The Therapist Talks-An Interview with Petrina Yemane


Acts 17:26-27
From one man he made all the nations, that they should inhabit the whole earth; and he marked out their appointed times in history and the boundaries of their lands. 27 God did this so that they would seek him and perhaps reach out for him and find him, though he is not far from any one of us

Sister, you help a LOT of people-family, children, at the job, at school, at church, etc.  Yet sometimes (maybe a lot of times these days) WE need the help, right?  Questions immediately pop up ranging from where to start, where to go to to what would people think.  On top of the stigma, when would we schedule the time- and how in the world would we pay for the cost? 

Meet Mrs. Petrina Yemane! Her Emotional Wellness Webinar Series is enhancing lives! Don’t miss out on Mindfulness & Motivation (<-click link) Workshop THIS Friday 2/19/21 at 7:00 pm!

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Petrina is passionate for helping people-and has all these answers for you! A Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC)  she is currently practicing with New Directions Counseling Group in Virginia for the US Army. Now for a time this prodigious consultant will be online for all(*her full details below).  A South Bronx native, originally from Montserrat West Indies, this wife of 22 years, mother of 2 has obtained a Master’s degree in Mental Health Counseling from City College of New York.  Petrina is now earning a degree in Advanced Studies in Human Behavior.  She is hosting an Emotional Wellness Webinar Series in 2021 including 12 workshops (9 free and 3 low cost).  The first webinar on Emotional Wellness and Spirituality was on 1/22/21.  Informative and innovative this event is a must join.   Petrina shares new, trending ideas in research at an affordable cost for everyone.   We
appreciate that, Ms. Yemane. Today, we have Petrina in the chair, Yes! Our therapist is doing the talking!

Ace:  Petrina what made you pursue counseling?

Petrina: My grandmother brought me to the states.  The 1st generation’s expectations were to be a doctor or a nurse.  I wanted to go to dance school.  But I gave it up I loved psychology and how the brain works.  I was very good at it.  At the age of 7 I listened to kids’ problems and wanted to help them.  I am happy when people say you help me so much.  I help guide people.   People underestimate themselves.  The job as a therapist is to direct people to solve their own problems.  City College gave me a good education.  I learned new thinking called Positive Psychology.  It’s a strength based counseling approach.  I look at everything through this approach.  

Ace:  Why would people be interested in these workshops? 

Petrina:  In quarantine, people have a lot of fear, suicide.  They want to do events for connections.  I thought for the new year it would be a good thing. With all that’s happening in politics.  I thought the 1st month of the year would be a start off on the right foot.  Emotional and mental health state was declined because of staying in.  People cannot interact, see smiles, a hug.  An event to pull everybody in to talk about topics that can be healing was the reason these workshops were created.  Thought it would be a good time to come together to learn about ourselves and how we can better ourselves.  We are always looking for a way to better see ourselves its going to motivational. 

Ace:  During this pandemic, do you feel people should definitely know or be doing something for their mental health? 

PetrinaStaying positive, as a PHD student one of my dissertation topics is on resilience in adverse events.  The thing that I’m learning is that everyone has it in differing degrees.   We get lost in the things happening around us.  And we miss out on things that are soothing and calming for us.   If that it is singer, you have to use your gift.  Whatever it is use it.  Going for walks, drawing, doing art.  So the body can tune off like a computer.  We need to be able to calm ourselves.   Interesting thing, people that are extroverts are having a difficult time.  Introverts are doing well.

Ace:  Yes I am an introvert and I agree.  I’m enjoying the space, I have decreased social anxiety and I’m doing so well.  I’m praying for all extroverts and huggers.  Tell me really, do you recommend counseling for the average person?

Petrina:   Everybody should see a therapist.  A stigma was attached to counseling.  People are still stuck in the era of Freud.  The reason for these workshops is because it’s different now.  It is all about positive psychology.  There’s everyday life to deal with.  That’s why I call the workshop emotional wellness.  Cause we don’t focus on that.  There’s a connection between the mind and body, 4 parts of us-Mental health, Physical health, emotional health and spiritual health.  Holistically people take of the two mental and physical health but what if you could take care of all 4?  It’s for the teacher, the mother, the Wall Street producer, the children who have anxiety.  It’s about attachments, it’s about trying to manage stress and getting help.  That’s brave right there.  Psychology today.  Therapy.com. if you need to see someone you could choose someone who makes you feel comfortable.  We’ve come a long way.

Ace:  Why go to a therapist as opposed to a friend?

Petrina:   If you are working out any problems or issues with your friend and its working stick to it.  But when everyday functioning becomes where it’s not enough or it’s temporary.  And you get to the point where there’s an obstacle or you are prohibited from functioning getting up out of bed, getting angry, causing damage to yourself and others.  You definitely need to be humble and get professional help.

Ace:  Any word to the person on the borderline to seeing a therapist, attending the workshops and want general information?

Petrina:  I have been counseling over 20 years.  I try to make the experience kind of like talking to a good friend.  But you’re getting professional help no judgments and with confidentiality.  We have such a good time. They forget they are having therapy.

Ace:  Thank you Petrina for your time and for what you do to help people.  The Daughter Line always asks the question of its interviewees.  What is your favorite scripture and why?

Petrina:  My favorite scripture Acts 17:24-28.  Nothings by accident, reasons why we know people we know.  We bring God a little closer to each other.  Full circle way of thinking. 

Ace:  Does God have a place in therapy?

Petrina:   I provide spiritual therapy when people initiate that.  It’s good that people see the need for that.  It’s brave for people just to come to therapy.  Spiritual counseling is a service I provide. 

Concern(C):  Sister how are you doing, really?
Encouragement(E):  It is The Daughter Line’s hope that you are doing well.  If not, pray and inquire of God what to do.  Perhaps you need guidance through an issue, to open up to a listening ear and/or get some advice.  Prov 15:22 “Without counsel plans fail, but with many advisers they succeed.”  When you ask, seek, knock the doors will open.  Answers will come.
Act(A):  Sister, consider professional help.  All the support you need, God wants you to have.  And it is absolutely possible.  You are not alone in these adjustment needing times.  Just take the first step and watch the blessings come nearer! John 15:15 Jesus is your Friend.

*Petrina Yemane’s next webinar/workshop will be on February 19th at 7:00 PM on
Mindfulness & Motivation.  Absolutely FREE!  Be a part of this life changing event, just Facebook Messenger Petrina Yemane or email her Hirutyemane1@gmail.com.  Additionally, expert co-facilitators Bobbet Hoskin and Agazit Asihel will be joining future workshops talking about important topics such as Trauma and Resilience.  See you on Zoom!

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