The Part You Skip

Amber Dee, LPC — therapist, founder of the BFT ecosystem, and the voice behind programs, events, and conversations designed to make mental health accessible, culturally relevant, and real. Known for her direct insight, relatable storytelling, and ability to blend clinical wisdom with everyday life, Amber shows up for a raw, honest session of answering questions straight from the audience. How to get over past trauma In this episode, Amber dives into the topics you said you needed the most, the messy, confusing, and very human experiences that don't always make it into the group chat. From friendship burnout to emotional exhaustion to navigating relationships in a world that's doing the most, Amber brings clarity, humor, and that signature "tell you the truth with love" style.

Today in the guest chair, we have Dr. Donna Oriowo, LICSW, M.Ed, CST — award-winning DEI advocate, international speaker, certified sex & relationship therapist, author, and the unapologetically brilliant mind behind AnnodRight, where she helps Black women feel "Free, Fabulous, and F*cked!" In this episode, Dr. Donna dives into one of the most debated questions in modern relationships: Should you schedule sex with your partner… or does that ruin the magic? With her trademark blend of humor, realness, and deep clinical expertise, Dr. Donna explores why so many couples struggle with intimacy, what gets in the way of spontaneous sex, and how planning can be a tool for connection, if you use it intentionally. She breaks down the psychology behind desire, the realities of busy lives, and the cultural messages that make people feel guilty for needing structure in their sex life. Dr. Donna keeps you entertained and informed as she shares multiple perspectives around: Whether scheduling sex is healthy or harmful What planning intimacy actually looks like (and what it isn't) The myths about spontaneity that sabotage real connection How stress, identity, and life responsibilities shift desire Why Black women, in particular, need more spaciousness and permission around pleasure How to talk to your partner about your needs without shame Ways to build a sex life that fits your real life, not the version Instagram told you to want Dr. Donna brings the energy, the education, and the truth-telling, helping you rethink intimacy through the lens of self-compassion, communication, and cultural context. Whether you're partnered, dating, or simply curious, this episode will leave you laughing, learning, and feeling a whole lot less alone.

Today in the guest chair, we have Esther Boykin, LMFT, therapist, author, retreat host, and a leader committed to helping people build lives that feel as good on the inside as they look on the outside. Esther specializes in bridging clinical insight with real-world leadership and soulful self-compassion, helping people navigate growth, burnout, and the evolving nature of relationships with more clarity and grace. In this episode, Esther guides us through a deeply honest and necessary conversation: how to create boundaries with friends you've outgrown. Esther breaks down: Whether it's typical or "normal" to outgrow friends The life stages where most people begin reassessing their friendships What internally shifts when friendships start to feel misaligned Clear signs you may have outgrown a friendship How to set healthy, respectful boundaries with friends you still care about What to do when the friend doesn't realize things have changed How to communicate honestly without causing unnecessary harm How to handle the emotional fallout when the other person doesn't take it well If you're entering a new chapter, navigating shifting relationships, or simply wanting healthier connections that reflect who you're becoming, this episode is your guide to moving forward with intention and grace.  

Today in the guest chair, we have Quinn Gee-Edwards, LPC. Quinn Gee-Edwards is from Clarksdale, MS, a current resident of Washington D.C, and began practicing psychotherapy in 2014. Quinn is an alumna of the University of Mississippi, holds a BA in Psychology, an MS in Professional Counseling, and is currently a PhD candidate with a focus on advanced human behavior. Quinn identifies as cisgender, queer, and uses the pronouns she/her. Quinn is also the founder of Hey! Black Girl, a division of MMH that focuses on the emotional, physical, and spiritual health of Black women. Her areas of professional focus include women's issues (such as relationships and codependency), intersectionality, healthy sexuality, gender identity, sexual orientation and race based trauma. Quinn has devoted thousands of hours to working with marginalized persons, including private practice, mental health hospitals, and outpatient therapy services, since beginning her professional career in 2014.

Today in the guest chair, we have Lauren Williams. Lauren Williams was born in the heart of the city Atlanta, into the renowned Williams family, highly regarded for their work in community service, civil rights and philanthropy. As part of Bravo's The Real Housewives of Atlanta. Lauren has used her platform to share her health and wellness journey through her social media following while advocating for the elimination hunger and homelessness, assistance for single mothers, mental health, activism for civil justice and speaking at the March of Dimes. As co-owner of Go Naked Hair, a beauty & lifestyle company and Real Life Snacks, Lauren's aim is to provide everyone with ways to make their life a little bit better.

Today in the guest chair, we have Dr. Kelli Rugless, Psy.D. Dr. Kelli Rugless is a Licensed Psychologist and the owner of Flourish Psychology, a private psychological practice dedicated to meeting the unique needs of women. She received her Bachelor's degree in Biopsychology from University of California, Santa Barbara, and her Master's degree and Doctorate of Psychology (Psy.D.) in Health Psychology, from Loma Linda University. Dr. Kelli is a Board Member at Breaking the Chains Foundation, a nonprofit organization focused on using creative arts as tools for healing eating disorders, disordered eating and negative body image. Her work focuses on delivering evidenced-based services in a culturally-sensitive manner to the women in her practice as well as making psychological concepts more relevant and accessible to the general population. She has participated in a number of panels, podcasts, magazine articles, and speaking engagements and is in production of her own podcast "The Hangup" which focuses specifically on uplifting women by discussing our unique strengths and how to capitalize on them in our everyday lives. Dr. Kelli is a member of several professional associations including the American Psychological Association, The Academy for Eating Disorders, and the International Association for Eating Disorder Professionals. Dr. Kelli lives in Los Angeles, CA with her husband and two sons.

In this episode of The Part You Skip, Amber Dee sits down with Kee Rose to unpack the thing so many of us avoid: giving ourselves permission to rest. We get into why mental health breaks matter, what happens when you try to "push it to the weekend," and why guilt shows up the moment you even think about taking a day off. We also tackle the deeper stuff, feeling unworthy of rest, the belief that doing nothing is "wasting time," and the pressure to always go above and beyond at work (even when you're running on fumes). They breaks down how to talk to your employer about needing a mental health day, what to actually do on your day off to support your mind, and when it might be time to bring in a therapist for extra support. If you've ever felt guilty for resting, overwhelmed by your to-do list, or scared to slow down… this conversation is for you.

Today in the guest chair, we have Dr. Loree Johnson, Psychotherapist and Coach. Dr. Loree Johnson has combined 20 years of clinical work to help women navigate their mental health and reproductive health and heal from the trauma of infertility. She also help couples navigate uncertainty in their relationships so they can overcome their fertility challenges with their relationship still intact. Dr. Johnson live in Hermosa Beach, CA with her husband, and in my spare time, she enjoy salsa dancing, traveling, reading, and riding her motorcycle.

Today in the guest chair, we have Dr. Ayanna Abrams, Psy.D. Dr. Ayanna Abrams is a licensed clinical psychologist in Atlanta and Founder of Ascension Behavioral Health, LLC. Her specialties include working with black women with symptoms of anxiety, depression, and other mood disorders that affect functioning, and clients who struggle to get their needs met in personal and professional relationships. She has extensive experience with black couples addressing emotional disconnection and dissatisfaction. Dr. Abrams has been featured on several global platforms including Essence, AfroPunk, Therapy for Black Girls, Silence the Shame and WeWork as a podcast guest, article contributor or mental health speaker. She is the co-founder of Not So Strong, an initiative to improve the mental health and relationship functioning of black women through vulnerable storytelling.

Today in the guest chair, we have Myra Muckle, LPC, CCTP. Myra Terry Muckle is a Licensed Professional Counselor in the State of Georgia. She is the owner of Charlie's Second Chance Counseling, LLC. In Gainesville, GA. She has over 11 years of experience in the field across various counseling settings and populations. Myra is a Certified Clinical Trauma Professional with a focus on women's issues such as low self-esteem, trauma, depression and anxiety and healing from childhood sexual trauma or molestation. She also has over 9 years experience working with clients with Co-occurring disorders like addiction and eating disorders. Myra has a desire to work with clients who grew up like she did, in addiction, abuse, and with low self-esteem. She believe that "it's our secrets that keeps us sick" and says that she is simply here to help clients heal and to love and accept themselves JUST AS THEY ARE! Her philosophy is "You are enough so embrace who you are scares and all." Myra received her Bachelor's degree in Business Management for Brenau University in 2002 and her Master's degree in Community Counseling from Argosy University in 2009.

Today in the guest chair, we have Cynthia Branch, LCSW. Cynthia Branch is a psychotherapist and transitional life coach that is enthusiastic about helping people find, reveal, and honor the best of themselves. She has her Bachelor of Arts in Social Work, Masters in Social Work, and is licensed to practice by the state of NY. She has honed her skills working with various populations in therapeutic settings in the boroughs of New York. She specializes in working with women and men, using a cognitive behavioral approach which focuses on changing thought patterns which ultimately influence feelings and behavior. Cynthia believes that if you change the way you think, you can change your entire life!

Today in the guest chair, we have Dr. Anisa Shomo. Dr. Anisa Shomo, MD is a board-certified Family Medicine Physician. Through her business, DR SHOMO KNOWS, LLC, she aims to make health information relatable and fun. She is a force love, light, and knowledge in medicine and her interests include healthy lifestyles, sexuality, and aging gracefully. She is also a Cervical Cancer Survivor and an advocate for routine health check-ups. She is a graduate of the Ohio State University for both her Bachelor of Arts in Spanish and Doctor of Medicine degrees. She completed Family Medicine residency at the University of Cincinnati/The Christ Hospital. She also completed a fellowship in Geriatrics at the University of Cincinnati/The Christ Hospital. She is a member of Alpha Psi Lambda, Inc the nation's first co-ed Latinx fraternity. She is also a member of Black Girls Run! a national running group for all women.

This week on The Part You Skip, we're sitting down with Dr. Mariel Buquè - an AfroLatina psychologist who's changing the conversation around intergenerational trauma and what it really means to heal. Dr. Buquè holds a Ph.D. in Counseling Psychology from Columbia University and has built her career on helping people break cycles, not just cope with them. She leads racial healing workshops through her Patreon community and delivers mental health and anti-racism training nationwide. Her work is rooted in one belief: true liberation starts with healing our minds first. Get ready for a conversation about trauma, culture, and the work we don't talk about enough.