Charis welcomes Alishia McCullough in conversation with Dr. Mahogany Hall for a discussion of Reclaiming the Black Body: Nourishing the Home Within, an essential exploration of the overlooked impact of disordered eating among Black women—and a prescriptive road map to returning to wholeness within our bodies, from the clinical therapist who founded Black and Embodied Counseling and Consulting PLLC.

Licensed mental health therapist, somatic healer, and eating disorder specialist Alishia McCullough understands that for far too many Black women, racial trauma’s seismic impact has disrupted their most essential relationship: the one they have with their bodies—and by extension, with their food. African Americans are disproportionately impacted by disordered eating behaviors, yet their experiences are frequently neglected by doctors and mental health experts. As a result, our most vulnerable communities are forced to navigate systems primed to dismiss their needs, leaving them without proper care, or often even the language they need to identify what’s wrong.

McCullough’s groundbreaking work radically validates the lived experiences and generational traumas of BIPOC communities. As part of a steadily growing movement among clinicians to “decolonize therapy,” her deeply affirming approach seeks to understand disordered eating patterns by examining the psychological wounds left by centuries of racism.

Weaving together crucial history, compelling client stories, guided meditation, journal prompts, and McCullough’s own journey with disordered eating behaviors, Reclaiming the Black Body offers readers a safe space to feel seen—and a powerful pathway to healing. This revealing, potentially life-saving book illuminates the way home, back to the safety and comfort found within our bodies.

Alishia McCullough (she/her) is a licensed clinical mental health therapist and founder of Black and Embodied Counseling and Consulting PLLC. She specializes in somatic therapy, trauma healing, and eating disorder treatment with a focus on cultivating embodiment and fostering liberation. Alishia also runs the self-paced online course Reimagining Eating Disorders 101.

Dr. Mahogany Hall has acquired over 21 years of professional experience assisting clients with individual, couples and family challenges. She is licensed in the Washington DC metro area and provides coaching and consulting nationwide. She is the Founder and CEO of Hall Counseling Services, a medical group practice most known for its diverse team of clinicians. The focus of Dr. Hall’s clinical, academic and consulting work is the impact of racism on mental health, human relationships and professional careers. To address such issues, she co-developed a psychotherapy and race-based yoga program called Healing the Whole. Her work has been featured in Black Girl Nerds, Earn Your Leisure (University) and IAMCEO Podcast. Dr. Hall has created mental health webinars and spoken at various events, including those at universities, community retreats and professional organizations. Most recently, she was a speaker at InvestFest 2024, an event in Atlanta, GA, hosted by Earn Your Leisure and Steve Harvey. She also works extensively with politicians and individuals/families in the Entertainment industries.

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Reclaiming the Black Body: Nourishing the Home Within--Alishia McCullough in conversation with Dr. Mahogany Hall