At EmpowHer, we are dedicated to highlighting the journeys of inspiring women who empower others through their unique experiences. We recently had the pleasure of interviewing Cynthia Luma, a holistic psychotherapist and relationship coach with 50 years of experience. Her profound understanding of human development and dedication to helping others navigate their personal and relational challenges is truly inspiring. Here is a glimpse into Cynthia's world and the invaluable wisdom she shared with us.

A Lifelong Passion for Human Development

Cynthia Luma’s journey into psychotherapy began as a young mother of four. Her fascination with her children's development sparked a deep interest in human behavior. This led her to teach parenting courses and attend a workshop on Transactional Analysis (TA), which profoundly impacted her. "I began to understand things about myself I had never understood, and actually, I had found my passion in life," she shared.

With continuous learning and training, Cynthia transitioned into a holistic psychotherapist and relationship coach, accumulating a wealth of knowledge and techniques to help her clients. “Currently, I'm a relationship coach and a psychotherapist, and it’s still my passion,” she said. Her diverse background enables her to offer a broad array of techniques and tools to those seeking to make positive changes in their lives.

The Role of Self-Discovery in Building a Business

Cynthia’s journey has always been intertwined with her self-discovery. She explained how understanding her struggles and limitations enabled her to help others more effectively. “It was my self-discovery that made me feel like, wow, this is unbelievable,” she noted. This dual process of learning for herself and teaching others has been a cornerstone of her approach.

Embracing Self-Compassion

A key theme in Cynthia’s work is self-compassion, especially for female entrepreneurs and mothers who often neglect their own needs. She emphasized the importance of recognizing and understanding one’s unconscious beliefs to foster self-acceptance. "How can you face yourself if you don't have compassion for yourself without setting yourself back?" she asked.

Cynthia’s own experiences have taught her the value of self-compassion. She shared a pivotal moment from her early career: "They asked us to say three good things about ourselves. I said I try to be a good partner, a Good Wife, a good mother. The leader asked why I said 'try,' and I realized I wasn't supposed to say good things about myself."

The Challenges of Mental Illness

Cynthia’s experience with her daughter’s severe mental illness provided deep insights into the complexities of mental health. Her daughter, who was diagnosed with schizophrenia and bipolar disorder, faced significant challenges. "There’s nothing more painful than having a family member who is severely mentally ill," Cynthia shared.

Despite these challenges, Cynthia never gave up hope. Her daughter’s journey from homelessness and estrangement to finding stability through the right medication and support is a testament to the importance of professional help. "The medication brought her down enough that she could think enough to call her mother and say, Mom, I need help. Will you help me?" Cynthia recounted.

Advice for Those Facing Mental Health Challenges

Cynthia’s advice for those dealing with mental health issues or supporting someone who is struggling is to seek support and not try to manage it alone. "Everybody needs support. It’s too much to do it alone," she stressed. She encouraged finding allies within the family and seeking professional help to gain a broader perspective and effective strategies for dealing with mental health challenges.

Authenticity and Empathy in Relationships

Cynthia’s openness about her imperfections and challenges enables her to connect deeply with her clients. She discussed the significance of showing up authentically in life and business. “It’s not about reaching a certain level of success in the outer world. It’s about daring to be yourself, to face yourself, get the help you need so you can be the best you you can be,” she emphasized.

Connecting with Cynthia Luma

For those interested in connecting with Cynthia, whether for support, mentorship, or to learn more about her holistic psychotherapy services, visit her website at Center For Inner Peace or Cynthia Luma. You can also reach out to her via text at the number provided on her website.

Cynthia Luma’s dedication to helping others through her experience in holistic psychotherapy is truly inspiring. Her journey of self-discovery, coupled with her professional insights, offers invaluable guidance for those struggling with personal and relational challenges. At EmpowHer, we celebrate Cynthia’s contributions and look forward to sharing more stories of women who are making a difference in their communities and beyond.