Today we’d like to introduce you to Pametria Brown, LCSW.
Hi Pametria, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
Pametria Dominise Brown, I am the product of grandparents who provided all eleven of their children with a foundation that neither of them was afforded. Despite having little formal education, they instilled the importance of education and hard work while ensuring their children’s talents and gifts were nurtured. I am the daughter of a man who has mastered the skill of persuasion and taught me the importance of forgiveness. I am also the daughter of a woman who has been the blueprint for entrepreneurship, community advocacy, leadership, and being a trendsetter. As I approach 40, I realize now more than ever that my lineage has had a massive impact on the woman I am becoming. I could never acknowledge my story without starting at the first chapters written by my family. I am a mental health therapist, author, public speaker, and entrepreneur because of them. I am because they were.
We all face challenges, but looking back, would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Life is an obstacle course filled with various challenges. Our ability to navigate each level determines which level of reward we earn. As a person who has had health challenges from birth, I learned to adjust and readjust early in my life. That skill has guided me throughout my life. I think one of the biggest misconceptions is that we have to know the answers and be “strong,” especially as Black women. One of my biggest challenges has been becoming a caregiver for my mother after she had a massive stroke in 2020. It has stretched me in many ways and forced me to confront my vulnerability and advocate for myself. As the therapist, I am always a support for others, but over the past 3 years, I have had to ask for help and not allow people to celebrate my strength while watching me struggle. Listen, we like to tip-toe around the “B” word, but setting those boundaries is necessary for our well-being.
We’ve been impressed with Black Therapists Matter, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share about what you do and what sets you apart?
My private practice, RBG Mental Health and Wellness, primarily serves African American women and adolescent girls who are struggling with anxiety, depression, trauma, and life transitions. In addition to my practice, In addition to my private practice, I founded and recently launched the Black Therapists Matter Mental Health and Wellness Directory. The BTM directory features mental health and wellness professionals from all over the country, and we guide consumers on how to shop for a therapist that is a good fit for their needs. Unlike other directories, we also include wellness providers because the mind, body, and spirit are all connected. Overall, I am so thankful that I have the luxury of doing the work that I love. Oftentimes, people have to choose between their passion vs a sustainable career; fortunately,in my world, those two things align.
Let’s end by discussing what matters most to you and why.
In my personal life, peace matters the most to me. I have seen the other side of that, and I know that is not a place I want to revisit. Aside from my internal peace, living in my purpose is extremely important. As I evolve, that purpose may look different, but my current mission is to normalize access to quality mental health treatment in the Black community.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.blacktherapistsmatter.org
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/blacktherapistmatter
- Other: www.pametriadominise.com
Image Credits
Andrea Fenise, Ray Simone Photography
