Today we’d like to introduce you to Damani Anderson
Hi Damani, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I’m Damani, and I’ve been dedicated to community service and supporting individuals and families for a long time. My journey started when I pursued a Bachelor’s degree in Social Work at Clark Atlanta University back in 2006.
Over the past fifteen years, I’ve held key roles, like being a Child Abuse Investigator for the Fulton County Department of Family and Children Services in Atlanta, GA, and working as a Talent Search Pre College Advisor for The Boys & Girls Club of Fort Worth. I’ve also been a mentor for over 15 years with the Big Brother Big Sisters program of America.
Building strong relationships and supporting families is at the heart of what I do; my faith and relationship with God have deepened this understanding. After a decade of dedicated service and experiencing a personal loss in 2009, I felt called to focus on family dynamics and mental health. This led me to pursue a Master’s in Marriage and Family Therapy from Abilene Christian University, graduating in May 2023. Now, as a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist Associate, I bring my expertise to The Relationship Clinic in Dallas, TX.
In October 2023, I started a new venture—My Big Black Therapist. This brand is all about normalizing diverse attributes and challenging implicit biases around race and body size. I aim to represent God, life, love, and the pursuit of healthy emotional intelligence, creating a safe space for those seeking support.
On a personal note, I’ve been happily married to my wife, Dr. Stefany Oji Anderson, for seven years, and we have two beautiful daughters, Leila Ifeoma and Camara Nnenna. Whether working with individuals, families, couples, or children, I’m committed to being a voice of encouragement and direction, helping to create positive change, one step at a time.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
This journey hasn’t been easy. One major struggle was the brand name “My Big Black Therapist.” People were apprehensive, saying it would limit my clientele and hurt my professional credibility. Some thought it was too provocative. Despite these concerns, I felt called to challenge perceptions and biases.
I faced external skepticism and had moments of self-doubt, especially when criticism came from colleagues or potential clients. Building trust and credibility meant going above and beyond in my work to show the value of my brand.
The emotional toll can also be significant, but I lean on a supportive network of friends, family, and colleagues. As time continues, this brand is gaining the opportunity to resonate with people who value its boldness and message. Clients who connect with my mission became and are currently strong advocates,
Despite all of these challenges, this journey has been incredibly rewarding. Each struggle reinforced my belief in the importance of my mission, teaching me resilience, perseverance, and the power of staying true to my convictions.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
My Big Black Therapist is contracted with The Relationship Clinic in Dallas where I offer individual, family, and couples therapy. I specialize in family dynamics, marriage issues, and personal individual growth. My approach blends traditional therapeutic techniques with a deep understanding of cultural and personal identities.
I’m known for a culturally aware approach, particularly for marginalized clients in traditional therapy settings. I integrate faith and cultural understanding into my therapy, making it unique and impactful.
What Sets Me Apart:
The name “My Big Black Therapist” is a bold statement that challenges societal norms and promotes important conversations about race, body size, and biases. This commitment to inclusivity and representation is what sets me apart. I’m incredibly proud of normalizing mental health conversations within the Black community and other marginalized groups. Creating a supportive community where clients feel truly seen and heard has been one of the most rewarding aspects of my work.
Offerings and Services:
In addition to individual, couple, and family therapy, I also provide customized workshops, seminars, consultations, panel discussions, and speaking engagements.
How do you define success?
Success is the opportunity and ability to make progress. It’s about staying disciplined and persevering with vision and a strong work ethic, regardless of the circumstances and environment. Success doesn’t have to look like everyone else’s journey; it can be achieved one step at a time. The key is consistency and self-determination in reaching your goals.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.mybigblacktherapist.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mybigblacktherapist/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61553208494314
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@MyBigBlackTherapist-gp8xr
- Other: https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/therapists/the-relationship-clinic-damani-anderson-duncanville-tx/961482
Image Credits
Reginald Woodrow
