Dr. Mercedes Samudio, LCSW

Dr. Mercedes Samudio, LCSW AfroNerd | Scholar | Founder of & | Host of | Empowering Black families with mental wellness!

Advancing through innovative research and clinical practice

02/11/2026

OprahDaily is talking about Brainspotting; and I’m glad trauma healing is entering mainstream conversations.

But Brainspotting isn’t a wellness trend.
It’s a neurobiological, relational trauma therapy that requires training, attunement, and cultural awareness.

When we spotlight healing modalities, we also need to ask:
• Who is delivering it?
• Who feels safe enough to access it?
• Who is left out of the narrative?

As a licensed clinical social worker and Black Brainspotting therapist, I care deeply about how trauma healing is represented in media spaces.

If you’re curious about Brainspotting, drop your questions below.

If you’re covering trauma healing in the media, let’s talk.

02/11/2026

is talking about Brainspotting, and I’m glad trauma healing is entering mainstream conversations.

But Brainspotting isn’t a wellness trend.
It’s a neurobiological, relational trauma therapy that requires training, attunement, and cultural awareness.

When we spotlight healing modalities, we also need to ask:
• Who is delivering it?
• Who feels safe enough to access it?
• Who is left out of the narrative?

As a licensed clinical social worker and Black Brainspotting therapist, I care deeply about how trauma healing is represented in media spaces.

If you’re curious about Brainspotting, drop your questions below.

If you’re covering trauma healing in the media, let’s talk.

Black History for Black TweensDay Four: A Moment of CourageThe MomentIn 1960, six-year-old Ruby Bridges became the first...
02/04/2026

Black History for Black Tweens

Day Four: A Moment of Courage

The Moment

In 1960, six-year-old Ruby Bridges became the first Black child to attend an all-white elementary school in New Orleans. Every day, she walked past angry adults yelling at her, escorted by federal marshals. Ruby kept going to school anyway. She later said she was not afraid; she just wanted to learn.

Why This Matters

Courage doesn’t always mean feeling brave. Sometimes it means showing up even when the world around you is loud, unfair, or confusing. Black tweens have often been asked to be brave in spaces that weren’t built for them.

Let’s Talk About It

What do you notice about Ruby’s age and what she had to face?
How does this story make you feel?
Where do you see kids being asked to be “strong” today?

Grown-Up Support Note

If your tween reacts strongly to this story, that’s not a problem. You don’t need to soften it or rush them to reassurance. Being honest about how unfair this was is part of building trust.

A Tiny Action

Ask your tween what helps them feel safe or supported when they have to do something hard.

Where to Learn More (Together)

Bridges, R. (1999). Through My Eyes. Scholastic Press.

Ruby Bridges tells her own story in a way that is accessible for young readers and meaningful for adults.

How to use it together:

Look at one photo or read one short section, then return to the conversation questions.

Black History for Black TweensDay Three: A Moment of JoyThe MomentIn many Black communities, music, dance, and celebrati...
02/03/2026

Black History for Black Tweens

Day Three: A Moment of Joy

The Moment

In many Black communities, music, dance, and celebration have always been ways to stay connected and joyful, even during difficult times. From family reunions and block parties to stepping, double dutch, and dancing in the living room, joy has been a form of survival and expression. These moments weren’t distractions from history; they were part of it.

Why This Matters

Black history is not only about struggle or resistance. Joy reminds us that Black life includes laughter, creativity, rest, and connection. Black tweens deserve to see joy as something they are allowed to claim, not something they have to earn.

Let’s Talk About It

1. What kinds of joy do you notice in this story?

2. How does it feel to think about joy as part of history?

3. Where do you see Black joy in your own life or community?

Grown-Up Support Note

Some adults were taught that joy had to be postponed or justified. If this brings anything up for you, take note without judgment. Modeling permission for joy teaches more than explanations ever could.

A Tiny Action

Invite your tween to share a song, dance, game, or tradition that makes them feel good. Join in if they want. Watching is okay too.

Where to Learn More (Together)

Reynolds, J., & Kendi, I. X. (2021). Stamped for Kids: Racism, Antiracism, and You. Little, Brown Books for Young Readers.

This book helps young readers understand Black history as complex and human, including moments of joy, creativity, and resilience alongside hard truths.

How to use it together:

Read a short section, then ask how joy and resistance can exist at the same time.

February feels like a good time for Black films that hold history, grief, memory, and Black female rage……without turning...
01/29/2026

February feels like a good time for Black films that hold history, grief, memory, and Black female rage…

…without turning it into homework.

I’m doing a super casual Black History Month Black Films Watch:

DuVernay’s Origin, Lee’s Da 5 Bloods, Jenkins’ Moonlight, and DaCosta’s Hedda.

Each Friday in February at 6:30pm PST.

I’ll be watching, noticing things, and posting thoughts as they come up; no pressure to keep up…

…and, lurking is valid.

If you want to hang out with Black stories & see what they stir: you’re welcome here.

Reminders for Black Families raising Black Tweens: Part One✨ Let Black tweens embrace their identity✨ Let Black tweens e...
01/26/2026

Reminders for Black Families raising Black Tweens: Part One

✨ Let Black tweens embrace their identity
✨ Let Black tweens express emotions
✨ Let Black tweens feel and express joy
✨ Let Black tweens speak back to you
✨ Let Black tweens express their creativity

I believe you! That’s all. That’s the post.
01/24/2026

I believe you!

That’s all. That’s the post.

01/20/2026

No matter what: I’m always gonna ride for Sam Wilson!

He’s an Air Force vet turned social worker turned superhero therapist turned Captain
America.

That’s not just a character arc.

That’s legacy.

That’s what it looks like to blend mental wellness AND representation in the MCU.

And when we say we want more of that on screen?

We’re not just talking action scenes.

We’re talking narrative restoration.

We’re talking ethics in the multiverse.

With a Director of Mental Wellness & Representation behind the scenes?

Moments like this become the norm; not the exception!

01/18/2026

They’ve got a Director of Photography.

A Director of Casting.

A Director of Stunts.

So tell me why Marvel Studios doesn’t have a
Director of Mental Wellness and
Representation?

These characters are in therapy in every movie...
...but where’s the therapist on set, in the script room, in the fandom?

I’m just saying. I’m ready when you are.

As a healing person supporting others healing, I appreciate this month as it highlights how important our mental wellnes...
05/01/2025

As a healing person supporting others healing, I appreciate this month as it highlights how important our mental wellness is and will always be!

I’ve survived trauma and abuse. I live with depression. I experience suicidal ideation and thoughts. Sometimes my emotions overwhelm me and I need to take a break. I live a full life, with folks who care for me. I speak up about mental wellness because it’s a life or death conversation for me, and many others.

Embracing inclusivity & learning from folks is more important than ever……the idea of being Woke is becoming a term that ...
11/29/2024

Embracing inclusivity & learning from folks is more important than ever…

…the idea of being Woke is becoming a term that brands folks who are progressive, anti-racist, anti-oppressive, and culturally expansive…

…for my part, I’ve been bringing folks over to the WokeSide: where we believe that everyone’s knowledge and experience contributes to the tapestry of humanity, and it’s in those uniques experiences and ancestral knowledge that we find the oaths to heal together…

…in other words WOKE = Welcoming Our Knowledge & Experiences

This acronym reflects a mindset that values cultural expansiveness (a combo of humility, competence, and awareness), community building & connectedness, and a respect for for the historical and ancestral wisdom we all possess...

…in a sense, if you’re tired of being, tired of hearing, tired of seeing the revolution that is being WOKE, then you might want to check in with yourself because you’re part of the problem…

Research shows that cultural expansiveness is a lifelong process of reflection & (un)learning: a practice of mutual respect that bridges cultural gaps, especially in healthcare, to create equity (Foronda et al., 2016)…

… community building & connection also require being WOKE: embracing the attitudes, knowledge & skills to navigate across cultures (Deardorff, 2015; CDC, 2023)…

…TL;dr: Being WOKE is part of the work!™️

Allowing ourselves to evolve into cultural expansiveness aligns with the WOKE mindset…

…it empowers us to build meaningful connections & champion equity by understanding and honoring the diverse narratives that shape our communities…

…in a sense, we do this because it’s how we thrive; when we remain WOKE, we foster a world where every voice matters, every story is valued, and every experience is a chance to grow.

✨ Follow .mercedessamudio for all things Black family, parenting, mental health, Black health equity, and AfroNerd realness! ✨

Address

1510 W Whitter Boulevard , Ste 95
La Habra, CA
90631

Telephone

+17147585988

Website

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when Dr. Mercedes Samudio, LCSW posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Contact The Practice

Send a message to Dr. Mercedes Samudio, LCSW:

Shortcuts

Share

Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on LinkedIn
Share on Pinterest Share on Reddit Share via Email
Share on WhatsApp Share on Instagram Share on Telegram

Category