
La' Toya Edwards
DSW, LCSW, BCD, SEP, ERTY-500
Presenter's Bio:
Dr. La’Toya Nicole Edwards, LCSW, BCD is a licensed clinical social worker, board-certified diplomate, professor, holistic healer, and the founder of Thriving Well Holistic Wellness Solutions, a group practice dedicated to providing culturally responsive, trauma-informed care. Widely known as "The Adulting Therapist" and "The Afrocentric Therapist," Dr. Edwards integrates a unique blend of evidence-based therapies, Afrocentric healing practices, and holistic modalities to support individuals, families, and communities in achieving emotional well-being and alignment.
With expertise in Internal Family Systems (IFS), Brainspotting (BSP), EMDR, and Somatic Experiencing (SE), Dr. Edwards specializes in treating trauma, anxiety, depression, and complex inner conflicts, particularly in high-achieving clients and those identified as the "strong friend." Her innovative approach combines these modalities with Afrocentric somatic practices, intuitive energy healing, and narrative therapy, creating a safe and transformative space for clients to process trauma, connect with their cultural roots, and reclaim their narratives.
As a professor and thought leader, Dr. Edwards is committed to decolonizing mental health care. She has developed workshops, retreats, and educational programs that integrate African-centered and Indigenous healing practices with modern therapeutic approaches. Her work emphasizes the importance of cultural sensitivity, historical awareness, and body-centered healing in addressing the unique needs of BIPOC communities.
Dr. Edwards is also a certified Reiki Master, trauma-informed yoga instructor, and shamanic practitioner. Her holistic offerings include tarot psychotherapy, hypnotherapy, Thai yoga bodywork, and biofield tuning, providing clients with a comprehensive pathway to healing through body-centered living and emotional release.
Dr. Edwards frequently presents at national conferences, sharing her expertise on innovative trauma interventions, culturally responsive therapy, and integrative healing practices. She is passionate about advancing the field of mental health by bridging the gap between traditional therapy and holistic healing, empowering both clients and clinicians to embrace a more inclusive, culturally attuned approach to wellness.
Body Talk: Integrating Afrocentric Somatic Practices for Trauma Healing
Course Summary:
This presentation explores the integration of Afrocentric somatic practices into traditional therapeutic frameworks for trauma healing, focusing on culturally responsive and body-centered approaches. As many traditional therapeutic models often overlook the unique cultural and somatic experiences of Black clients, this session will introduce an innovative blend of Somatic Experiencing (SE), Narrative Therapy, and Internal Family Systems (IFS) grounded in Afrocentric healing traditions.
