Past and Upcoming Events
Deconstructing The Superwoman Schema, John Henryism, and Reclaiming the Self
Deconstructing Superwoman Schema, John Henryism, and Reclaiming the Self: A Crash Course for Black People who are Just Plain TIRED
Coming November 2025, this empowering workshop explores the mental and physical toll of the “Superwoman” expectation and the relentless hustle known as John Henryism on Black communities. Join us as our founder, Sergena Laine, LCSW, helps us unpack these deeply ingrained cultural pressures and their impact on mental health, particularly among Black men and women. Through evidence-based strategies like mindfulness, boundary-setting, and radical rest, you’ll learn practical tools to reclaim your well-being, set healthy limits, and embrace rest as an act of resistance. If you’re ready to examine your attachment to exhaustion and learn the building blocks for reclaiming your whole self, this course is for you.
Fertility and Mental Health
Therapy Nook had the privilege of cohosting a workshop alongside a respected medical professional, combining our expertise to address fertility concerns with clarity and compassion. This session, focused on raising awareness and reducing stigma—especially for women of color—offered participants practical, evidence-based strategies to navigate the complex emotional landscape of fertility challenges. Through this collaborative approach, we aimed to empower individuals with both medical insights and psychological support, fostering wellness beyond the workshop. Our collaboration clearly demonstrated that blending medical knowledge with compassionate psychological support truly transforms the journey through intimate healthcare challenges.
Therapy Nook was honored to be hand selected to facilitate an eight-week life skills group designed for participants transitioning out of domestic violence situations. The program focused on teaching valuable skills that enhanced participants' confidence and self-sufficiency. Through a supportive and educational environment, participants gained practical tools and language to better understand and contextualize their experiences. Those who completed the group left equipped with greater emotional resilience, improved communication abilities, and increased independence to support their ongoing recovery and personal growth.
Empower & Rebuild: 8-Week Life Skills Workshop for Domestic Violence Survivors
Therapy Nook was beyond honored when the Black Professionals Affinity Group and the Mental Health and Counseling Center at CT State Community College invited me to lead their keynote fall discussion and retreat. This wasn’t just any gig—it was a chance to create a welcoming space where accessible language met evidence-based skills, all tailored for an inspiring mix of Black professionals from every corner of higher education. Faculty, staff, administration—you name it—they all realized their experiences have way more in common than they expected. Steering this retreat felt like a heartfelt journey, and I soaked up every moment of connecting with such a driven and passionate community. What a truly rewarding ride!
Black Professionals in Higher Education Fall Retreat
Easter Egg Hunt Community Celebration
So nice that we had to do it twice! This time, The Therapy Nook, along with our partners, were able to support over 100 children and their families. Thanks to our collective efforts, we provided the community with a safe, fun, and engaging holiday activity that both kids and adults enjoyed. It was truly rewarding to see smiles and laughter all around as everyone came together to celebrate and connect. We look forward to continuing this tradition and growing our impact in the future!
Thanksgiving Give Back
Therapy Nook’s first partnership with the wider Divine Nine community in Fairfield County significantly amplified our impact, increasing it fiftyfold! Our team was able to serve and give back to hundreds of individuals in Bridgeport, ensuring that no one was turned away. By the end of the day, we were exhausted but deeply fulfilled. This collaboration demonstrated the power of community and collective effort. We look forward to continuing this partnership and making an even greater difference — together.
Crash Course on Black Mental Health
My first in-person workshop and seminar was a huge hit—a dream realized, as a good friend of mine shared. This space was curated specifically for US, by ME. I can't wait to do this again next time!
During the session at the Fairfield Museum and History Center in Fairfield, CT, I offered a crash course on Black mental health. We explored and provided context for the challenges many people of the Black diaspora face today in the United States, including intergenerational trauma, chronic stress, and the lack of resources available. I shared evidence-based coping skills to help navigate life as a person of color in America.
Creating a dedicated space to address these important topics felt empowering, and I look forward to continuing this work to support and uplift our community!
Back to School: Supporting Students for a Successful Year Ahead
Therapy Nook proudly supported its first-ever community event, marking humble beginnings with a huge impact. We successfully distributed over 30 backpacks filled with essential school supplies to students in need. This event was one of the first action items that demonstrated our commitment to supporting education and giving back to the community. We look forward to expanding our efforts and making an even greater difference in the future!
Fertility Talk
Talk about a great event!
I had the chance to dive into the psychological landscape of infertility as the subject matter expert. My talk took a close look at how fertility and dating often mix in complex ways, showing how relationships can get tangled up in the emotional rollercoaster that infertility brings. We chatted about the heavy emotional toll and psychological impacts these challenges place on couples, plus what it really takes to be psychologically ready for adoption.
On top of that, I broke down the financial side of infertility and treatments, sharing practical tips to help manage these often overwhelming stresses. The participants were fully engaged, connecting with relatable insights about how dating and relationships shift under the weight of fertility struggles—the emotional ups and downs and the financial pressures many couples face.
By the end, folks had a clearer picture of the emotional and mental prep needed for adoption, along with an eye-opening look at the social stigmas still surrounding these experiences. This wasn’t just a clinical lecture—it was designed to be empowering and accessible, packed with straightforward strategies for handling grief, loss, and building resilience when times get tough.
I also handed out a comprehensive guide to act as a trusty resource for anyone continuing to navigate their unique path with confidence. If you're interested, the handout from the event is available for download here to keep these helpful tools and insights right at your fingertips.
All in all, the session offered meaningful support and fresh perspective for those walking these deeply personal journeys—definitely an experience worth spreading!
Empowerment Through Wellness
It still is humbling whenever clients are able to see improvement in their quality of life and circumstances as a direct result of the work and services Therapy Nook provides. The domestic violence population holds a special place in my heart because of my own lived experiences and the experiences of some of my closest friends and family. Anyone can find themselves in a scary situation, but it is possible to empower and equip yourself to move through it. Thank you to New Horizons for trusting me to support your residents through this important journey!
Easter 2024
Join us for a delightful Easter Egg Hunt, where community spirit and fun come together! Hosted in collaboration with The Therapy Nook, this event offers a vibrant day filled with joy and connection. Families are invited to search for colorful eggs and enjoy the festivities, including our spectacular bounce house castle. This event not only fosters community involvement but also supports our mission of providing holistic therapy services. Come celebrate, connect with your neighbors, and bounce into spring with us!
Thanksgiving Give Back
This Thanksgiving, our community came together in a remarkable display of unity and support, as local Black Greek fraternities and sororities, Amy Cabrera, and the Therapy Nook collaborated to provide meals to over 200 community members. Through dedication and effort, we transformed the holiday into a celebration of gratitude and giving back. Volunteers gathered to prepare and serve nutritious meals, ensuring that everyone felt the warmth of community spirit during this special time of year. This initiative not only nourished bodies but also strengthened bonds within the community, showcasing the power of collaboration and compassion in creating meaningful connection — and overall mental wellness!
Crash Course on Black Mental Health
African Americans suffer from mental health conditions and illness at the same rate, if not more, as other racial groups. At the same time our mistrust in the medical system, fear of being called "crazy," what's expected in our community, as well as a lack of of access impact our ability to adequately deal with the challenges of daily life as a black person in America. These are not new dilemmas, but are intertwined into the structures and institutions we interact with everyday and follow us into our homes. This Crash Course will allow us to talk, reflect, and hopefully renew our energy and dedication to taking care of our minds in spite of the barriers we encounter.
Join me, Sergena Laine, LCSW on October 22. Catered lunch and refreshments included! Location to be announced.
A portion of the proceeds will go towards community enrichment activities for area youth.
Tickets are online only at Eventbrite here.
Back to School Block Party
We celebrated our one year anniversary with our community! The interns had a great time!