Episdoe #214: Breaking the Cycle of Unhealthy Relationships

Dr. Thema and Brittney Moses discuss intergenerational patterns and scripts we inherit and ways of healing and shifting them. They explore empowering, healing pathways that help us accept and affirm our authentic selves. Brittney Moses is a liberatory thinker, meaning-maker, and compassionate voice exploring the intersection of psychology, identity, and culture with a deep reverence for human complexity. She holds a Bachelor's in Psychology from UCLA and a Master's in Clinical Psychology from Pepperdine University. For the past decade, Brittney has contributed to the community and online space through writing, content, and public dialogue, sharing not only psychology and insight, but also a deeply human and relatable approach, with room for both humor and honesty. Her lens is narrative, humanistic, existential, and liberation-oriented, and her values are rooted in compassion, curiosity, and inclusivity. She's a proud Los Angeles native, a lifelong theater kid at heart, wife to Jason, mom to her teenage son Austin, and proud human of her pup Lily. In a world that feels increasingly disconnected, Brittney is committed to creating spaces that help us slow down, return to ourselves, and find one another again.

Dr. Thema and phenomenal poet Aja Monet explore the poetry of coming home to yourself. They discuss growth, shifts, and breakthroughs within one’s self and within relationships. aja monet is a Grammy-nominated Surrealist Blues Poet and cultural worker whose artistry transcends boundaries. As the recipient of the Nuyorican Grand Slam Poetry title, aja monet first made her mark in New York’s Lower East Side, honing her voice and craft on the storied stages of a burgeoning poetry movement. She follows in the long legacy and tradition of poets participating and assembling in social movements. Her collaborative spirit has seen her shape and shift culture alongside internationally renowned artists, scholars, activists, and organizers. aja's first full collection of poems, my mother was a freedom fighter, is a powerful tribute to mothers, women, and girls striving for freedom, earning a nomination for a NAACP Image Award for Poetry in 2018. Her debut poetry album, when the poems do what they do , was nominated for a Grammy Best Spoken Word Poetry Album in 2024. The album explores themes of resistance, love, and the inexhaustible quest for joy. Awarded the Marjory Stoneman Douglas Award for Poetry (2019), the Nelson Mandela Changemaker Award (2024), The Harry Belafonte Voices for Social Justice Award (2024), the EBONY 100 Artist In Residence Award, and the Malcolm X & Dr. Betty Shabazz Vanguard Award (2025), aja also serves as the Artistic Creative Director for V-Day, a global movement to end violence against women and girls. In 2022, she created "VOICES," an audio play amplifying the stories of Black women across the diaspora and the African continent. aja monet released her latest book of poems, florida water, with Haymarket Books on June 3rd, 2025 and is currently working on her second studio album. Don't forget to like, comment, share, and subscribe.

Dr. Thema discusses with Zabie Yamasaki her homecoming journey of healing from sexual violence. They explore the role of embodiment, family, community, and authenticity. Zabie Yamasaki (she/her), MEd, RYT, is the founder of Transcending Trauma through Yoga, which is an organization that offers trauma-informed yoga to survivors, consultations for universities and trauma agencies, and training for healing professionals. Zabie is widely recognized for her intentionality, soulful activism, and passionate dedication to her field. She has trained thousands of healing professionals, yoga instructors, and mental health practitioners in her signature trauma-informed yoga certification both in person and online. She is a trauma-informed yoga instructor, resilience and well-being educator, and a sought-after consultant and keynote speaker. Her yoga as healing program and curriculum is now being implemented at over fifty college campuses and trauma agencies across the country including the University of California (UC) system, Stanford, Yale, University of Southern California, University of Notre Dame, and Johns Hopkins University. Her work has been highlighted on CNN, NBC, KTLA 5, and HuffPost. Zabie received her undergraduate in psychology and social behavior and education at University of California, Irvine, and her graduate degree in higher education administration and student affairs at the George Washington University. She is the author of several publications including: Trauma-Informed Yoga for Survivors of Sexual Assault: Practices for Healing and Teaching with Compassion, Trauma-Informed Yoga Affirmation Card Deck, Trauma-Informed Yoga Flip Chart: A Teaching Tool for Healing Professionals, Your Joy Is Beautiful: The Magic of Remembering That You Are Enough, Just As You Are, H Is for Healing Card Deck: 52 Everyday Practices to Strengthen Children’s Physical, Emotional, and Mental Well-Being, and Protect Your Energy: A Gentle Guide to Nurture Your Nervous System, Cultivate Rest, and Honor Your Needs. You can learn more about her work, trainings, and speaking engagements at zabieyamasaki.com or on Instagram @transcending_trauma_with_yoga. To learn more about healing sexual trauma, check out Dr. Thema's books Homecoming, Reclaim Yourself, and Matters of the Heart. Intro and outro music by Joy Jones.

Dr. Thema describes the psychology of high achievers as well as the potential impact of high stress environments, such as depression, anxiety, and addiction. She provides some insights regarding signs of burnout as well as ways to both cope with it and prevent it. In addition, Dr. Thema shares ways to maximize mental health, well-being, and psychological resilience. Music provided by Joy Jones. To learn more, check out her books Homecoming, Reclaim Yourself, and Matters of the Heart. After you listen, don't forget to like, subscribe, share, and comment.

Dr. Thema explores overextending and burnout with Tanya Asim Cooper, a lawyer, clinical professor of law, and helper. Tanya directs a legal clinic for victims of domestic violence and human trafficking at Pepperdine University's Caruso School of Law. She is also a Christian, and her research focuses on training churches to respond to domestic violence. Dr. Thema explores with Tanya indicators of being overcommitted and ways to heal and practical strategies to reclaim yourself. Intro and outro music by Joy Jones.

Dr. Thema discusses with medical doctor, recording artist, and poet Dr. Joy Jones the challenges of being multi-gifted. They explore the benefits, challenges, and coping strategies. They also discuss the romantic relationship dynamics of being married and multi-gifted. Dr. Joy who sings our intro and outro embodies liberation medicine and also shares her journey as a daughter of immigrants. Dr. Joy Jones is a recording artist, anthropologist, urban farmer, and medical doctor. She is board certified in Family Medicine and Psychiatry as well as Functional Medicine and Lifestyle medicine. She is also the CEO and Founder of Whole Village Health, A global wellness firm deeply rooted in liberation medicine. Locally, she works with individuals impacted by the correctional system (both incarcerated and in the community) to help them redefine and achieve personal liberation. Globally, she has travelled to all 7 continents and can often be found leading medical missions to communities most in need. In her leisure she can be found in the community organizing, in the studio creating or in her garden cultivating. In all her work her personal goal is to help all who she comes in contact become “healthier, happier and more whole”.

Therapist, author, and poet RAVINA shares her homecoming journey of healing from intimate partner abuse. RAVINA is a South Asian bestselling author, spoken word artist & licensed therapist, based in Long Beach CA. Her specialization and passion lies in trauma treatment for individuals of marginalized identities, and communities of color facing trauma caused by oppression and systemic violence. RAVINA was born and raised in St Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands. YELLOW is her collection of poetry published by World Stage Press & recipient of the Long Beach Best Poetry Collection of 2021. RAVINA is a Pushcart Prize Nominee and has performed poetry on nationally and internationally acclaimed stages including the United Nations, and the House of Blues. RAVINA is a performing spoken word artist with the collective Long Beach NeverSpeak!She is the founding director of WAHLA (Writing As Healing Los Angeles) - an award winning workshop and series that honors the intersection of creative writing, expression, and mental health. To learn more about our guest go to https://www.ravinacreative.com/ Intro and outro by Joy Jones. After you listen, don't forget to like, subscribe, and share. More about Dr. Thema can be found at www.drthema.com

In this episode, therapist and author Zahra Heydari interviews Dr. Thema about her bestselling book, Matters of the Heart: Healing Your Relationship with Yourself and Those You Love. These two therapists talk about key aspects of healthy love including finding love later in life and finding love after heartbreak. Music by Joy Jones. Zahra has 18 years’ experience in mental health, coaching, crisis intervention, and relationship issues. Zahra’s book is entitled Stop the Bleeding. She works within a holistic approach that includes addressing the whole person, body, mind and spirit. Zahra respects your time, honors your journey and has faith that you deserve to have it all!

Dr. Thema describes the causes and signs of unhealthy relationships before providing practical tips for breaking the cycle and building healthier relationships. To learn more check out her bestselling book Matters of the Heart. Music by Joy Jones

Dr. Thema describes the meaning, causes, and signs of emotional pain and then provides strategies to heal it. Music provided by Joy Jones. Don't forget to like, subscribe, and share. To learn more, check out her self-help books Homecoming, Reclaim Yourself, and Matters of the Heart.