Welcome back to Episode 14 of Open Door Conversations. Today’s topic is titled “I Ain’t Angry Because I Express Myself: I Am Not My Emotions.”  In today’s episode we cover emotions, particularly the topic of how black women or other women of color are viewed in a negative light whenever there is an emotional expression to unpleasant experiences.  Have you ever felt the weight of fighting against others' perception of you when you have shared how you felt about their behavior, the negative situation, or your unpleasant experience?  What happens when you disagree with or simply have a difference of opinion?  When you express normal discomfort or a healthy sense of disagreement are you often viewed as the “angry black woman?” Well in today’s episode we converse about some of our own experiences and hopefully provide validation of these experiences and make note that it is healthy to share your feelings and emotions.  That this is not a sign that ‘you are the problem’ simply because you are not always “agreeable.” We talk about the challenge this biased view from others can have on your mental and emotional health and some healthy considerations in navigating these experiences in the workplace and in relationships.  Thanks for listening, reach out with questions or comments.  We hope this episode serves you well!

Highlights from the episode 

• How does this bias impact one's mental and emotional health?
• What are some healthy considerations for you to make?
• Why is it important for you to consider your health and well-being? 
• Ways you can care for yourself?

For more on this topic, hit us on email or follow up on social media

*Disclaimer: While we may be recognized as mental health professionals, our topics are in no way a substitute for any listener obtaining the professional support of a mental health clinician in your local area.  Please use this podcast and its content as a resource only.  

Contact Info:

Connect with Fatima Williams and Renata Akinkuowo, LCSW

Email: OpenDoorConvo@gmail.com

Instagram: @opendoorconvo

Facebook: Open Door Convo

Welcome back to Episode 13 of Open Door Conversations. Today’s topic is titled “Mama’s Boy: How Have You Shaped Him?”  In today’s episode we are covering a conversation on the emotional relationship between a mother and her son and how her parenting style and attachment style impact his emotional health and possibly future relationships.  This is an eye-opening episode, certainly cause for some self-reflection but the door to this conversation is all about love and helping our community heal and lean into more helpful, hopeful, and loving relationships with our children so they have healthy relationships in their future.  We  hope that it is rather informative for you.  

Listen in and of course hit us up with your questions or comments.  Thanks for listening! 

Highlights from the episode

• Relationship between mother and son
• Do parenting styles create attachment bonds or wounds?
• Things mom’s do that can be unhealthy for his future relationships
• Can his upbringing stifle his emotional growth
• How to heal or support

For more on this topic, hit us on email or follow up on social media

*Disclaimer: While we may be recognized as mental health professionals, our topics are in no way a substitute for any listener obtaining the professional support of a mental health clinician in your local area.  Please use this podcast and its content as a resource only.  

Contact Info:

Connect with Fatima Williams and Renata Akinkuowo, LCSW

Email: OpenDoorConvo@gmail.com

Instagram: @opendoorconvo

Facebook: Open Door Convo

Welcome back to Episode 12 of Open Door Conversations. Today’s topic is titled “Men Need Love To & It Is Your Biz Sis.”  Today we decided to do a pop up topic based on an IG reel.  Although this was a Podcast clip from another content creator we decided to address the emotional challenges to connection and intimacy in the marital relationship when intimacy is challenged.  Of course we are not condoning unhealthy behavior or habits and yet we are discussing, what are some issues, concerns, or challenges and behaviors that impede intimacy in the context of marriage.  Listen in and of course hit us up with your questions or comments.  Thanks for listening! 

Highlights from the episode

• What we have learned and why we struggle
• How important is it to feel emotionally safe 
• What is needed for emotional connection and what gets in the way causing disconnection
• How does emotional connection tie into identity
• The power of touch 

For more on this topic, hit us on email or follow up on social media

Resources:

Books: 

“The 5 Love Languages” by Gary Chapman

“Created For Connection: The “Hold Me Tight” Guide for Christian Couples” by Sue Johnson and Kenny Sanderfer

“7 Principles for Making Marriage Work” by John M. Gottman, Ph.D. and Nan Silver

Workshops:  Contact us for information on couples workshop series

*Disclaimer: While we may be recognized as mental health professionals, our topics are in no way a substitute for any listener obtaining the professional support of a mental health clinician in your local area.  Please use this podcast and its content as a resource only.  

Contact Info:

Connect with Fatima Williams and Renata Akinkuowo, LCSW

Email: OpenDoorConvo@gmail.com

Instagram: @opendoorconvo

Facebook: Open Door Convo