FKO Therapy & Consultation Services

03/09/2024

🎗️March is Endometriosis Awareness Month🎗️

If your partner is battling endometriosis, here are 4 ways you can offer your support:

1. Listen and Validate: Create a safe space for open communication. Listen without judgment and validate their experiences.

2. Educate Yourself: Take the time to learn about endometriosis, its symptoms, and treatment options. Understanding their condition shows you care.

3. Offer Practical Help: Whether it's assisting with household chores, accompanying them to doctor's appointments, or simply being there during flare-ups, your practical support can make a huge difference.

4. Show Empathy and Patience: Endometriosis can be physically and emotionally draining. Offer empathy, patience, and unwavering support through the ups and downs.

01/07/2024

Here is my latest feature on mental health, specifically seasonal affective disorder within the BIPOC community in theGrio. Check it out!

If you’re feeling sad this time of year, you might have seasonal affective disorder and not recognize the symptoms.

Read More👇🏿

https://thegrio.com/2023/12/26/how-you-can-recognize-and-beat-seasonal-affective-disorder/

07/27/2023

The Maryland Association of Marriage, Couples, and Family Counselors Division (MAMCFC) of the Maryland Counseling Association is hosting our first workshop of the year on August 30, 2023, at 12 pm. This workshop offers the opportunity to earn 2.0 NBCC clock hours. Registration is now open. Live Online via Zoom.

Presenter: Desiree N. Robinson, LCSW-C, CST, ACS is an Integrative Psychotherapist passionate about supporting people to repair emotional wounds around s*x, intimacy, body image, and self-worth. She supports individuals and couples to navigate how to use their skills for connection— as opposed to survival or protection. Her experience includes her work with adults from a diverse range of demographics, including married couples, high-conflict couples, individuals, families, veterans, LGBTQ+ adults, gender non-binary adults, and those practicing CNM/ENM.

06/20/2023

World Sickle Cell Day is almost here, and we need your help to make it extraordinary! Visit our website to learn how to get involved today: https://buff.ly/3g5qzlJ.

06/01/2023

This is without a doubt a must see episode from Dr. Rhonda Mattox. Check it out!

04/28/2023

From my good friend Asya Gough::::::::

Family! Please promote, share and support my upcoming line dance event in June! I’m in need of all the help I can get to make this event happen and be a success!

I thank each and everyone of you in advance for your help!

💜AG aka Pooter 😂

FYI I left out an “a” in my Eventbrite post. I was tired last night. 🤦🏽‍♀️

Come on out to support research to find a cure for Scleroderma while learning the latest line dances at the 2nd Annual Line Dance 4 Cure!!

04/22/2023

Happy Saturday All! I’m excited to be a part of this series hosted by Endo Black Incorporated.

Please join us on May 18, 2023 from 7:00 PM to 8:30 PM EDT for a real conversation about mental health and endometriosis.

See you soon!

04/03/2023

Have you ever experienced discrimination when seeking medical care? Perhaps you've been accused of "doctor shopping" or labeled as a "drug seeker" when seeking treatment in the emergency room. Unfortunately, discrimination in healthcare is a pervasive issue that can have serious consequences for patients.

03/29/2023

Stephanie Garcia, 38, is a mom to 3 beautiful children, wife, school social worker, and an Air Force Veteran. As a Hispanic woman, Stephanie loves to empower and advocate for women, so they don’t fall alone in this journey of life.

03/23/2023

Part 2: Dr. April Gaines is a Counseling Psychologist in the US Army. She lives in KY with her husband and toddler, who was conceived by Invocell. She has stage IV endometriosis and is an avid believer in advocating for yourself in all medical spaces and finding ways to align your faith and fertility journey.

03/21/2023

Part 1: Dr. April Gaines is a Counseling Psychologist in the US Army. She lives in KY with her husband and toddler, who was conceived by Invocell. She has stage IV endometriosis and is an avid believer in advocating for yourself in all medical spaces and finding ways to align your faith and fertility journey.

03/18/2023

Thank you so much Kelly Reeves & Yitzi Weiner, and Authority Magazine for the opportunity to be featured in the series: "Unstoppable: People Who Were Able To Accomplish Great Things And Redefine Success With A Disability, Illness, Or Handicap.” I’m hoping that in sharing my story as a Black woman with several reproductive issues, I’m opening the doors for us to speak more openly about our trials and tribulations regarding fertility.

“…for many Black women including myself, being told by society, the medical system, and sometimes even friends and family — your pain is not real and that you are faking it can feel dehumanizing. Invisible illnesses are often ignored or dismissed, exacerbating the problem and leaving us feeling unheard and misunderstood. The lack of acknowledgment only leads to doubt about our own perceptions of reality and if those emotions are instead related to mental health issues.”

An interview with Kelly Reeves

03/16/2023

Kenya Joseph was born and raised in New York City, amassing 15+ years in corporate finance in the fashion industry, luxury hospitality and luxury goods and two degrees. She followed her childhood dream of becoming a biological scientist, retiring from finance in 2013 to pursue a degree in biology at the University of North Carolina Charlotte. Her drive and bout with severe fibroids and adenomyosis led to the creation of Perfect Blue Alchemy, providing natural and organic body products with the heart to serve those fighting chronic illnesses along with health and wellness advocacy.

03/10/2023

The heartbreaking truth about medical gaslighting and medical trauma is demonstrated by the harsh reality faced by many battling hidden or invisible illnesses such as endometriosis. In the US, women can endure up to a decade of pain and discomfort before finally getting the diagnosis they have long been searching for.

03/09/2023

Here is my latest feature on mental health within the BIPOC community in Healthline. Check it out!

the-black-community

When those in the Black community experience mental illness, systemic racism and other social factors can make pursuing treatment difficult. Let's look at why and how to change it:

03/08/2023

“A strong woman understands that the gifts such as logic, decisiveness, and strength are just as feminine as intuition and emotional connection. She values and uses all of her gifts." — Nancy Rathburn

03/08/2023

Krystal Rodriguez is an inspiring Latina woman with a captivating story to tell. At 39, she is the mother of two beautiful children and has been living with endometriosis for years. Her journey demonstrates strength, resilience and determination - hear her story!

03/08/2023

Late Post: March is Endometriosis Awareness Month

02/24/2023

So, I've been featured in Healthline Media about mental health in the Black community. Check it out!

For decades, those in the Black community have experienced discrimination and barriers when accessing mental health care. But why?

01/21/2023

Self-Care: In my previous post, I talked about self-acceptance and self-love.

Practicing self-love and self-acceptance can go a long way towards helping you cope with chronic illness. Using words of affirmation is a good way to build up your self esteem. Writing down mantras and repeating them each day can help to remind you of your strengths and give a boost of confidence no matter what you might be facing.

P.S. - What do you do for self-care?

01/18/2023

01/11/2023

Late Night Thoughts: Being a caregiver for someone with a chronic illness can be daunting. Not only are physical demands high, but the emotional toll can be extremely taxing as well. Being expected to take care of everything with little to no appreciation or respite can leave caregivers struggling with anxiety and depression.

Self-care is key for caregivers, so it's important to set aside time for rest…and MOST IMPORTANTLY remember that you're doing the best that you can.

Having a strong support system with other people in similar situations can also be incredibly beneficial in managing emotional strain and providing positivity during difficult times.

01/09/2023

Tune in to the live panel tomorrow night at 6pm to hear us talk about the family history of lupus and heredity. I am so excited to join this conversation and give insight into the mental health aspects of having a chronic illness. BlackDoctor.org

01/06/2023

Hey Everyone! Finally done w/ revamping my website 🙌🏿. Consultations can now be booked directly on the site which means no more back and forth via emails.

Seeking therapy in New York City or Maryland for chronic illness and caregiver support? Mental health services are available to enrich your mental and emotional wellbeing during the journey.

01/06/2023

Living with a chronic illness can be a difficult journey. It's important to remember that despite the hurdles and setbacks that you may face, you’re strong enough to get through it. Remind yourself on a daily basis of your strength, resilience, and courage; it’ll help empower you as you push through any challenges.

And on the days you feel you can’t go on, give yourself grace and lean on your support system.

What do you do for self-care on your toughest days?

12/14/2022

When this story first broke, I thought it must’ve been a stroke, heart attack, brain aneurysm, or anything BUT su***de. Su***de was the farthest thing on my mind. From his life posted on social media, you would’ve never known how much emotional pain he was in. Social media can truly be smoke and mirrors. You never truly know what someone is going through especially if we are only seeing the highlight reel. To leave behind a wife and children lets you know he was suffering.

If you or someone you know is or has experienced suicidal ideation, there are several platforms you can search in order to find the right therapist. If you are struggling this time of the year, please contact the Su***de & Crisis Lifeline at 988. It is available 24/7.

Also check out:
www.therapyforblackgirls.com
www.therapyforblackmen.org
www.melaninandmentalhealth.com
www.inclusivetherapists.com
www.therapyden.com
www.psychologytoday.com

11/23/2022

One of my passions is understanding family history. I have documented my family from Ghana to America for at least 4 generations.

Naturally inquisitive, I asked pretty heavy questions and found my elders reluctant to share many experiences due to trauma. Unfortunately, trauma is common in our culture but unspoken. When my elders felt comfortable sharing past experiences I would take my journal out and take notes.

Oftentimes, we don’t know what questions to ask when learning about our history. In working with caregivers of elderly parents, I put together a list of questions to ask their loved ones.

Make sure to record it so that you have the memory, from the interaction to the sound of their voice.

11/22/2022

Caregiving is often a thankless job, especially when you are not getting paid. It requires patience, understanding, and compassion. You may find yourself feeling alone, isolated, and frustrated. You may even feel guilty about taking time away from your family.

But remember, you are not alone. There are many others who understand what you are going through.

11/21/2022

So here I am for Part 2 as a guest on the Live Your Life, Not Your Diagnosis Podcast with Andrea Wildenthal Hanson. Balancing a chronic illness, being a caregiver to an elderly parent, starting a business, and creating the life I deserve has been difficult and frustrating at times. It has tested me in ways I never imagined. On the episode, I offered some tips on self-care, communicating with your loved one, and dating so that you can maintain your mental health.

Thank you Andrea Wildenthal Hanson for having me on your dope podcast. I hope I can encourage and inspire more WOC to share their stories and lean on their community for support.

Caregiving for family members, self-love, and boundaries when you have a chronic illness, with therapist Dr. Francesca Owoo.