Description
I'm Dr. Akilah, a licensed psychologist at The Black Girl Doctor, a virtual therapy practice that specializes in the mental health of professional Black women.
Do you appear to have it all together but inside feel stressed, sad, or empty? Are you struggling to advance your goals or feel overwhelmed by the demands of the modern world? Do you yearn for love or close friendships but struggle with loneliness or painful relationships? If so, I’d love to talk with you.
I see mental health as paramount to life success and enjoy working with wellness minded professionals who are ready to invest in their future by putting their own self-care first. In therapy sessions, I craft a safe and brave space for you to share your past experiences, explore your thoughts and feelings, and teach strategies that empower behavior change and healthy living. My specialties include using evidence-based practices (e.g., CBT) to address anxiety, depression, stress, relationship issues, work-life balance, and the mental health effects of “strength” (also, the strong Black woman identity).
My formal education includes a PhD in Counseling Psychology from the University of Houston, a Master’s degree in Psychological Counseling from Teachers College, Columbia University and a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from the University of California, Berkeley. I completed an APA accredited predoctoral internship at Pacific Clinics and a two-year post-doctoral fellowship at Children’s Hospital, Los Angeles. I have 10 years of clinical experience working with clients across multiple settings (e.g., hospitals, academic medical center, private practice), conduct and publish research, and facilitate professional and community workshops, trainings, presentations, and retreats.
I joined the Black Girl Doctor because as a Black professional woman myself, I know the importance of having a culturally congruent space for healing. Yes to #blackexcellence and #blackgirlmagic but we are also human. We deserve and need to care for our mental wellness. From this place - growth, peace, and prosperity flow. Cheers to taking care of the whole self!