This past week felt like a gut punch.
Vice President Kamala Harris’ presidential campaign ended. For many of us—especially Black women—it was more than just politics. It was personal. It was possibility. It was hope.
And when that hope was dashed, I didn’t know if I had the energy to record. But then I remembered the incredible interviews I’ve been holding onto—conversations that remind me what this show is really about: centering Black women, telling the truth, reclaiming our stories, and healing out loud.
So instead of recording a new episode reacting to the election, I reached into the archives and pulled out one of the most soul-filling conversations I’ve had—with none other than my cousin, Dr. Jasmine Ross. A licensed psychologist, scholar, entrepreneur, and a Bronx-born Black woman who understands the weight we carry and the brilliance we possess.
This episode is for every Black woman asking: Where do I go from here?
Growing Up Black in the Bronx
Dr. Ross grew up in the South Bronx—surrounded by fast-paced energy, cultural richness, and an unspoken resilience that shaped how she saw herself and the world.
“To grow up in New York is to believe it’s the center of the universe. And until something or someone shows you otherwise, it’s all you know.”
That “someone” was me and my sister. Every summer, we packed up in my dad’s car and drove 26 straight hours from Iowa to New York. And what started as a summer tradition became a cross-cultural exchange. We brought small-town curiosity; Jasmine showed us a big-city fire.
Those summers shaped both of us. For Jasmine, we were her reminder that the world was bigger than NYC. For me, New York taught me how to dream bigger than cornfields and comfort zones.
Why Mental Health Work Matters—Especially for Us
Jasmine didn’t find psychology. It found her.
As a child, she witnessed mental health crises in her community—people navigating trauma, substance abuse, and invisible wounds. And she asked the question that would shape her life’s work:
“Why do people do what they do? What causes this pain? And what helps them heal?”
That curiosity, paired with her mother’s insight as a social worker, planted the seed. Years later, after earning her doctorate in Counseling Psychology, Jasmine would answer those questions for hundreds of women—many of whom saw themselves for the first time in her.
“I knew I needed to do the work in a way that centered women like me—our pain, our joy, our stories.”
When Life Happens While You’re Healing
There’s no “perfect” time to do healing work—especially when life doesn’t wait for you to be ready. After completing her doctoral program, Jasmine endured 12 of the most challenging years of her life: a marriage, two stillbirths, a traumatic delivery, and a divorce.
And yet, she continued to show up for her clients.
“I would be sitting across from a woman sharing her story, and I’d realize—I just lived that chapter. And now, I get to help someone else turn the page.”
That level of honesty shook me. Too often we assume that therapists or healers have it all figured out. But Jasmine’s transparency reminds us that healing is a journey—and sometimes, you’re doing the work while you’re doing the work.
Building a Practice That Honors Black Women
Eventually, Jasmine made the decision that many of us dream of: she bet on herself.
She launched Essence Psychological Health Services in Houston, a private practice built intentionally for women of color. Her office, her branding, and her mission unapologetically center Black and Latinx women—and it’s no accident.
“I wanted women to visit my website and see themselves—only themselves. I wanted them to feel safe, welcomed, and prioritized.”
In a world where we’re constantly asked to make space for others, Jasmine created a space just for us.
She’s also a fierce advocate for reproductive mental health, offering specialized care for women who’ve experienced infertility, pregnancy loss, and trauma related to childbirth. These are the silent struggles many of us carry—and Jasmine is committed to making sure we don’t carry them alone.
So… Where Do You Begin?
For those just starting their mental health journey, Jasmine offered the most grounding advice:
“Start with the version of yourself you want to become. Who is she? What does joy look like for her? What does peace feel like in her body?”
From there, she recommends working backwards: What kind of support will you need? What kind of therapist will understand your journey? What tools might help you get there?
Whether you’re using Psychology Today, Therapy for Black Girls, or browsing social media to find a provider, the key is alignment. Find someone who sees you—and supports the version of you that’s still emerging.
You Are the Author. Start Writing.
This conversation ended with the most powerful reminder of all:
“You are the author of your story. Make yourself the main character. And write yourself into joy.”
Whew.
We don’t have to keep living the stories we’ve been handed. We can rewrite them. We can reframe them. We can reclaim them.
As for me? I’m embracing that too. These next four years, I’m choosing softness. I’m choosing joy. I’m choosing boundaries, therapy, naps, books, walks, and saying no without guilt. I’m choosing to prioritize my peace—even when the world feels like it’s on fire.
Because healing isn’t selfish. It’s survival.
🔗 Resources & Reminders
📍 Essence Psychological Health Services
Website: www.epsychhealth.com
Follow: @drjasmineross | @epsychhealth
📍 Therapy Resources
🎧 Final Words
Listen to this episode. Share it with your sister circle. Play it on a solo walk. Journal through it. Let it remind you of this:
💭 Your story is still unfolding.
💭 Your voice matters.
💭 Your joy is not a luxury—it’s your birthright.
So go ahead, sis. Create your narrative. Reclaim your peace. And write yourself into something beautiful.
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