Kindred Spirit

Optimal Coaching

As Kindred Spirit continues our journey to revolutionize Black mental health, we’re opening our doors to therapists who share our passion for culturally specific psychological care through a virtual four-part accreditation series called Kindred Optimal.

Kindred Optimal is an immersive coaching experience led by KSBH’s Dr. Tania S. Lodge based on the groundbreaking research of Dr. Linda James Myers’ Optimal Conception Theory (OCT). OCT prioritizes an African-centered worldview in therapeutic care through culturally sensitive techniques that consider the impact of systemic racism.

In 4 modules, practitioners will learn:

How to reduce cognitive dissonance in patients
African-centered therapy practices
How to raise patients’ societal consciousness

Are you a mental health practitioner passionate about culturally specific care?

Kindred Optimal offers a one-of-a-kind accreditation that equips practitioners with a framework for culturally informed treatment.

Module 1 : Development & Awareness

Practitioners must be able to identify how systemic oppression contributes to their biases or worldview. In the first session, we’ll tackle the self-fulfilling prophecies of indoctrination and internalized racism, apply them to our own lived experience, and uncover how these ideas show up in the world of psychology.

Participants focus on:

Self-examination and self-criticism
Evaluation of academic training
Internalized bias

What to Expect

Kindred Optimal provides a space for practitioners to develop through coaching and support from professionals in the field.

Our coaching experience is designed for any practitioner, regardless of race or ethnicity, who is interested in applying culturally competent care to their clients.

Each cohort of trainees gains not only evidence-based techniques and strategies, but also access to a community of fellow like-minded colleagues.

Each session is virtual with access to recordings post-session
Participants gain a certification in Optimal Conception Theory
After the course, participants enter a consultation phase with opportunities to discuss cases, garner support, and receive personal supervision.

Meet the Coaches.

Kindred Spirit co-founder and CEO Dr. Tania Lodge leads the team as an African-centered clinical and forensic psychologist. Joining Dr. Lodge are co-instructors Karla McDay and Dr. Linda James Myers.

Tania Lodge, PHD

Dr. Tania S. Lodge is a licensed clinical psychologist specializing in culturally specific mental health services for individuals, couples, and families. As the founder and Chief Executive Officer of Kindred Spirit Behavioral Health (KSBH) and Chair of the Ohio Chapter of the Association of Black Psychologists, Dr. Lodge spearheads the development of revolutionary techniques, successfully advancing the application of culturally centered theories and therapeutic approaches.

Dr. Linda James Myers is an internationally recognized thought leader, author, and scholar whose Africological perspective in the production of psychological knowledge places the wisdom tradition of African deep thought at the forefront of the paradigm shift supported by contemporary science. Without her research, which helped create and solidify Optimal Conceptual Theory as a legitimate framework, we would not have this program. We honor her through our work.

Dr. Linda James Myers

How to Sign Up

Step into a transformative journey that will expand your impact, deepen your cultural insight, and strengthen your practice as a healer. Secure your spot in this powerful 4-month cohort and invest in the growth your clients—and you—deserve.

Contact info@kindredspiritbh.org for information on pricing and dates for the next cohort.