I'm a clinical psychologist, with a focus on integrative behavioral medicine, guiding your discovery of optimal psychological, physical and spiritual well-being through powerful mind-body treatments, because after all, mental health is medical health. I'm also an author who focuses on topics related to race and womanhood.
Comfort foods. The best and worst of things. Who doesn’t have one, or two, or five soothing foods that they run to during desperate times? In fact, they’re almost a requirement in maintaining sanity. And they make us feel so much better, at least for a few glorious moments. Unfortunately, that tummy ache can have us feeling absolutely … More The Uncomfortable Comfort Food
I was driving home from work. The digital car thermometer seemed to be laughing at me as it read 101 degrees. My mouth was dry and I really needed some water. I was stuck in Chicago traffic so I knew it would be at least 45 minutes before I got home. I rolled up the windows. Maybe AC … More Ahhh, Liquid Toxins
Can bread be the reason you’re feeling anxious and depressed? Do you know someone who has seizures but doesn’t know the underlying cause? Based on recent research, it’s quite possible that gluten is the problem. Gluten is often linked to digestive symptoms, however, there is also research that suggests gluten is related to brain functioning and mental health. … More Myth or Fact: Bread May Cause Seizures
I sat reluctantly on our living room floor as my mother roughly applied coconut oil to my hair. She ignored my bratty, ten-year-old complaints as streams of oil made their way down my face. I protested, fidgeted, and tried to escape her grip, only to be drawn back to my seat and jostled around into a near concussion … More Really Mom, Coconut Oil? Moms and Their Myths.
Even in times of illness, there may be small, momentary sparks of hope. I recently wrote a fiction piece inspired by my work with those who suffer from brain disorders. You can find it featured on Women.Who.Write: The Lyrics Said, “Forevermore” I’d love to hear about your perceptions and stories of strength, even despite health obstacles. Patty
I was ballooning into the marshmallow man. I thought I might just up and fly away at any moment. The doctor completed several tests as part of the joy of pregnancy. “Spit into that, drink this, let’s draw your blood twelve more times.” I was an ever-growing guinea pig. Ultimately, the doctor came back with the dreadful … More Hey Baby, Can I Get Some Sugar?
Sadly, I recently found out that my beloved – coffee – has been doing me wrong. Heartbreaking. I didn’t even see it coming. Everything was fine for several years, so I thought, No! It can’t be. Coffee was my best friend and trusted companion. Coffee came to work with me, walked to school with me through … More Breaking Up is Hard to Do: Ode to Coffee
Did you get that gym membership yet? Swear off sugar, wine or cigarettes? Feeling a bit overwhelmed? A little jittery from chocolate withdrawal, maybe? Yes, yes, I know it’s only January 3rd, but a sense of discouragement can set in surprisingly quickly sometimes. Why? Unattainable goals are not real goals. They’ll only lead to quick burnout and bad feelings. Resolutions … More The Freedom to Make Resolutions Any Ole’ Time You Please
Oh, the sparkly decorations, holiday parties and all that alluring food that gives you the come hither look that no one else can see. During the holidays, it is sometimes difficult to say no to all of the variety available at the table. You’re laughing and talking and maybe drinking a few sips of alcohol throughout … More Just Say “No” and Other Ways to Turn Down Amazing Holiday Foods because it Just Wouldn’t End Well
Leaky Gut Syndrome. It sounds nasty, not very medical, and not even a little official. It reminds me of a lame insult you’d throw at your Kindergarten nemesis. “Ick, you look like a leaky gut.” So why do researchers, clinicians, doctors, and all those guys continue to use that term? Well, despite its disagreeable name, the description very precisely depicts … More Why Does Leaky Gut Have to Be so Cruel?
Who Needs Preservatives 