Meet Aliya Kenyatta | Therapist & Relationship Specialist

We had the good fortune of connecting with Aliya Kenyatta and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Aliya, let’s talk legacy – what do you want yours to be?
I want them to remember what it felt like to speak with me during therapy. To know what it feels like to truly be themselves and comfortable within our therapeutic relationship. I try my best to model healthy relationships, which includes healthy confrontation, laughter, and sometimes tears. The best compliment I can receive from a client, is that they feel like they’re speaking with a friend who happens to be an expert in certain areas.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
My practice is called Ivy Roots Counseling and Consulting. Authenticity is one of my core values. I try to be the most authentic version of myself regardless of the situation. This has extended to my practice. In a society that is ruled by big companies such as insurance, I’ve chosen to steer clear of their involvement. In an effort to decolonize therapy, I try to get back to the roots of this type of healing, which for me, means remaining self pay only. This protects the client’s confidentiality and relieves some of the pressures that come along with insurance companies.
Thankfully, my journey to business owner has not been too difficult. My personal life is where some of the barriers existed. I became a solo mother when my late fiance passed away while I was 3 months pregnant with our twins. Of course this paused some of my career development, but I was determined to reach my goal of becoming a therapist. With the help of my village, I was able to channel some of my grief into motivation. The most important lesson I learned along the way is that there is no such thing as a “wrong turn”, just redirection. I had a goal in mind and I knew I was going to reach it. I just didn’t know what the path would look like. I allowed myself to be open to however it unfolded, and I was surprised at each opportunity that came my way.
I want my brand to be a story of representation. Black therapists already make up a small percentage of the field. Add Black woman, mother, and solo mother to the equation, and it feels like the odds are stacked against you. I want young adults to see what’s possible when you are fully allowed to be yourself in a world that tells you to be anything but that.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
I moved to Easton in 2020 during the pandemic, so I am still exploring the city myself! I would take them for brunch at Blue Ridge Estate Vineyard and Winery. Although, it’s in The Poconos, the views are too gorgeous to miss. Then we would have dinner at Sette Lune in downtown Easton. I love their cozy vibe and outdoor seating in the spring and summer. Then we would go to 515 on Main St. in Bethlehem for some drinks and dancing. The next day we would take a walk on the Two Rivers Trail and the Arts Trail in Easton and take in some nature. Then we would spend the day ordering food from Nkasso in Allentown and maybe catch a movie a the Regal Theatre. This might sound boring to some, but to a mom who rarely gets out, this sounds like a dream!

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
It’s always so difficult to answer this question! I feel shaped by almost every relational experience in my life. This includes my current and former friends, coworkers, romantic partners, teachers/professors, and family members. But I would have to give the ultimate shoutout to my parents. In addition to always supporting me physically, financially, and emotionally, they set the foundation for me to think critically about any and everything. This allowed me to explore my true passions. I never felt pressured to pursue a career that didn’t feel aligned with my natural curiosities. They also fostered an entrepreneurial mindset, which has led me to where I am today; Owner of my very own practice. Last, but certainly not least, I want to dedicate this shoutout to my twin daughters. They encourage me to aim to be my favorite version of myself. I hope I encourage them to do the same.

Website: https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/therapists/aliya-kenyatta-easton-pa/824162

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/aliyakenyatta/

Image Credits
All photos were taken by me or one of my parents.