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THERAPY FOR BLACK MEN

Dionne Simpson-Amuah • Jan 22, 2020
This week I am joined by Larry, the founder of Through This Mind which is a platform that tries to encourage an open conversation about mental health.

We discuss Larry’s own experiences with mental wellness and what steps he took to overcome the weight he was carrying around, particularly whilst he was a student.

You can read the blog at www.throughthismind.com.

You can also follow him on twitter @longforlaz.

Listen to the podcast here.


Me, Myself & My Therapist



~ Written by Larry, Founder of Through This Mind 



Even with how self-aware I am and with the amount of work I’ve been putting in to improving my mental and physical health, energy and environment, I knew that going to therapy was the next best thing to get the answers I needed and confirmation I deserved.



I’ve had therapy sessions in the past but looking back I know that I wasn’t mentally mature enough to handle the process, understand the questioning and accept my experiences. However, on this occasion I knew I was ready to take the plunge. I wanted to delve deeper into my mind, thoughts and experiences, taking accountability of what I’ve done, accepting my experiences and knowing what I need to do to go forward for a better and happy future.



I was very specific with who I wanted to counsel me, that’ll allow me to be free, better understand and actually listen to what I would say. I wanted a Black, Christian, family man. Three elements that I see in myself. Someone who will understand my upbringing, culture, life journey and future.



I’m super grateful to my fellow mental health advocates, Dionne from Perfect Flaw and Hannah at Me, Mind Mind & I who shared their story and encouraged me to take the big step of going to therapy and a massive thank you to Frontline Therapist for providing me with a wide range of potential counsellors. If you’re Black or an ethnic minority I’d encourage you to contact Frontline for a free consultation and help to go forward.



Maybe unlike many people, I was super excited to attend my first session with my therapist, Alex*. I knew that he wouldn’t be able to provide me with all the answers to my questions on day 1 but I knew it was an opportunity for me to:



1) dig deep into my life;



2) confirm and affirm my experiences and choices;



3) direct my thoughts and actions for my life going forward; and



4) possibly change my narrative.



The journey I’ve gone on with therapy has been life changing. There’s been no greater relief to hear someone confirm what you’ve said about yourself. I’m not exempt from being dragged and slapped up! But it’s just been an eye opening, calming, soothing and peaceful 2+ month process. I’ve shared near enough every element of my life to my therapist so that we can both get a better understanding of what I need to accept and do going forward.



People say that you shouldn’t be dependent on your therapist and I agree. Your therapist should be someone who can help answer your questions (where they can), direct you in the right way and provide the needed tools so that you can help YOU help yourself. Even though I would love for Alex to be my new uncle, I have to appreciate the roles and responsibilities here.



I can’t recommend therapy enough to EVERYONE!!! Whether you’re a mental health sufferer or not, single, married, peaceful or worried, every person has a story and experiences that has shaped their life and mind. It is good to get some clarity on your journey and see what you can do, change or create for a better life going forward.



Peace and love x



*Names have been changed to protect the privacy of individuals.



As always, thank you to all the listeners from across the globe. Your support is appreciated so much and really helps to keep me going!

Love to you all!



Dionne xx

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If you’re looking for a Black or Asian therapist please contact www.baatn.org.uk

 

If you have any questions or would like to discuss podcast sponsorship, email Dionne Simpson at lovelaidbare@gmail.com

 

The hashtag for the podcast is #lovelaidbare.

 

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Website: www.lovelaidbare.com



Co-Parenting featuring Aaron (Raising Boys 2 Men)

by Dionne Simpson • 13 Jul, 2022
personally, as soon as I was faced with the notion that my relationship with my ex-husband would not survive, we discussed at length how we would conduct ourselves. We discussed finances, how we would deal with future relationships, mutually agreed on how we would parent and left no stone unturned. our daughters well-being was the priority and everything else came afterwards. yet, despite these discussions and writing things on paper, we still faced some of the same hurdles that millions of other co-parents do. sometimes it is nearly impossible to avoid friction at some point in the journey, particularly when everything is fresh and new to everyone. one question I always ask myself when it comes to co-parenting in the face of adversity is, 'does this benefit my daughter?' . if the answer is no, I just won't allow myself to behave or respond in a way that is detrimental to her or the co-parenting relationship. does that mean I back down? no. but what it means is that I approach all conversations and disagreements respectfully and as calmly as possible. a breakdown in healthy communication gets neither party anywhere, and if both are sincere and care enough, the Childs needs will always come first. realistically, Things may not always go smoothly when co-parenting. It helps to be clear about what your most important goals are for the future. Here are two that you might want to consider: To commit to supporting your children in having a free and uncomplicated relationship with the other parent. To keep whatever feelings you have about each other separate from your co-parenting relationship. These principles can serve as foundations for everything you do as co-parents.

Why Quitting My Corporate Role Was My Biggest Act Of Self Care

by Dionne Simpson • 06 Jul, 2022
this episode is probably the hardest one I have ever published, but quitting my corporate role was one of my biggest acts of self care. even as I type this, I am feeling quite sad and vulnerable. nothing has been more damaging to my self esteem than working in the insurance industry. some people may watch, read or listen to this episode and say that I am a fool for staying as long as I did, or that maybe I should have taken this company to an employment tribunal. however, back then terms such as 'microaggressions' or 'covert racism' were not that popular and how I would even build a case against them? how could I cite that their refusal to give me a blackberry to do my job efficiently was a sign of racism? had this been in more recent times, maybe things may have been different, but I am also a strong believer that everything happens for a reason. I had people close to me scorn me for leaving without finding something else, but 'who the cap fits, let them wear it!'. I was drained, exhausted, broken and I mentally could not go on. despite the negative responses I received, all that mattered to me was that my then husband was supportive of my decisions and he backed me all the way. I must credit him for his understanding at that time and I am grateful for the space he gave me to get back on my feet.
Dionne Love Laid Bare Podcast

The Orgasm Gap

by Dionne Simpson • 22 Jun, 2022
Episode 2, season 8! The Orgasm Gap

How Numerology Can Help You ft Lorraine Whyte

by Dionne Simpson-Amuah • 21 Apr, 2021
In this week's episode I am joined by returnee guest, Lorraine Whyte, to discuss the benefits and insight that numerology can give you, alongside identifying any trauma that may need to be worked upon. Discussion points: -Numerology and its definition -How numerology offers insight to your life's purpose and beyond -Can you change your life's plan? -The truth about manifesting -Dionne gets her own personal reading & forecast for 2021 -Trauma and karmic lessons -Numerology for business -Angel numbers

Soul Ties & Sexual Healing ft Tay Burke (Spiritual Alchemist)

by Dionne Simpson • 07 Apr, 2021
Quite simply, sex with the right person that aligns with you can be a very fulfilling experience. UNFORTUNATELY, THE MESSAGES THAT WE HAVE RECEIVED FROM SOCIETY, CULTURE AND RELIGION MAY HAVE ALTERED OUR VIEW OF SEX AND NOT ALWAYS IN THE RIGHT WAY.

Becoming Dad: The Untold Story

by Dionne Simpson • 02 Apr, 2021
We’ve discussed having a stepfather from a child’s perspective, absentee fathers (again from the child’s perspective) as well as the challenges of co-parenting. For this episode and blog, I wanted to talk to the men who had struggled for various reasons whilst having their children relatively young. As I was writing this blog, my uncle just happened to be at my parents’ house, so I invited him to share his thoughts on the topic. He had his first son at 21 and struggled to maintain a relationship with his eldest son until he was old enough to come and look for him.

Understanding & Defining Spirituality Ft Lorraine Whyte

by Dionne Simpson • 24 Mar, 2021
As i mention at the top of this episode, i have wanted to explore this topic for a while. i know the limits of my spiritual knowledge and therefore needed to have this discussion with someone who knows their stuff unapologetically. growing up in a christian family, attending church every sunday and going to a faith based school surely should have kept me within the borders of my religion. yet, from a young age i just knew that there were some things that didn't sit right or make sense to me.

A Dose Of Dionne - The Games People Play

by Dionne Simpson • 17 Mar, 2021
in this episode of a dose of dionne, i reflect on some of the experiences i have had with meeting new people. Having been 'out of the game' for a while, i don't think i genuinely had a good idea about the interactions people have in the dating world. i can honestly say that i have met some truly amazing people and each person has given me some food for thought or added to my growth as a person. I refer to a previous episode with victor granville called the search for real love which goes a bit deeper into some of the things i mention in this episode. Please have a listen if you need to!

How To Be A Conscious Parent

by Dionne Simpson • 10 Mar, 2021
In this weeks episode I am joined by Nicole Henry, child psychologist and therapist as we discuss how we can adopt better ways in parenting. you can follow or get into contact with nicole on instagram or via her website - www.thenicolehenry.com the episode is available to listen below:

A Dose Of Dionne - Behind Her Eyes Spoiler Alert!!!

by Dionne Simpson • 03 Mar, 2021
For me to dedicate a whole episode to a TV series, my regular listeners will know that I must be quite rattled. Lol! Behind her eyes was a brilliant series, a frustrating series and an ‘Oh My God’ type of psychological series. This is a spoiler alert so if you have not watched the series or if you intend on watching the series, please do not listen to this episode. I repeat, do not listen to this episode!! This is a VERY candid, off the cuff episode so please be warned there will be some profanity used because the series was that good!!!
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