Heal the Trauma You Learned to Hide | Dr. Thema Bryant

What this episode covers

As the daughter of a pastor in Baltimore, Dr. Thema Bryant witnessed firsthand how people carried pain, grief, trauma, and unanswered questions before they ever sought professional help. Prior to becoming a psychologist, she was answering crisis calls and listening to people navigate some of life's hardest moments. Those early experiences sparked a lifelong mission to help people heal. Today, as a psychologist, ordained minister, author, and former president of the American Psychological Association, Dr. Thema helps individuals move beyond survival and into wholeness. In this episode, she joins JoJo and Vanessa to explore trauma, mental health, cultural identity, spirituality, and the courage it takes to tell yourself the truth about how you're really doing. In This Episode, JoJo, Vanessa, and Dr. Thema Discuss: (00:00) Introduction (04:05) The Power of Acknowledging Your Pain (06:14) Cultural Misunderstandings and Misconceptions (09:12) Why We Hide Our True Selves (11:14) Why Authenticity Beats People-Pleasing (16:04) Building Small Wins Into Your Routine (20:31) From Surviving to Thriving Dr. Thema Bryant is a psychologist, ordained minister, author, professor, and former president of the American Psychological Association. Known for her work at the intersection of mental health, spirituality, and trauma recovery, she has dedicated her career to helping people heal, grow, and reconnect with their authentic selves. Through her therapy practice, books, speaking, and The Homecoming Podcast, Dr. Thema empowers individuals to move beyond survival mode and create lives grounded in wholeness, resilience, and purpose. Resources Mentioned: Dr. Thema's Book, Matters of the Heart: Healing Your Relationship with Yourself and Those You Love: https://www.amazon.com/dp/059371914X Dr. Thema's Book, Homecoming: Healing Trauma to Reclaim Your Authentic Self: https://www.amazon.in/dp/0593418328 Dr. Thema's Book, Reclaim Yourself: The Homecoming Workbook: https://www.amazon.com/Reclaim-Yourself-Thema-Bryant-Ph-D/dp/0593715292 Connect with Dr. Thema: Dr. Thema's Website: https://drthema.com/ Dr. Thema's X: https://x.com/drthema Dr. Thema's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/thema-bryant-8105ba89/ Dr. Thema's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dr.thema/ Dr. Thema's YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheHomecomingPodcastwithDrThem Connect with Vanessa: Vanessa’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/vanessajsimmons/ Vanessa’s Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/vanessajsimmonsxo/ U4IA Now: https://www.instagram.com/u4ianow/ Connect with JoJo: JoJo’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joseph-jojo-simmons/ JoJo’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jojo_simmons/ For Good Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/forgoodpodcast/ 3isfor Website: https://3isfor.com/ If this episode inspired you, leave a review and share it with someone who could use the message. The best conversations don't end here — they continue through the lives we impact. Personal Growth, Entrepreneurship, Mental Health, Leadership, Purpose, Community, Culture, Faith, Mindset, Self-Improvement, Relationships, Legacy, Inspiration, Growth, Impact, Conversation, Storytelling, Wellness, Motivation, Personal Development

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How long is this episode of For Good?

This episode is 27 minutes long.

When was this For Good episode published?

This episode was published on June 30, 2026.

What is this episode about?

As the daughter of a pastor in Baltimore, Dr. Thema Bryant witnessed firsthand how people carried pain, grief, trauma, and unanswered questions before they ever sought professional help. Prior to becoming a psychologist, she was answering crisis...

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