Akoma Counseling Concepts, LLC

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Akoma Counseling Concepts, LLC

Mental health counseling practice in Washington, DC that promotes mental health awareness and resour

09/19/2025

See you tomorrow morning!

Posted • “The Maryland Race for the Family, hosted by , is the fun run/walk that celebrates the strength and courage it takes to OVERCOME infertility. All proceeds from the event fund Family Building Grants that help others afford the costs associated with fertility treatment or adoption. They offer grants twice a year.

What is it? The Race for the Family is a few things: an amazing community gathering celebrating all things connected to family building and more! This event will be returning to the Baltimore Washington International Airport Hiker Biker trail.

When is it? Saturday, 9/20/25 from 7am-11am (in person) Or... Any time/ Any place (virtually), any place you choose between 9/1 and 9/20.

Also:

- A 1 mile fun walk/run along the paved route
- A 5k fun walk/run along the paved route
-A 12 mile bike along the paved route
- A children’s learning and play area (Savannah’s Playground) and a “toddler trot” where kiddos 2-6 years old can race.

Finish Line: The finish line, FertiliFest, is a finish line party for all event registrants including a DJ and dance party, games, snacks and SUPPORT from groups and organizations that support families overcoming infertility. From fertility care (fertility treatment, legal, donor eggs and surrogacy and more!) to adoption to pop up resources for thriving (mental health, coaching, massage and so much more), this is a great space for families to learn and grow.

I will have a table there for and the Pineapples will be attending the event, as well.

People often say the path of infertility is lonely, this is one way to see you’re in good company and have a community of support around you. Check out Cade’s profile for more info.”

09/02/2025

Posted • “Fertility treatment is rarely a straight path. Medical decisions, emotional highs and lows, and deeply personal choices often converge, yet many patients face this without the mental health support they need. 🧠💔

That’s where reproductive mental health professionals make a difference.

In our latest blog, we share why emotional support must be part of every fertility journey and how clinicians can integrate it into care. Read the full blog → link in bio”

08/22/2025

I’m happy to share that I start my first week of classes as a Ph.D student in the Counselor Education and Supervision AND Adjunct Faculty at Marymount University ! ☺️☺️
I’ll be teaching Forensic Psychology. During this time I’ll be scaling down my private practice as I prepare to transition to academia. I have paused seeing clients on my caseload (until the distant future). I’m currently supervising my final cohort of Graduate Student Interns who will be supporting our Akoma Counseling perinatal mental health clients. 💚

My infertility experience to become a mom has been so challenging that it inspired me to go back to school to better help women over 40 pursue motherhood. 👩🏾‍🍼👶🏾

Reading research studies on infertility and mental health are what have helped me cope. Quite frankly there’s not much research on Black infertility and mental health.

I plan to change that soon. 🙏🏾
Research matters and can inform provider’s counseling practices when supporting
Black women who are trying to become mothers. I feel like I can create more positive change in academia and research. 🧐 📚 I know this doctoral program will also strengthen both my clinical counseling skills and supervision skills/ knowledge.

I remember watching my late mother attend graduate school while navigating motherhood, wife-hood, work, etc. Her perseverance that led to her graduation still inspires me today. I know my future child will choose the life path that works for them. I hope I am helping to create a life that will open doors without limits to those who desire to become a parent over 40 (IF that’s what they desire). 💚

I can do all things through God who strengthens me. I’m thankful to God for blessing me with this opportunity.

- Shivonne

07/15/2025

Miscarriage and grief

07/02/2025

RP • “Did you know that by menopause, about half of women worldwide will have at least one uterine fibroid? July is , and we wanted to take this opportunity to share this educational resource to help patients on their fertility journey. Check out this awesome infographic, developed by the ASRM Education team, on fibroids, their symptoms, and how they can impact fertility.

To read more and find other resources like this, visit reproductivefacts.org!”

07/01/2025

Ghonva Ghauri, PhD student at and Graduate Student Counseling Intern took the time to create these informative slides for you 💚. In addition to providing perinatal mental health counseling at Akoma Counseling Concepts she’s also simultaneously volunteered with supporting moms across the country by leading support groups.

We understand that mental health is not solely expressed in feelings but sometimes symptoms can be psychosomatic. Somatic symptoms during infertility and the perinatal period can be uncomfortable but know that you’re not alone.
We hope you find these slides helpful.

06/30/2025

I have known about my fibroid since my late 30s. I’ve used different holistic methods to help with my fibroid. None of my doctors 🥼 encouraged me to get my fibroid removed 🤷🏾‍♀️.

After my 2nd failed IVF cycle and 1st pregnancy loss I thought to myself “Could the unsuccessful outcomes be related to my fibroid?” I began to start asking questions.

I wish I had gotten this surgery sooner. I wish I had practitioners that respected my bank 🏦 account, my decreasing fertility window (as we get older over 40 fertility rapidly declines year by year) and told me to get this surgery BEFORE I started my IVF cycles. My ObGyn saw my pelvic MRI and approved me to go undergo a 3rd IVF cycle 👎🏾 .

My gut told me to proceed with a second medical opinion from another doctor …what do you know? I was right all along. I’ve got to get my fibroid removed. I’m thankful to my doctor🥼 that did listen to me and submitted my request for a pelvic ultrasound.

My family building process may have had better outcomes sooner- a viable pregnancy.

Uterine fibroids are more prevalent in Black women, with up to 90% developing them by their late forties, compared to 70% of white women. Black women are also more likely to experience more severe symptoms”.

Symptoms include (but aren’t limited to)
Longer more frequent periods
Painful menstrual cramps
Heavy menstrual bleeding
Pelvic pain

Fibroid, fibroids, IVF, fertility, infertility, fertility over 40, pregnancy.

Any fibroid surgery recovery recommendations? Please share below 👇🏾👇🏾👇🏾👇🏾

06/25/2025

Posted • “National Black (In)Fertility and Reproductive Health Week – Day 2: Break the Silence

Today, we break the silence.
Far too often, Black voices and experiences in infertility and reproductive health are overlooked or silenced. On Day 2 of , we stand together to speak truth, share stories, and amplify the lived realities of our community.

Whether it’s infertility, loss, or challenges navigating healthcare systems, your voice matters.
Let’s break the stigma, start the conversation, and make space for healing.

“

06/21/2025

Today Lauren Jackson, Graduate Student Intern and I braved the sweltering heat☀️ to participate in the city of Laurel’s Juneteenth celebration . It was great to meet and chat with local residents and vendors 💚. Thanks to all that stopped by our table today.

06/04/2025

Registration coming soon…

For those that have been following me and supporting my work for years you know that I sometimes like to apply for CE accreditation to share my resources, research, 🧐 and experiences.

I’d often cope with my anxiety in between IVF cycles by doing research…and applying to educational programs…stay tuned for updates and registration info 😉

05/30/2025

“Hello,
My name is Lauren Jackson. I am a third-year Clinical Mental Health Counseling student at Trinity Washington University. My education and training at Trinity provide supervision and hands-on experience in administering assessments, selecting a clinical diagnosis, engaging clients in treatment planning, and collaborating with clients to explore, understand, and implement coping strategies to help manage or eliminate mental health disorders and psychological stress. My areas of clinical interest include mental health during young adulthood, minority mental health, LGBTQIA+ mental health, multicultural identity and relationships, the complexities of career, family-of-origin relationships, relationship transitions, divorce and its psychological impact on individuals, mental health during and after pregnancy, and adverse childhood experiences. I focus clinically on conversations aimed at guiding clients toward awareness of their strengths and challenges, gaining insight into impactful relationships and experiences, and recognizing patterns of both conscious and unconscious emotions and uncomfortable sensations. This process encourages understanding and acceptance of the self. In addressing day-to-day life difficulties, I assist clients in navigating career or educational challenges, identity issues, minority experiences, uncertainties about the present and future, family problems, romantic relationship challenges, self-worth, self-esteem, trauma, concentration, structure, and organization.”

05/21/2025

We’re now welcoming new therapy clients and would be honored to support you on your journey. We’re in-network with several insurance providers and offer flexible scheduling to meet your needs. Let’s take the next step—together.

📧 info@akcctherapy.com

Address

Washington D.C., DC

Website

http://www.akomacounselingconcepts.com/

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