Dr. Precious Sedumedi – Clinical Psychologist – Believe in Yourself

This week on Womanity, Dr. Amaleya Goneos-Malka speaks with Dr Precious Sedumedi, a clinical psychologist whose work has traversed public health, the correctional services, the police services and now private practice. Dr Sedumedi shares her journey from aspiring psychiatrist to psychologist, a path shaped not just by academic shifts, but by a spiritual awakening and personal healing. One of the most rewarding aspects of Dr. Sedumedi’s work is seeing clients discover and understand themselves, particularly those who lacked self-esteem. She likens a lack of self-confidence to being "a living dead person". Dr. Sedumedi discussed her personal journey of building self-esteem. She highlighted the impact of issues around race, racism, and upbringing on self-perception. Embracing her own skin and observing other Black women embracing theirs, along with a form of role therapy by emulating strong Black women like Basetsana Kumalo and Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, helped her find comfort in her own identity. She also spoke about internalizing a stereotypical view of blackness as "impure" and whiteness as "pure," and how challenging this construct led to her accepting her own beauty. Her key ingredients for success include allowing oneself to dream (realistically), taking risks, and associating with people who are deep thinkers and offer meaningful conversations, stimulation, and motivation. Dr. Sedumedi’s advice to aspiring psychologists is not to put too much pressure on themselves to know their career path early on, but to allow themselves to explore and research. For young women facing external expectations about career choices, Dr. Sedumedi strongly advocates for living for oneself rather than trying to please others, as this can lead to resentment. She encourages finding one's voice and exercising it respectfully. Dr. Sedumedi's final message to women and girls is to believe in themselves and see themselves as good enough and adequate, as this self-belief is crucial for achieving anything within their capabilities. Tune in for more...