About the Editor
Mama.Healer.Psychologist
Lyneia Richardson, PhD
Dr. Lyneia Richardson is a mama, healer, psychologist, educator, maternal health advocate--among other identities and roles she holds. Her dedication to the well-being of melanated women and mamas is palpable in her work, which spans over a decade, providing therapy in diverse clinical and community settings.
Dr. Richardson received her B.A. in psychology from North Carolina A & T State University, M.S. in mental health counseling from Johns Hopkins University, and her Ph.D. in counseling psychology from Howard University in Washington, D.C. She takes a holistic approach in her research and clinical work, exploring the intersectionality of race, gender, and motherhood. Through her writing and professional endeavors, she aims to uplift the voices of those who have often been silenced and ignored. She hopes to inspire all women to embark on a journey of self-discovery and empowerment.
Dr. Richardson is a professor of counseling at McDaniel College and the proud owner of Melanated Women's Therapy, LLC. Her work is rooted in decolonizing therapy and education through Mothering Praxis. As a first-time, self-publishing author, she adds another dimension to her plentiful roles. She resides in Baltimore with her two young children and spouse.
“Mothering is not an individual experience but one of community. I work with ALL women who mother because I recognize that mothering is not limited to birthing a child.”
It all started with a story…
Selah: Our Birth Story
Welcome to the heart of this book's genesis—a journey that began with childbirth. As a healer and psychologist by training, I found myself grappling with the complexities of my own childbirth trauma, seeking solace and understanding in the aftermath.
In the quiet moments of reflection, I turned to writing as a form of catharsis. Through a series of blog posts and the raw, first draft of my birth story, I began trying to peel back the layers of my experience, unaware at the time that I was working onmy own narrative of healing and resilience. Every time I talked about my experience, I moved one step closer to healing. With each retelling and rewriting of my experience, I began to experience the power of storytelling in processing our most difficult life moments.
From these humble beginnings, "Mothering as a Work of Art: Anthology of Black Mamas" emerged—a beacon of hope and healing for those who walk a similar path. Rooted in the personal experiences of the beautiful mamas who chose to pour out their hearts and souls into this book, it has blossomed into a communal narrative that speaks to the universal journey of motherhood, resilience, and self-discovery.
As you explore the pages of this narrative, may you find echoes of your own journey, moments that illuminate the path toward healing and wholeness. As for this book, it is not just mine—it is a collective story of strength, courage, and the transformative power of embracing our truths.
Welcome to the journey. Welcome to the heart of healing.
Here is a video exploration of the emotions and revelations that surfaced as I navigated my childbirth trauma early on. It is a small window into some of the rawness of emotion that I was feeling at the time that helped set the foundation for the creation of this anthology project.