Linda J.M. Holloway, Ed.D., NCC
Author and Professor Lexis Green
What are some ways that you promote mental health and wellness through your area of expertise?
As a professor for 26 years in the areas of Counselor Education and Clinical Mental Health Counseling, one of the ways that I promote mental health and wellness is to ensure I stay abreast of the current literature so that I can disseminate that information to my students. Additionally, I spend time researching various topics in mental health, such as hair esteem and diversity in counseling, and then publish articles and present workshops and seminars on those topics.
One of my latest projects involves connecting with young black and brown children within the schools, local communities, and churches to speak on emotional and mental wellness using my books-“I Love My Happy Hair” and “Little Miss Linda Goes To Counseling.”
How do you promote change and well-being in the black community?
Being that one of my research interests is Black women and mental health, I spend a great deal of time writing and speaking in public forums about the importance of Black women taking care of themselves emotionally and mentally. It is my passion in life to ensure Black women and children learn to be emotionally and mentally fit through healthy lifestyles. Additionally, I have spent the majority of my career at historically black universities which has given me wonderful opportunities to create safe places where my students are able to speak openly about black mental wellness both in and outside of the classroom.
How do you make time for your own wellness and self-care?
I make time for my own wellness and self-care by living a life of intentionality and authenticity where it is of upmost importance I practice the lifestyle I want others to live. I have an accountability team that ensures I take time away and build breaks into my work schedule. They hold me accountable for taking care of myself physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually. I understand wholeheartedly that if I do not take care of myself, I will not be able to perform my life passion of being able to give back to marginalized and oppressed communities. I have also designed a self-care plan that consists of activities that keep me grounded and focused on mental wellness. There are times when I don’t engage in these activities as much as I should, but when that happens, I begin to take the necessary steps to get back on track.
What are your top 5 favorite wellness and self-care strategies?
1. Staying spiritually grounded
2. Eating healthy
3. Staying physically fit
4. Getting regular check-ups
5. Taking mental health days for rest and relaxation
Guest Contributor
Dr. Linda J. M. Holloway is the Program Coordinator of the Counseling Education Program at Alabama State University in Montgomery, Alabama. She retired as a COL from the United States Army Reserves, where she served over 27 years. Dr. Holloway’s teaching philosophy is “Classroom without Walls” where she bridges the gap between the classrooms and the community. Her research interests include Black women and mental health and Black women and career development. Dr. Holloway is also the author of two children’s books, “I Love My Happy Hair” and “Little Miss Linda Goes To Counseling.”
