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Episode 149 of The Empowered & Embodied Show, Kim and Louise sit down with Dr. Essence Deming-Rivers, a Licensed Clinical Psychologist and Director of Psychological Services at Customized Behavioral Healthcare. As a queer, chronically ill, neurodivergent woman of color, Dr. Essence brings a unique and powerful perspective to conversations on identity, emotional awareness, and belonging. Together, the trio explore the importance of emotional literacy, how to create brave spaces for self-exploration, and why curiosity is a superpower when it comes to discovering who we truly are.

"The discomfort of growth is temporary. Staying where you don’t belong is forever." - Dr. Essence Deming-Rivers

Key Takeaways

🔹 Feeling stuck? Get curious!

🔹 Emotions are data, not obstacles.

🔹 Safe spaces are essential for growth.

🔹 Find your right ecosystem.

🔹 Diversity fuels belonging.

🔹 Stop cleaning up your emotions.

Key Moments

[00:00] – Introductions and celebrations of presence, alignment, and freedom

[03:42] – Finding community and opportunities that align with your vision

[07:09] – The myth of “figuring it all out” at 18 and why identity is fluid

[10:31] – Differentiating between doing and being through a values-based approach

[18:20] – How to recognize brave spaces for self-exploration

[22:08] – Emotional literacy as a skill and using the “How We Feel” app

[26:35] – The importance of tracking emotions and body sensations

[35:58] – Belonging, diversity, and why we stay in environments that don’t serve us

[43:18] – Embracing brave vulnerability and showing up authentically

[48:57] – The power of diverse communities and allowing yourself to evolve

Resources Mentioned

📱 How We Feel App – A free tool for tracking and identifying emotions. https://howwefeel.org/

🎨 Emotion Sensation Wheel by Lindsay Braman – A tool to connect physical sensations with emotions. https://lindsaybraman.com/sensation-feelings-wheel/

Connect with Dr. Essence:

Website: https://customizedbehavioralhealthcare.com/dr-essence%2C-psyd

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/essencerivers/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dressencerivers/

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