I talked to Dr. Jesse Sanders at the All Black Midwest Bookfair at the Ohio History Center, 800 East 17^th Ave., Columbus, OH 43211

Tell me about the book.

This book is about giving people the permission to redefine their lives. To be redefined is to transform your life. We know that over sixty percent of people live with childhood trauma. We also live the life that we were conditioned to live. In growing up, a lot of time we are told what to do and how to do it. When we get older, we live the life we are told to live. We live what we learn to live. Who am I? I have two daughters. I tell my daughters, “At times life is not fair; but, we have to live our reality.” We have to create our doors. What doors do you desire to create? But, we have to know who we are first in order to create those doors. This book gives you permission to figure out who you are and to identify your emotions, rather negative or positive. If they are negative you have to live through those emotions, create some positive emotions; then, create those positive doors. You are never too old to create the doors that you desire to create. This book gives you permission to become that trailblazer.

Why did you write the book?

I wrote the book because I have a lot of clients. I tell people, I am not the therapist for everybody. The reason that I am not is, if you are not ready to take on the journey to create that life, then I am not the therapist for you. I have a lot of clients that have come to me and said, “I’m not crazy; so, I’m not sure if I want a therapist.” I tell people, “Therapy does not mean that you are crazy.” Therapy is a partnership. I am partnering with you for your journey, to help you navigate through your journey. I had clients ask if I thought about writing a book. Then, I started thinking about it. Our community needs this type of book. People need to know they can be a trailblazer. In our culture, think about it. We talk about it a lot; but, are you ready to become an action player? A lot of people are not ready to become that action player. I have become a trailblazer and started to create other trailblazers in my culture and community. You become a trailblazer and start to create other trailblazers in your community. It becomes a trickle down effect. We need people that are ready to become action players and not just talkers.

Are you a therapist?

I have my Ph.D. I am a mental therapist. I am a public speaker.

Is there anything that I didn’t ask you that you think I should have asked you? If so, go ahead and answer that question.

What sets me apart from other therapists? I am a redefining mental health therapist. I am not going to tell you what you want to hear. I am going to tell you what you need to hear. A lot of therapists will not do that. That is why I say, “I am not the therapist for everybody.” When you leave from my sessions, I want you to have those thought-provoking moments. Those challenging moments within yourself. After you have screamed, hollered, and spit; once you get up, you can say, “What do I want to do differently?” We all have emotions, that is part of being human. Whether you have confused, angry, hurt, etc., once you get through those emotions, what am I going to do now? We all need to have a redefining journey.

Sidebar: Not “screamed, hollered, and spit!” Ha!