We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Edmonia Doe a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Alright, Edmonia thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. If you had a defining moment that you feel really changed the trajectory of your career, we’d love to hear the story and details.
I was born and raised in Monrovia, Liberia. I spent my teenage years in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, experiencing a blend of Liberian heritage and American culture. At 17, I relocated to Atlanta, Georgia, for college, marking my first significant time away from my home and community. Attending Clark Atlanta University (CAU) was a magical experience, providing a comforting environment surrounded by people who looked like me. It was the most amazing experience.
Following my time at CAU, I attended the University of Georgia (UGA), which was a very different experience. Unlike CAU, UGA had a predominantly white population, and for the first time in my life, I felt out of place and faced the harsh realities of racism. Although there were other identified Black women in my program, we each had unique identities shaped by our distinct experiences. It was during this period that I realized I did not fully understand the Black American experience as an African-born woman. This was the first time I truly struggled to balance the values and morals I held as an African-born woman raised in America.
My experiences at UGA challenged everything I had learned, not in a negative way, but in a way that made me question who I was and whether I was experiencing assimilation. This period of my life prompted deep self-reflection on my identity, purpose, and the direction I was heading. It was a pivotal moment for me personally and professionally. I came to understand that our identities are constantly evolving. Every stage of life, from transitioning from high school to college, from college to grad school or work life, to experiencing breakups, marriage, or parenthood, brings about changes in our identity.
Our identities are not static; they change with our experiences. It is crucial to sit with these changes and reflect on them because they transform who we are. We cannot go back to being the same person after such transformative experiences. This realization led me to dub myself the “Identity Therapist,” as I recognize the importance of supporting people through these eras of change. Our identities fluctuate and shift, and I am passionate about helping others navigate these transitions.
Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.
My name is Edmonia Doe, and I am a licensed Professional Counselor in the state of Georgia. I am the Owner and Clinical Director of The Bloom Wellness and Therapy Center. With almost 10 years in the field, my passion for supporting others is deeply embedded in who I am. Born in Monrovia, Liberia, during one of the worst civil wars in Africa, I witnessed firsthand the importance of service and support through difficult times. My grandmother took in many children during the war, protecting them from becoming innocent casualties or child soldiers. This spirit of service has greatly influenced my career.
At The Bloom Wellness & Therapy Center, located in Atlanta, we prioritize your holistic well-being. Our team of compassionate therapists is dedicated to supporting your personal growth and success through a variety of therapeutic interventions and community engagement events. Our main goal is to connect you with a therapist who suits your needs, providing expert assistance through virtual sessions. We believe that the results of therapy extend beyond the therapy room. That’s why we dedicate time to community events and conversations focused on creating spaces for individuals to connect through shared experiences, receive group support, and find normalization. This community-centered approach is what sets us apart.
We accept a variety of insurances and offer sessions at a sliding scale rate to ensure accessibility for all. My specialty as a psychotherapist includes identity development, transitions, depression, trauma, anxiety, and relationship challenges. I am certified in trauma-focused cognitive behavioral therapy and bring a diverse approach to therapy. I meet clients where they are in a non-judgmental way, recognizing their unique experiences and challenges.
I use a developmental approach, working with my clients to explore their experiences, identify where their challenges began, and develop coping skills and healing strategies. Whether you are transitioning through different life stages, grappling with identity issues, or dealing with mental health challenges, I am here to support you every step of the way.
Learning and unlearning are both critical parts of growth – can you share a story of a time when you had to unlearn a lesson?
The most important lesson I’ve had to unlearn is the notion that we shouldn’t care about what people think of us. While growing up, we are often told not to care, but I see both sides of this advice. Caring about others’ opinions can be beneficial as it shows a desire to connect and nurture relationships. However, when this sensitivity is driven by a fear of rejection, it can lead to hiding one’s true self and focusing too much on pleasing others, which is detrimental.
Science backs up this idea. Our brains are primally programmed to be part of a tribe for safety, belonging, and acceptance. Our “brain” still seeks tribal acceptance, making life more complicated when we fight these natural tendencies.
This doesn’t mean we should care about everyone’s opinions, but it does highlight the importance of caring about what others think to some extent for our mental and physical health. Because I have cared about feedback from mentors, friends, and people who I knew had my best interest at heart, I have developed into who I am today. Seeking approval isn’t inherently bad, but problems arise when it interferes with our intuition and personal goals. If fear of judgment stops you from expressing yourself or pursuing your dreams, it’s time to prioritize your own voice. Conversely, caring about others’ perceptions can help maintain social harmony, such as censoring hurtful comments or dressing appropriately for occasions.
It’s crucial to find a balance. Care about others’ opinions when it helps you grow and maintain relationships, but not when it paralyzes you, compromises your identity, or negatively affects your emotions. Listen to feedback from those who respect and value you, but never change the essence of who you are to please others. Keep what feels right and discard the rest.
Do you think you’d choose a different profession or specialty if you were starting now?
If given the chance, I would choose to be a mental health clinician again without hesitation, ten times over. This field is incredibly versatile and offers myriad opportunities to make a difference. It has allowed me to support others in various capacities and locations, each path ultimately contributing to meaningful change.
In today’s landscape, amid an Anti-DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion) epidemic, mental health professionals occupy a vital neutral ground. We advocate for those affected by such legislation, standing up for equity and fairness. Additionally, major corporations like YouTube, Google, and Delta Airlines have recognized the pivotal role of mental health, establishing dedicated departments to address diverse needs within their organizations.
I value the diversity within this field, which allows me to pivot between roles in training, teaching, corporate settings, academia, and beyond—all focused on the common goal of supporting others.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.thebloomwellness.org
- Instagram: @thebloomwellness
