We had the good fortune of connecting with Dr. B. Nilaja Green,  and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Dr. Nilaja, what are you inspired by?

I am inspired by so much. As a clinical psychologist, I have a long standing interest in human behavior and how humans interact with each other and the world around them. As such, I am inspired by the ways that we construct and also live out stories in our lives. So much of our lives and our memories are in the forms of narratives. Although fundamentally, my role is as therapist to my clients, and I use a variety of skills geared towards healing trauma, I believe the essence of my work lies in helping clients to shift the narratives they have learned about themselves that are unhelpful. So, my clients inspire me, with their stories, their resilience and their courage.

I am also inspired by all kinds of art and in the pre COVID world, I would drag my spouse to the movies nearly every weekend. I love visual art, photography, dance, theatre, literature and when I have time off or am in a new city, you can find me wandering around museums, art galleries or independent theaters.

I am also inspired by how vast and amazing this world is. I love learning and know that there is so much I have yet to learn. I am excited to know that a new adventure lies around every corner and within every day.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
Standpoint Therapy and Organizational Consulting specializes in treating trauma in BIPOC persons, members of the LGBTQ+ community and veterans. Above and beyond the individual techniques I have learned to address mental health problems, I also understand that human beings exist in contexts that influence all aspects of their lives, including how and if they heal from mental disease. As such, I take a broader view towards my individual work and incorporate considerations of culture, identity and advocacy. I also truly believe in the resilience and healing capacity of all of the human beings I encounter and I strive to keep that at the forefront of my clinical encounters. The traditional medical model, towards which much of psychology strives, often does not recognize our patients as full human beings who already possess a capacity for creating meaning in their lives. In this model, doctors are experts and deficits are seen in patients before strengths. I push back against this stance. I also believe in the power of the authenticity of the therapist in the clinical encounter. We need to diligently connect to and develop this authenticity in ourselves because as we become more authentic and full human beings, I believe we do better work. I also provide training to corporations, colleges/universities and organizations and engage in boutique coaching work.

My journey has been anything but easy, especially as an only child coming from a low income background, losing my mother to cancer at the age of 15 and never knowing my father, but gratitude, a supportive community and belief in something greater has kept me going. Although I have only recently moved into full time business ownership, I have worked a demanding full time job for years and built my practice in my off hours (including working on Saturdays), while also engaging in community projects, hosting community events and trying to keep my creative side alive. So, I have not worked a 40 hour week in years and have not held only one job in years. In fact, maybe I have never worked a 40 hour week!

I have learned and I like to tell my clients that you are more than the worst thing that has ever happened to you, and the negative stories you have been told about yourself. You can create your own story and creating your own support system will help get you to where you want to go. Also know that “who you are” is not one thing, one decision, or one place in time. You are a dynamic, evolving being and because change is constant, you must be purposeful and intentional or you will live your life on autopilot. I tell my clients this because I have had to learn and live it for myself.

I have also recently launched tools to help therapists rewrite their own stories by taking better care of themselves, increasing self awareness and creating more effective therapy. Introspective Journal has been a labor of love and a result of years of my own practice of reflecting on my clinical work through writing, in community with other practitioners.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Although I am originally from New York, Atlanta really has a solid place in my heart. I really grew into adulthood here and there are so many ways that being here has given me a perspective and foundation that I would not have otherwise. When people come to town, we are definitely going to brunch at Folk Art, Flying Biscuit or South City Kitchen. We would do lunch probably at Ponce City Market and dinner at Twisted Soul or Poor Calvin’s. I would take them to Midtown Arts Cinema for the movies, stroll through Piedmont Park and also end up at the Atlanta Contemporary at some point. I would also likely try to grab a play at the Southwest Performing Arts Center or the Alliance and live poetry at one of my favorite coffee shops. We would also do some hiking at Sweetwater Park, and treat ourselves to amazing donuts at Revolution donuts. Also, since we are already in Decatur at Revolution, I would take them to Charis Books and more, my favorite feminist bookstore and finish the evening with a lovely glass of wine at Wahoo Grill.

I have tons of other places to offer, but I think that schedule could fill up a week!

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I am always in awe of my foremothers and forefathers. Thank you also to my spouse and friends who have become chosen family.

Website: www.standpointtherapyandconsulting.org

Linkedin: linkedin.com/in/drbnilaja

Other: www.introspectivejournal.com

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