Robin Tillotson Sun, 11 Jun, 15:32 (6 days ago)       to me           In this episode Saaudiah Muhammad shares the progression and trajectory that led her to a career in the Mental Health space.  Having received a strong and strict upbringing in Cleveland, Ohio, from her mother, who left Alabama to experience a more prosperous life in the north, Saaudiah developed strong decision making skills and over time a discerning eye. To this day, she applies those lessons in her thriving business Black Butterfly Counseling and Consulting. Also, in 2019, she developed a Blog entitled The Muslim Therapist, and she is a strong observer of how African Americans are impacted by inequality as it relates to mental health treatment and the respect that is often not provided to the patient. When I asked her what words of wisdom would she offer women age 50+, she emphasized that she would offer her wisdom to those in the plus 40 cohort, as well. Those words simply put — “Live life on your own terms and more importantly be open to exploring new experiences and don’t limit yourself.” Saaudiah is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker who works as a psychotherapist, consultant and coach. She has spent most of her professional career working in social services, including child welfare, community services and in hospital/clinical settings for many years. Saaudiah's interest in mental health began while working at a community hospital and recognizing the difference in the treatment of patient care for those who were experiencing mental health crises. Saaudiah knew she wanted to work towards effecting a change for people facing mental health challenges. Saaudiah is passionate about de-stigmatizing mental health and therapy among communities of color and within the Islamic faith especially. Her niche is working with Black and Muslim Women in individual therapy. Saaudiah is a published writer of several articles and books including several journals. With her love of cooking and baking, she published a vegetarian cookbook titled “Vegetarian Cooking Made Easy”. As a clinician she wanted to help her clients, and all those who are in therapy with creating a therapy journal entitled Therapied: A Therapy Journal. She is also the creator of “The Better Self Journal” Book 1 and Book 2. The Better Self Journal was designed to help all those who use this journal to be inspired, motivated and encouraged with writing prompts, affirmations and beautiful Black imagery. Saaudiah loves spending time with her family and friends. She enjoys cooking (including baking), traveling, art collecting, and writing. She loves collecting crystals and crystal jewelry, working out, utilizing sound therapy with singing bowls and tuning forks and she is a reiki practitioner. She strives to live a holistic and healthy lifestyle. Saaudiah loves to laugh. She feels it's one of the best medicines you can have in your life. Saaudiah is an advocate for social justice. She is also working on several literary projects focusing on mental health and wellbeing. Saaudiah is dedicated to her Islamic faith and that is the force that drives her. She is a graduate of Case Western Reserve University located in her hometown of Cleveland, Ohio, where she obtained a Masters in Social Science Administration (Social Work). She will begin a doctoral program in Social Work this fall. **** Vegetarian Cooking Made Easy may be purchased via amazon https://www.amazon.com/Vegetarian-Cooking-Made-Saaudiah-Muhammad/dp/1795616806/ref= tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=&sr= All the journals can be purchased via: www.TheMuslimTherapist.org  The Better Self Journals can be purchased on www.themuslimtherapist.org or you can purchase them on Amazon.