for women.  She celebrates our victories and empathizes with our struggles. Dr. Topaz views a strong mind as the capacity to think clearly, feel fully and choose intentionally- without abandoning yourself.  This belief supports a soft life which values peace, pleasure and presence without abandoning responsibility or self-respect. “Laughter is the best medicine,” is one of Dr. Topaz’ favorite sayings. On this #TherapyThursday, Dr. Topaz talks politics and mental health with Erin A. Harper, PhD, an award-winning creative, psychologist, researcher, and organizational leader working at the intersection of storytelling, mental health, social impact….and professional comedian!!! The sisterly love abounds as Topaz and Erin are both graduates of Spelman College and members of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. Eta Kappa chapter. Listen as they explore political stress and its impact on our collective mental health. This conversation is so rich, it is part 1 of 2 (a first for Dr. Topaz)!  If you are a Black woman, this episode is going to hit different. Our intersections with the political ecosystem are like no other group. Tap in with Dr. Topaz on social media. Share your thoughts. As she says, don’t hold back. Let’s establish an interconnected community that is committed to creating strong minds and soft lives. Listening to this podcast is an investment in yourself. And when you are better, we are all better.  Join us, Sis!

Erin Stanley, LCSW

Dr. Topaz has a huge heart for women.  She celebrates our victories and empathizes with our struggles. Dr. Topaz views a strong mind as the capacity to think clearly, feel fully and choose intentionally- without abandoning yourself.  This belief supports a soft life which values peace, pleasure and presence without abandoning responsibility or self-respect. Are you a people-pleaser? If yes, this episode may be right up your alley. On this #TherapyThursday, Dr. Topaz chats with her Class of 2010 Spelman College sister (we love the HBCUs!), Erin Stanley, LCSW. Erin is the owner of Honey Bee Therapy, a virtual private practice which offers online therapy for high-achieving women. You know Erin is going to keep it real with us when she includes her enjoyment of deep rest in her introduction. (How many times have you heard that?!?) To level-set this conversation, Erin defines high-achieving, over-functioning women as those who are doing it all, and not slowing down to check on themselves. If this sounds familiar, you may need to listen to this episode more than once….and that’s ok. Stop shrinking, start shining. The world needs your light! Let’s establish an interconnected community that is committed to creating strong minds and soft lives. Listening to this podcast is an investment in yourself. And when you are better, we are all better.  Join us, Sis!

Keshia Cameron

“Different cultures have different perspectives on the topic of mental health. On this #TherapyThursday, Dr. Topaz is joined by Keshia Cameron, MA, LCSW who is a Program Coordinator at Columbia University and psychotherapist.” Listen as these ‘Caribbean Girls’ discuss their heritage and its intersection with mental wellness and the associated stigmas that span generations…and run deep. Their topics are serious, but their storytelling and laughter make them relatable. If you normally sip on coffee or tea while listening to Dr. Topaz, switch it up and grab a tropical smoothie for this one. Let’s establish an interconnected community that is committed to creating strong minds and soft lives. Listening to this podcast is an investment in yourself. And when you are better, we are all better.  June is the 20th annual recognition of Caribbean American Heritage Month. This year, let’s use the month to have real talk about mental health, and turn the page away from silence and shame.  Join us, Sis!

Dr. Dana

Dr. Topaz has a huge heart for women.  She celebrates our victories and empathizes with our struggles. Dr. Topaz views a strong mind as the capacity to think clearly, feel fully and choose intentionally- without abandoning yourself.  This belief supports a soft life which values peace, pleasure and presence without abandoning responsibility or self-respect. April is Autism Awareness Month which was established to encourage greater awareness of autism spectrum disorder, celebrate neurodiversity, and foster inclusion for autistic individuals and their families. On this #TherapyThursday, Dr. Topaz talks autism with Dr. Dana, a double-boarded child and adolescent psychiatrist with degrees from Dillard University, Boston University, and Baylor College of Medicine. Dr. Dana is passionate about increasing acceptance for the field of psychiatry within the Black community, and informing about autism in simple, easy to understand terms. Need support with a possible autism diagnosis? Now is not the time to rely on TikTok, social media and online boards. You deserve individualized attention and a specific diagnosis. Clarity is your friend.  Let’s establish an interconnected community that is committed to creating strong minds and soft lives. Listening to this podcast is an investment in yourself. And when you are better, we are all better.  Join us, Sis!