Wounded Healer (2024) Movie Script
1
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["Baby Maybe Someday"
by Sensitive Detective]
Circumstances have changed
Things will never
Be the same again
God knows that we've tried
And we lied
Through our teeth
By the light of day
We'll be far away
From here
Don't leave a note
Just grab your coat
We'll learn to fly
Or sail a boat
Baby, maybe someday
Baby, maybe someday
[birds chirping]
[grunts, inhales sharply]
[exhales]
[glass slams down]
[sighs]
-[knocking]
-Mama! Come on, I don't wanna
be late for school again.
I'm coming.
Just make sure your brother's
up for me, please.
What? Mama, I'm not his mama.
Time to save the world, Doc.
[phone pings]
[scoffs]
Good morning, my loves.
Good morning, Mama.
Little girl.
-I said good morning.
-Hey.
Can we please go now?
I'm not trying to be the last
person in Mr. Berry's class.
It's embarrassing.
Can you be quiet?
You're making me lose my game.
It's not my fault you suck.
You too old to be
playing that game anyways.
Anyways, can we please
move back to North Carolina?
I miss my old friends,
and I just don't like Atlanta.
Absolutely not.
This is our home now.
Let's go.
You're such a baby.
All right, you guys.
You all buckled in?
Oh, my God. I swear you guys
are obsessed with those phones.
She's the same with her laptop.
You know she can hear you,
right?
Hey, guys, you know, maybe we'll
go to the aquarium this weekend.
You know,
it's only five miles from here.
Don't get your hopes up.
She gonna be taking notes
all weekend.
Hey. I heard that.
She can't whisper.
[sighs] Look, guys, I know
I've been working a lot.
But I promise this weekend
we're gonna spend some time
together, okay?
No phones, no tablets,
no distractions.
Yeah, okay.
-[R&B song on radio]
-Hey, you guys remember
this song?
[exclaims]
[giggles]
[sighs]
[gentle music]
[indistinct chatter]
[sighs]
[exhales]
[exhales]
-[crinkling]
-[sighs]
[knocking at door]
[chuckles] Let me guess.
You weren't sleeping,
you were praying?
-No, I-- I was meditating.
-It doesn't matter.
I got a million meetings
this morning.
-Oh, sorry, sorry, sorry.
-[music stops]
Okay. [clears throat]
Manda, is there something
you wanna tell me?
What? No, I just have
some coffee jitters.
Never had too much
caffeine before?
Manda...
I mean, come on.
Look, you're a therapist.
Let's explore
the deeper meaning here.
Deeper meaning of what?
Okay.
Uh, the meditation music,
the stress ball thingy.
God, the overflowing
garbage can of coffee cups.
You know what?
Let's get right down to it.
The late notes for billing.
Okay?
You know, the other therapists,
they're-- they--
The-- the company is
gonna be making some
adjustments soon, okay?
And you're a great therapist,
Manda, but...
it just-- it seems... [sighs]
as though you are experiencing
what we in the biz call
"burnout."
Burnout?
I know what burnout is.
I'm not experiencing that.
I've been with
this company for five years.
Actually, I was up for your job
before you even got here.
Okay, hey, you know, let's just
take it down a notch, okay?
Calm down. No need to go
all Angela Davis on me, okay?
I'm here to support you.
You know, I know
you're a single mama still
building your career.
It's hard out here, kiddo.
Unfortunately, you won't be
getting a raise this year.
But you know what?
You keep trying. Next year...
I'm gonna email you a list
of improvements you can make.
Mama, you don't look so good.
Are you okay?
Uh...
-You have no couth.
-Spell it.
-C-O-U-T--
-[Manda] Hey, hey.
That's enough.
I'm fine.
Okay? Uh, homework folders.
On the table.
It's time for bed, okay?
OMG, Daddy, I'm so excited.
Mom and I picked out
the perfect dress
for Daddy-Daughter Dance
this weekend.
I miss you so much.
I can't wait to see you.
Ah, I miss you, too, baby.
Hey, you know
I love you, right?
Yeah, I know.
So, I gotta leave
out of town again this weekend.
You know I'd be there
if I could.
You say that every time.
Is that Ainsworth back there?
-Yeah.
-What's up, son?
[Ainsworth] Hey.
-[beeping]
-I know you're really
busy, Dad.
So what about
the week after next?
Can you come to Atlanta
to see us then?
Another call is coming through.
Hey, look, let me, uh--
let me check my schedule
and I'll get back to you, okay?
I'll call you later.
[phone beeps]
People just think
they can run over me.
And then when I take up
for myself, I'm the problem.
I'm tired of it.
-How tired are you?
-What do you mean?
I'm tired. I'm over it.
Okay, but we've had
this conversation before
about how people
only do what we allow.
About being assertive,
but not aggressive. Assertive.
Oh, trust me, I am not going
to let them label me
as the angry Black woman
at work.
-[sighs]
-You know, it sucks,
doesn't it?
Being labeled
the angry Black woman...
-Oh, my God!
-...and being misunderstood.
Oh, my God.
Yes, exactly, girl!
[laughs] I'm sorry.
It's just--
it's like I'm talking
to one of my homegirls.
You understand me. You relate.
More than you know.
So... same time next week?
Yes. I am not missing my weekly
session for nothing or nobody.
[both laughing]
All right, well, see you, girl.
[exhales] Sorry, I just...
I had a million and one things
to do, I couldn't wait for you.
I'm a little bit winded,
I'm-- [clears throat]
I'm gonna sit for a sec, but...
[exhales]
I gotta go pick the babies up.
On a session because...
[panting]
[exhales]
I'm sorry. [clears throat]
-I'm sorry. Just out of nowhere,
my chest is really tight.
-[heart beating]
[exhales]
Manda, you're experiencing
burnout.
I'm not burnt out.
I don't have a choice.
I-- I have to keep going.
Manda, breathe.
See, this is what I'm talking
about. You're doing too much.
No, if I had help,
if their father was here,
I would take a break,
but I can't.
[panting]
Manda.
[Manda]
Something's happening.
-No, I can't see.
-What do you mean
you can't see?
Okay.
I'll be right there, Manda.
[panting]
Babe?
I mean, she does have a point.
I'm not doing that.
You should at least
consider it, Manda.
Damon and I will help you out
with the kids.
Everything happens for a reason.
Okay, but I'm not taking
that much time off of work.
Like, I get that she's a doctor,
but I just can't.
-I can't with her.
-Burnout is real.
Stress kills, Manda.
I get that you're
trying to help me. I do.
But the truth is that
you have a husband. I don't.
You have help and I don't.
I have two kids with mouths
I have to feed.
Yeah, and your kids need you.
Your Crohn's disease
flareups are back.
Pride comes before a fall.
I mean, how can you talk to
your patients about self-care
and you don't even
take care of yourself?
At least accept John's offer.
The short-term disability
payments will help.
Plus, now you can start coming
to the group therapy session.
They won't even cover
half my bills.
I mean,
you could always downsize.
-Absolutely not.
-[chuckles]
I can't believe she really
wants to start me on
the medication fusions again.
And she wants me
to go to therapy.
Sounds about right.
You know, if John knew about
this, he'd have a field day.
He's been trying to stop
my promotion for the longest,
so this is just great.
Okay, Manda.
You are my best friend,
and I want you here, healthy.
I need you.
Your kids need you.
But most importantly, you.
You need you, Manda.
All right.
[whooshing]
[indistinct shouting]
[man] Don't!
Don't you touch that phone.
Unless you want a whoopin'.
Now go back to bed.
[man]
Why'd you make me do this, huh?
Why'd you make me
do this to you? Huh?
[woman] I didn't make
you do this to me.
-Baby, call 911--
-[man] Shut up!
Can you believe you did this?
You feel okay?
Just breathe. Relax.
You gonna be okay. [chuckles]
Hello, hello!
-Hey, Dr. Francis!
-[Dr. Francis] Well! Hi!
So welcome to
the Wounded Healer Group.
We're gonna go over the group
rules and then introductions.
Okay? So, does anybody have any
updates from our last session?
I just found out that
one of my clients overdosed.
She was doing so good.
I don't understand
what happened.
-I'm sorry.
-[Dr. Francis] So sorry.
-Ugh, that's horrible.
-[Dr. Francis] That's tough.
I'm ready to start
my own private practice.
It's time to do something
different. I'm tired of working
at the community agency.
I can make
way more money on my own.
These student loans
are killing me.
-Yeah.
-[Dr. Francis] I understand.
Manda.
Oh, sorry.
I-- it's just my job.
I got this new supervisor
who's determined to
keep me out of the loop.
-I gotta send this--
-Well, they're keeping you
out of the loop
because they don't
want you in it.
But we want you here.
Yes, we do.
So, I'm-- I'm Manda.
I am a PhD, uh, LPC, CC--
But who are you?
Not your credentials.
Oh, um... right.
Um, so I'm Manda.
I already said that. Um...
I'm originally
from North Carolina.
I moved here, it's been about
five years with my two children.
And, um... yeah! [chuckles]
Welcome to Wounded Healers,
Manda.
Thank you.
I'm sorry. This is just,
you know, my first time.
I haven't been to therapy
since college,
so this is my first time
on the other side of the table.
[giggles nervously]
Seriously, though, um,
I-- I run a state-mandated
therapy group.
She's used to being
in charge, y'all.
[all chuckling]
It was hard for me, too.
You know, making the transition
from therapist to client.
-But it changed my life.
-Yeah. Mine, too.
You know, I'm used to--
you know, it helps me
to be a better therapist.
I can relate to my clients
way more, 'cause most of the
stuff that they've been through,
I'm either experiencing it,
or I, you know, have
experienced it at some point.
I can understand that, but...
I don't like the idea
of my clients thinking
that I'm crazy too.
-You know we are not supposed
to say the word "crazy."
-[Dr. Francis] Thank you.
[male counselor]
Okay, okay. I got it.
I'm just saying, I don't
want my clients thinking
I won't be effective because
of my own stuff. You know?
I understand that,
but that's why we're here,
right?
So that we can
lean on each other,
we can talk about things.
This is an open forum.
And as you tell your clients,
you're safe here.
-[Manda exhales]
-[Dr. Francis]
Let's take a breath.
-Rule number one. All right?
-Okay. [clears throat]
Does somebody have a pen?
[chuckles]
-[sighs]
-Bye, Rayon.
So, what'd you think
about the group?
-Uh, it was better
than I expected.
-Yeah?
You know, I just--
I was just really anxious.
It just felt like
every time I was talking,
the spotlight was on me.
That's because,
technically, it is. [laughs]
For that moment,
it's all about you.
You get to share how you feel.
Well, now I know
how my clients feel.
-Mm-hmm.
-I don't know, I'm gonna have to
be a little bit more lenient
in my sessions, because...
this was a lot.
-[both laughing]
-Told you.
You did.
-I'm glad you came, though.
-I am too.
-[somber music]
-[machine beeping]
[man] Come on, baby girl.
You need to wake up now.
She'll wake up
when she wanna wake up.
Well, she need to wake up now.
This is costing a lot of money.
-[woman] You talking
about the money?
-[man] Yes, I am.
Do you see my baby's
in the hospital?
-Yes. She my baby, too.
-Then act like it.
[sighs] Come on, baby girl.
Wake up.
-Leave her alone.
-[man sighs]
Look...
we can't afford for her
to stay in here another day.
I ain't thinking about
no damn money right now.
[man]
I ain't giving you no money.
-[woman] Something
from the cafeteria.
-[man] Matter of fact,
she need to get up
out of this bed anyway.
-[woman] Oh, my God.
-Daddy?
What are you doing here?
You're better now.
We gotta get you home,
get some weight on you.
-But what the doctor say?
-[man] Come on, now.
-Earl, just wait.
-No!
She-- she better now.
-She might need a wheelchair.
-Nah. No.
She can do it.
Come on, baby girl.
[woman] Take your time.
Let me know if it hurt, okay?
[Earl] Push. Push through it.
-Come on. Don't give up.
-Don't push her.
Take your time, okay?
-Take your time.
-Push through it.
Come on. One good push.
-There you go. Come on.
-Take your time.
[Earl]
It's just a little pain.
Push through it.
I know it hurts.
You gonna be all right.
That's my girl. That's my girl.
All right,
so let's talk codependency.
Have you felt the need
to be there for people,
or everybody around you?
Yeah? Yeah.
Do you have resentment because
you give yourself to everybody
with very little in return?
Yeah. Codependency.
So how's it shown up
in your life?
I think, um...
I think codependency showed up
in my life as a child.
I, for whatever reason, felt
the need to protect everyone.
And it started with my mother.
And...
I have nightmares
to this very day because of it.
[exhales shakily]
Yes. Just breathe.
And if you don't mind sharing
more about those nightmares?
Well, there's, um--
there's always a little girl,
and she's watching
her parents fight violently.
Well, who is the little girl?
Who is she?
She's me.
I'm the little girl. I--
You know, growing up...
[sighs] my parents
used to fight all the time,
but then there was
one time where...
I came in the room and my father
was choking my mother.
She was screaming
for me to-- to save her.
And I just, um--
I just froze up.
Well, you know,
unresolved childhood trauma
lingers to adulthood.
So how are you
dealing with that now?
Uh, well...
I guess I just, um...
I compensate for it
by doing for others,
by making sure
others can depend on me,
and doing everything
I can for them
and just neglecting
my own health.
My own mental health
has suffered, and...
I don't take time for me,
and now I sound like
my clients...
[laughs]
who come into my office.
You know, we work so hard
to help our clients heal,
but we have a lot of
healing to do within, too.
Uh, Dr. Francis, uh,
I was just wondering if I could
maybe schedule some one-on-one
appointments with you.
I've been waiting for you
to ask me that.
[chuckles] But I'm only
taking motivated clients now.
As you know, the group sessions
can only do so much.
Those individual sessions,
we can go a lot deeper. Right?
But are you ready?
I think so. [laughs]
Um, yes. I am ready.
Let's do it.
[Dr. Francis] All right.
Well, call the office
and set up an appointment
for next week. Okay?
-Okay!
-All right?
-Thank you, Dr. Francis.
-Absolutely.
I'm looking forward to it.
You take care.
[Dr. Francis]
Ten years in the field, huh?
[Manda]
Yeah. Yeah, I've dedicated
my life to helping people.
[Dr. Francis] Okay. Well,
what I didn't hear is that
you love to help people.
[Manda] I do!
You know? It's just, um...
I'm exhausted.
[Dr. Francis]
Well, therapists become
exhausted of helping people
when they're doing too much.
And there are
no boundaries being set.
Manda, what are you doing
for self-care?
You know, what
I tell my clients to do.
Journaling, meditating.
I work out whenever
I have the chance.
Well, we gotta take it back
to the very beginning.
And tell me about
your childhood, parents.
-Not my childhood.
-Yeah.
-I don't wanna go back there.
-You know the drill.
Um, childhood was...
it was rough.
My parents, they violently
fought all the time.
Mmm.
And then I practically
co-parented with my mother.
I helped raise my brothers.
Where was your father?
You know, he was in and out.
You know, he was there
and he wasn't there,
if you know what I mean.
No. Explain.
He was there when he absolutely
had to be, but...
he wasn't there to protect me
from certain situations.
Certain situations?
Delve into that more.
Um...
so, you know, I witnessed
domestic violence growing up,
and then I ended up
in the exact same situation.
It's, um...
it's hard for me
to admit this...
and sometimes
I question it myself.
-[tense music]
-[baby gurgling]
Who you texting?
Oh, my God!
We're just roommates.
I don't bother you about
where you've been all day,
so don't bother me.
You got my baby,
so you belong to me.
Don't even play like that.
Me and the baby are just
here for another week,
and then we'll have
our own apartment.
You're not taking
my baby nowhere.
You ain't going
nowhere either.
So let's just say I, uh...
I moved out of his house...
[exhales]
pregnant with my daughter.
Two kids...
19 years old,
and a high school dropout.
Look, Ronald, okay,
we've been doing really good
the past few weeks.
Okay? Look, I appreciate
you and your dad
letting me and the baby
stay here, and...
[Ronald] I don't care
about none of that.
-No, please--
-I don't care about that.
-We're just supposed
to be co-parenting.
-We're supposed to be a family.
[Manda] Stop! Stop!
I said stop. Please!
So what you just described
was partner rape.
I mean, I guess, but...
I don't like to use that word.
I'm nobody's victim,
Dr. Francis.
You know,
that embarrasses me.
I mean, I understand, but it
wasn't your fault, you know?
You don't have to be-- don't
have to feel embarrassed by it.
But I'm glad
you're talking about it now.
I mean, but the embarrassment
that comes from--
when you're in a situation
like that, Dr. Francis,
-you feel powerless.
-Mm-hmm.
Well, I felt powerless.
I felt like
he took everything from me.
And when somebody
takes your body...
it's like they take your life.
which explains the anxiety.
The mistrust of others.
And lack of security.
[Manda sniffles]
-Yep.
-Yeah.
I suppose. [sniffles]
Would you like to explore
this trauma a little further?
And, Manda,
it's not going to be easy.
But I think with
cognitive behavioral therapy...
we can definitely reach the goal
that you're looking to reach.
[Manda sniffles]
This is great.
I will, um-- I'll call you
to get on your schedule.
-I appreciate you.
-Make sure you do that.
-Yeah.
-Okay.
Have a good one.
[music on TV]
[laughing]
[laughing]
You had a rough day?
[sniffles] No, fine.
Hey. Talk to me.
Mom...
why doesn't he love me?
I feel like maybe since
we live so far away, um,
he doesn't wanna see me,
but... [sniffles]
maybe if we lived close by,
he would wanna hang out more.
Here you go again,
crying over that man.
He don't care.
You think Atlanta's
far from North Carolina?
Man,
his whole family lives here.
He comes here all the time.
-Honey, that is enough.
-You know how many
games he's missed?
How many times I've needed
someone to talk to
and he wasn't there?
All we have is Mama.
I'm so sorry.
I'm sorry. But...
I'll always be here for you.
I love you.
Mmm.
I got you.
[phone buzzing]
Manda speaking.
Manda. Hey, it's John.
Um, is this a good time?
Yeah, sure. It's a good time.
How's everything going?
Um, you know.
I, uh-- [stammering]
I got some--
I got some good news
and some-- and some bad news.
Um...
okay, well, good news first.
Right, yeah.
No, um, the good news is your
clients are doing wonderful.
Yeah, they've, um,
really transitioned well
to their new therapist.
Oh, okay.
Yeah, I knew they would.
My clients are highly motivated
and I more than encouraged them
to continue to do the work
with the new therapist
until I returned.
Yes. No, they, um--
their-- their new therapist said
they're doing really well,
making a lot of progress, so...
Why do you keep saying
new therapist?
Um... look, Manda.
Come on, let's--
let's be honest here.
It's just, um, not a good fit.
I-- I don't understand.
What--
what is it-- what is it
that you're saying?
Manda, I'm really sorry.
Um, we are gonna have
to let you go.
Uh, yeah, we certainly
wish you the best,
uh, and hope
you continue to focus
on your own mental health.
-Uh--
-[scoffs]
[phone beeps]
-[Dr. Francis] Whenever
you're ready, I'm here.
-[Manda sniffles]
[Manda]
I'm sorry, I guess--
I'm just shocked.
And just, thank you
for squeezing me in.
I didn't want my kids
to see me-- [clears throat]
see me like this. [sniffles]
Tell me what happened, Manda.
They fired me.
After everything I've done
for that company, they just...
they fired me.
[sniffles]
I'm very sorry. I really am.
You mentioned shocked.
Were you thinking
of a different outcome?
Yeah. I mean, I don't know.
I just--
I don't know what I expected.
I just didn't expect this.
-[sniffles]
-Breathe. Breathe through it.
[exhales]
I think I just thought
that if I did the work--
you know, that by me coming
here, by me working at it,
that I would be able
to go back to work.
It wasn't supposed to
just end like this.
I understand your frustration.
But there's a saying:
"Every ending
is a new beginning."
And you gotta ask yourself,
"What is it that I want
to do besides counseling?"
Think about that.
There's something inside
of you
that will open up
an entire new world for you.
You gotta tap into it.
-You're right.
-You got it.
["Jell-O" by Egozi]
Somewhere on the scene
It got a little longer
So it seems
I burned out, so to speak
Now come a little closer
I feel a little lie
In the lie track
I felt a bit of bad
But I came back
There's still a little light
In the light crack
Still a bit of good,
So good
And I know just what to say
What to do
And I know just what to do
Do, do, do
And I'm so sick of pain
Well, dang!
All right, look.
It's my new book cover.
-I like it.
-You do?
Do you see how they did,
like, the little--
the little jewel here?
And then I wanted to give,
like, this bold--
Mom, I gotta go
call my friend Hannah.
Wait! Okay. Dang.
No, I'm happy you have
new friends.
Yeah. Finally.
But I do miss my friends
in North Carolina.
Yeah, but, babe,
life is about evolving.
Okay?
We're making changes every day.
You know, before you know it,
you're gonna be in college,
and making even more
new friends.
College? No, I'm way
too young for that.
Yeah, I actually don't wanna
think about that either.
[laughs]
Um, you know, there is something
that I wanna talk to you about.
Mama, I said I'm okay.
We talked. We had this
conversation with Dr. Francis.
Right?
I'm not mad or angry at you.
Actually, I'm proud of you.
-Proud of me?
-Yeah.
-Really?
-Even though Daddy
did that to you,
you still went back to school
and took care of
me and Ainsworth.
Right? You never made me
feel like I was a mistake.
That's because
you're not a mistake.
You are literally
one of the best things,
one of the best blessings
that has ever happened to me.
Now, if I had to do it
all over again...
I would.
Just so that I could
end up with you.
-I love you.
-I love you, too.
Mmm.
See? I told you therapy
was going to change your life.
Yeah, it's changed
my life drastically.
You know,
I feel like I'm meeting myself
for the first time ever.
-So you're really done, huh?
-Yes.
I am done with
traditional therapy.
But I think the beauty
of being a counselor
is that we can operate
from so many arenas.
Politics, public policies,
or corrections, or...
-You could do something in
the entertainment industry.
-Yes!
I could see you now on
one of those reality TV shows
where celebrities come
to meet with you and stuff.
-[chuckling]
-I-- that's not really
what I'm aiming for.
Oh, no? Okay. Well, at least
you're free from the paperwork.
And you get to
write what you love.
And you get to get
your hair and makeup done
every day before you film.
-That sounds exciting.
-Yeah, you know, I suppose
that's the fun part.
[both giggling]
So how do your kids
feel about all the change?
They love it. You know, I think
it's really bringing us closer.
Aw, I'm so proud of you!
You've come a long way.
And your book is gonna
inspire so many people.
-Aww.
-And for that,
drinks and dinner
are on me tonight.
-[both chuckle]
-Yes, girl. I know.
I'm the best.
You don't have to say it,
but...
-I love you lots.
-I love you, too.
Okay, but it's my truth.
I can share whatever I want to.
People share
their stories all the time.
I'm not the first person.
And you won't be the last.
I'm thinking about
writing a book, too.
People think our lives
are so perfect because
we're therapists.
Actually, guys, there's nothing
wrong with sharing your truth.
-Right!
-Right? However, we have
to be prepared,
mentally and emotionally,
for the outcome.
Well, I think you're brave.
I mean, you address
so much in the book.
Sexual abuse, single parenting,
living with Crohn's disease,
witnessing domestic violence
as a child. Like, that's deep.
Ain't no way. If I ever
told my family's business,
they would disown me forever.
Yeah, well, my family,
they're in North Carolina.
My life is here.
So if they wanna disown me...
so be it.
Okay, this-- this segment
is gonna be about--
this segment...
[phone buzzing]
[sighs]
-Hey, Javon.
-Sis. Where you been at?
-I been trying to call you.
-[indistinct chatter]
What is going on?
What is all that noise
in the background?
Um... [sniffles]
They found Grandma.
She's gone.
What do you mean, she's gone?
No, look, I know--
I know, um...
[sniffles] Yeah, it's...
I can't believe
both of 'em gone right now.
What happened to her?
Mama having a hard time with
this. You need to be down here.
Ain't you some
type of counselor?
-I am.
-[Javon] Look, look.
It's-- it's getting crazy
over here. I'ma just--
I'ma just go get a drink,
a'ight?
[brother] Me too, bro.
Roll the blunt up.
[tense music]
[mother sniffling] Manda.
I just need you to
get on down here, okay?
[exhales shakily]
These people done gave me
all this paperwork stuff.
I just need your help.
I-- I can't believe
that they gone.
[sniffles]
And everybody wanna argue
and fight about everything.
Can you please just--
just come down here
and help me with this, okay?
Yo! Is that my little
niece and nephew?
Y'all done got so big.
Oh, they have.
It's been a minute.
How y'all doin'?
Lil' sis. What's going on?
[Manda] Ah, what--
where y'all going?
Gosh, mom.
We're gonna make a video.
I'm bored.
[Ainsworth]
Yeah, it's way too hot out here.
I'm going in to play my game.
[Manda] Okay,
but you guys stay together,
and just make sure your phones
are charged this week.
Wow.
You still dressing your kids
like white folks, I see.
-[chuckles]
-I don't get why you think
you're so much better than us.
Hey, she from little
Shel Town too, y'all!
Okay, yes, I'm from here,
but that doesn't mean that
I have to act like it.
Okay. The problem is...
you didn't have to struggle
like me and Javon did.
In them foster homes,
in them prisons.
You didn't have to sell drugs
to survive when we was kids.
-Okay,
you didn't have to sell drugs.
-Would you just chill, bruh?
Like, just wait till
we get the house, man.
Look, all you did was
sit at home, reading books,
playing with them
little baby dolls, and then...
you just appeared pregnant.
So I went to school.
I have a full-time job.
I don't have help.
I'm not on government
assistance anymore.
I have no child support help,
and certainly no family help.
[sighs]
Look, sis. Hey, hey.
Don't even worry about him,
a'ight?
You know how he gets,
especially right now.
No! He probably just wants
to be high. Like always.
No, this is why
I don't come around.
Just don't go back
to Atlanta yet, a'ight?
We got a meeting
with the lawyer at, like,
-eight in the morning tomorrow.
-Okay, that's not my problem.
-What you mean,
it's not your problem?
-It's not my problem.
Sis. Sis, you gonna
be there, right?
You just gonna
leave your family hanging?
[scoffing]
Hello, everyone.
My name is Derek Evans.
I'm an estate attorney.
Uh, your grandparents
and my grandparents
were childhood friends.
Now, my family sends
their condolences.
I'm volunteering my services
for the next 30 days
to assist in saving the home
from foreclosure.
Unfortunately, this happens too
often to too many of our people.
Wait, wait. Foreclosure?
No, no.
What you mean, foreclosure?
According to
the document here,
there haven't been any payments
made on the home
in almost 24 months.
Okay, there has to be a mistake.
That can't be right.
You know, they were always
on top of their bills.
They had great credit until...
Well, I understand,
but as you can see,
the mortgage company
hasn't received a single payment
in almost 24 months.
The numbers don't lie.
Okay, so who was in charge
of the finances?
[man] Man,
this don't make no sense.
[overlapping arguing]
Y'all likely to blame me
for this.
-[arguing continues]
-Everybody, shut up!
Hey! Hey, everybody!
Everybody, shut up!
-Shut up! Really?
-[arguing stops]
Hey. I mean, didn't you
just write a tell-all book
about all of us?
[woman] Yep. That part.
And if you care so much,
why don't you just pay off
the money for the house?
Well, if it is my understanding,
Miss Manda is a Georgia
resident. Is that so?
Yes. I've been a Georgia
resident for five years now.
Okay,
so according to estate laws,
the successor of interest must
be a North Carolina resident.
So then why don't you
pay off the house then, Bianca?
Save the house.
You know, matter of fact,
weren't you the one who
had access to their accounts?
Okay, listen.
The bank is willing to do
what is called
"loss mitigation"
if a family member
is willing to step up
and complete
the probate process
and become an estate
representative assigned
by a probate judge.
Okay, let me put it this way.
Someone needs to
step up immediately,
get all the signatures
of the deceased's children
and the heirs of the deceased,
file a court date to meet with
the probate judge so that way
this person's name can be
added as a representative.
This means you'll be able
to sign for payments,
make transitions at the bank
under your grandparents' name,
and most importantly,
the mortgage company will speak
with you regarding payments due,
possibly set up a payment plan.
Nah. I don't think we ought to
mess with this house like that.
It's almost $15,000
behind on payments.
I mean, have y'all seen
this house?
It's in bad shape.
It's gonna cost an arm and a leg
just to do the remodeling.
I mean,
and Daddy wouldn't let us do
no fixing up on it for years.
Ah, that's too much work.
Just let it go back.
Ain't nobody got
that kind of money for that.
And I ain't signing nothing.
So y'all are really gonna
let them take our grandparents'
house?
Like, really?
You know, after Mawmaw,
she worked in cotton fields.
And Pawpaw worked for 31 years.
Thirty-one years!
They paid for that house
cleaning toilets
and scrubbing floors.
They paid off their house,
but they refinanced it.
For what?
For air conditioning units.
For new cars.
So that y'all
can buy y'all houses.
They paid for that house
three or four times.
And y'all are just gonna
let them take the only thing
that they left behind?
I can't stand y'all.
Dr. Francis speaking.
How may I help you?
My grandparents' home
is in foreclosure.
Okay, the only way I could save
the house is if I was
a North Carolina resident,
and I can't just move back
to North Carolina.
That wouldn't be
fair to my kids.
Well, hello.
I'm doing very well.
Thank you so much for asking.
I'm sorry, Dr. Francis.
Mm-hmm.
Now, you're absolutely right.
It would be unfair
to your children.
Is it also unfair to ask
yourself to do such a thing?
I'm doing it again, huh?
Listen, everyone makes
choices in life, Manda,
and you are not and have
never been responsible
for the outcomes.
Not even those
of your grandparents.
You know, it's like
the little girl in me
is tired of having
to be responsible, but...
you know, it's still just
a little hard to just let go.
[laughs]
Remember your boundaries.
[Manda] I know.
You're right. As always.
So I think
I'll head back to the hotel
and just pack up my stuff.
-[laughing] What?
-Yes!
Hotel, no, ma'am.
Why aren't you
with your family?
Avoiding the book
conversation?
No, I'm cutting the cord
for good this time.
There's some pretty intense
things in that book.
This might be a perfect
opportunity to work through
some of those things
with your family.
Right. I really, really, really,
really do not want to.
And you don't have to.
But you will at some point.
It's either now or later.
You choose.
You have more power and control
than you allow yourself
to believe.
Manda, own your truth.
Hey, Mama. What you doing?
[sniffles]
What am I doing?
The question is,
what are you doing?
I read your little book.
I can't believe you
put that stuff about me.
I mean, why didn't you
just write about you?
Lord knows what
the people in church gonna be
thinking about me now.
Okay, so you're worried
about the wrong things, Mama.
Did you even
read the whole book?
I mean, I ain't read
the whole book yet, but I read
the first chapter.
Now everybody gonna be staring
at my earlobes,
knowing your daddy
snatched my earring out.
I mean, Jesus, Manda!
Family business
is family business.
You don't go out and write
a whole book about our business
and share it with World.
Do you even know what
I went through as a child, Mama?
It was a lot.
I'm in therapy now.
Listen, girl,
everybody goes through
stuff in life, all right?
Do you understand that
my mama and daddy is dead?
That we about to
lose this house?
You need to be grateful
that I'm still here.
You know,
I don't even know why I expect
anything different from you.
You know, I guess
I thought that since
I've been gone for so long
that maybe, I don't know,
you would have time to look at
things from my perspective
and maybe... apologize.
-[scoffs] Apologize?
-Yes.
Girl, ain't nobody
did nothing to you.
See, 'cause I had to give up
my job just to take care
of you and your brothers.
But what did
your daddy do, huh?
-'Cause you just praise him.
-No, I don't.
I'm gonna ask you this, then.
Did your daddy stop working
for you when you got sick?
See, again,
I had to give up my job
just to take care of you.
But you ain't put that
in your little funky
little book, now, did you?
Actually, I did.
Why do you act like I owe you
for being a mother to me?
-Owe me?
-Yes!
You act like I owe you!
You know, Mom,
I'm sorry that I got sick.
I really am. You know,
I wish I didn't. I wish--
sometimes I wish I wasn't even
born because you act like--
like I'm a burden to you.
Did I ruin your life, Mom?
Ruin your life plans?
Listen...
I ain't got time
for this today, okay?
I ain't got time for it.
[sniffling]
My mama just died.
I'm about to lose this house.
So forgive me.
I got more important things
going on right now.
[tense music]
Well, I guess you're
not mad at me anymore, so...
Missed you too, bro.
Hey, bro said pull up.
He wanna see you.
[sighs] All right,
but I-- we can't stay long.
I really don't
wanna be there late.
[chuckles]
Oh, yeah. I forgot.
You been out the hood
for a while.
Turn left right here.
So how many kids is it
that you have again?
The last time I talked to Javon,
he had about seven.
I only have one set of twins.
That's it.
A couple of girls claiming
that they pregnant by me, but--
but you know how that go.
Yeah. You just be careful
out there, bro.
You always buying
a cheap ass bit, man.
Hey, hey, hey, hey, hey.
Bro.
-What it do?
-We're good.
-You good?
-Yeah, how are you?
Big lil' sis. How you doing?
Good.
How long you staying?
Oh, shit, man. Move!
[Manda] Headed back
to Atlanta on Monday.
Just came for the funeral
and to hear the will.
[exhales]
I can't believe this, man.
We really about to lose
Grandma's house like this.
Yeah. Yeah, it's really sad.
I bet you glad you ain't
gotta deal with all this
at-home stuff no more, huh?
Yeah, I'm pretty
out of sight, out of mind.
You know, you really should
come visit Atlanta
and get away from here.
Nah. You know I can't
leave the state right now.
-Oh, your probation.
-Probation, yeah.
How much longer
you have on that, anyway?
They said if I, you know,
stay out of trouble,
keep my hands clean,
six months.
Okay, that's not too bad!
It'll fly by. You just
gotta keep your hands clean.
I mean, I'm trying,
but not everybody has
a nice office job
and a nice car
and everything.
You're really doing it, sis.
I'm proud of you. For real.
Well, thank you.
Bro, I wonder what she put in
that book about us, though.
I remember when we was younger,
she couldn't stand me.
You know what?
I hope it wasn't nothing
too bad, of course, right?
It's not.
Yo, Mama was talking about
she need to pay us for
talking about the family.
No, literally.
'Cause truthfully,
I do need help
with some child support
and probation fees.
I could use a new car,
for real.
-I got--
-Yeah, you know, I think
it's been kind of late.
-Mm-hmm.
-So I think we should go.
-You can go. Yeah.
-All right, you be safe, sis.
-Wait.
-Tell Mama I'll see
her tomorrow.
[Manda]
You're not riding with us?
[chuckles] Nah, I'm good.
I don't like to be over there
on Saturday nights, so...
-[Manda] What?
-I'll pass. Yeah.
-Okay, why?
-Um, well, you know,
Mama, she likes to throw
those little kickbacks, right?
And your boy Daddy
is gonna be there, so...
Wait, what?
[Javon] Chill. Go say hi.
No, I don't wanna see him.
-Well...
-How do you know that?
...he's been asking about you.
And he been asking
about that book, so...
Yeah. I'll see you guys.
[Javon] See you.
Come on, man.
Let me get a sip.
What's in that cup, bro?
Give the man a beer.
[overlapping chatter]
Manda.
Daddy.
[sighs]
What are you doing, girl?
Come on in.
Come on.
Your mama's cooked.
Let's eat.
[friend on phone]
Oh, wow.
I'm so sorry you're going
through that, and alone.
I wish I was there with you.
[sighs] Nah, I'm picking up my
kids tomorrow and I'm leaving.
Well, I have an idea, but...
-Oh, God. What is it?
-I'm just thinking,
since you're already
there with your family,
-why don't you guys try
a few family therapy sessions?
-What?
That sounds like a good idea,
but that would never work
with my family.
Oh, Manda,
don't be no hypocrite.
You said the same thing about
the group before meeting
Dr. Francis.
But it changed your life,
right? Right.
Right. So maybe it's time
to introduce therapy
to your family.
Okay, but how would
I even get them to do it?
Come on, Manda. Put on
your therapist hat, honey.
[brother]
What's going on? You know
how to play Spades, sis?
I don't know how
to play Spades.
You done lost your Black card
for that one.
-[laughing]
-Don't think I ever had it.
[both laughing]
But I did hear you had
a blowup earlier.
[brother]
And we tried to warn you, bro,
but we had to be here tonight.
Couldn't miss this.
So, I was actually thinking...
Oh, lord.
...that, you know,
maybe, um, while I'm here,
that we could
all go to therapy together.
-[all scoff]
-[brother] That ain't for me.
I ain't down there
and telling people my personal
business, Manda.
-It just ain't gonna happen.
-Okay, but, you guys, it--
honestly, it would
really mean something to me.
-It's very important.
-Sis, I get all that.
You wanna tell your story
and everything, but that's you.
That's not really us.
More your thing.
[snickering]
[Manda] You know,
not everything is funny.
This is not a game.
We need this.
[brother]
We? Oh, it's "we" now?
I thought you ain't
like your family.
I never said that.
-I just, you know--
-You just what? Huh?
Move states, never call,
never come around?
Yup. Sound about right.
Daddy?
Those people can't teach me
anything about me.
You know what? Deal me in.
[scoffs]
-Deal you in?
-[Manda] Deal me in.
[mother]
Are you serious right now?
No, deal me in.
[brother] Now, sis,
you know you can't play.
Bless her heart.
Just bless her whole heart.
Okay, so, just deal me in,
and-- and if I win...
you guys have to
come to therapy with me.
-[brother] All right.
-[Manda] Deal?
-[brother]
What y'all think about that?
-[Javon] Hey, I'm down.
-I don't know about that.
-[Javon] We don't have to go!
-[mother] All right.
-[brother] You not about to be
on my team, though.
-She on your team.
-You would do that.
But a'ight, bet.
Okay. I'm gonna get
all the royal flushes.
[overlapping talk]
-Somebody deal these up.
-[mother] Oh, my goodness.
-You sure about this?
-No therapy for us. [laughing]
I'm Dr. Nura. I'm hearing
you're all interested in
a family therapy session?
-I wouldn't say all that.
-Earl! Really?
I'm just saying.
I don't need no help.
I'm just here so we can
stop talking about all this.
It's not uncommon for families
to reject family therapy,
especially families of color.
Counseling is still
considered a tad bit taboo.
But I can assure you,
I am here to help.
As a Black therapist,
it's my goal to be
culturally competent
and provide sensitive treatment.
Um, culturally what?
Ma, she just means, like,
she's Black and we're Black.
We can relate to
each other, right?
That's correct.
-So, how does all this work?
-Glad you asked.
First, for today,
we're going to identify
some problem areas
and then find some solutions.
I'm going to be taking
some notes during the session.
For starters,
why did you all decide you
wanted to begin family therapy?
Um, I think we're
a little bit dysfunctional.
Dysfunctional?
Nah. I'm not dysfunctional.
Maybe your mama's
side of the family.
[mother] Ah, no, uh-uh.
Don't blame this on me.
See, 'cause we all done
made some mistakes up in here.
Ain't no family perfect.
And we not gonna sit here
and act like that.
Okay, Mama, I-- I wasn't
trying to blame you
or-- or make anybody feel bad.
I just really wanted us
to connect and just talk
to see if we can
get some things out.
Just get better.
[Dr. Nura] Have you all
heard of family goals?
Earl, if you'll take
one of these and pass it down
and make sure, everyone,
you read what's on the sheet.
Hmm.
I think I'd be
the family hero for sure.
[laughs]
What makes you the family hero?
Um, well, you know,
I kind of have it all together.
Successful, college graduate.
I have two kids,
I live in a big house.
But you only have family
to you and yours.
Uh, like, if you make it out
the hood and actually become
somewhat successful,
you're supposed to
help your family out.
There's no other way.
That's an interesting
perspective.
Which role do you feel?
Oh, I feel like
I'm definitely the scapegoat.
[brother]
Nah, bro. I'm the scapegoat.
Y'all blame everything on me.
And sometimes I feel like
a complete failure.
[Javon] Okay, well, um...
If you're the scapegoat,
I guess I could be clown, maybe?
Um, 'cause I find myself
trying to laugh more
instead of, like, uh, cry,
and, uh... [clears throat]
Just-- just hard, you know,
being a black man,
trying to stay out of prison,
take care of your kids.
I don't know.
I just don't wanna be like...
[Earl]
Be like me, son?
So you blaming me too?
Ain't nobody blaming you.
I'm just saying,
but out of everybody here,
I'm the only one
that read Manda's book.
You read my book?
I didn't know that.
Yeah, sis. I think you forget
we only one year apart.
Everything that you've seen,
I seen.
We just--
just went different directions.
You ran away.
I ran towards.
So, how does talking about
the past gonna help with
anything, Dr. Nura?
Sounds like there's a lot
of resentment
and childhood trauma
to work through.
If you all
are open and willing,
healing and creating a healthy
family system is possible.
What do you say?
Can y'all believe
Manda really got us here
in therapy right now?
[all laughing]
-No, I can't.
-Nah.
[gentle music]
-[Manda] Hey.
-[all] Hey.
What's up? Why y'all sitting
here looking suspicious?
Sit down, sit down.
Come on, guys.
Go on. Show your mom
what you made her.
Go ahead, big brother.
What you so scared for?
[Ainsworth] You go first.
Ladies always go first.
Somebody. Come on, come on.
Um... I bought
this for you, Mama.
Congratulations on your book
and interview today.
Thank you. It's beautiful,
just like you are.
Go, big brother.
Well, I just wanted to
write you a letter, Mama.
-Guys, you gotta be chill.
-Okay.
"Dear Mama,
I love you so much.
I know you gave up your life
for me and dropped out of high
school when I was born
just to take care of me.
No matter the struggle,
you always found a way.
After all the experiences
we've been through,
you were still there
no matter what.
You always encouraged me
to be confident,
even though I'm small
and was a preemie baby.
Even though you're stressed
some days,
you've never given up on the
things you wanted to achieve
and the goals
you wanted to achieve.
You strove your hardest
to be the best you can be.
I know we've had some
tough times over the years,
but you fought through it
to provide for us
everything we need.
Even though Daddy wasn't here,
you still managed on your own,
and we thank you for that.
One day I'm going to
college like you.
I'm going to become
a good man, a husband,
a father, and an engineer.
I promise to
make you proud of me
the way I'm proud of you."
Good job, big man.
Oh, thank you.
-That was so beautiful.
-You think?
-Thank you, guys.
-[Javon] Of course.
Thank you so much.
We just wanted to--
you know, got your interview
and everything,
but, you know, we wanted
to send you off right.
Thanks. I gotta go get
my hair and my makeup done.
I was gonna say,
I hope you don't go like that.
No, I'm gonna go like this.
-Oh, okay.
-Okay.
I love you guys.
Y'all be good, okay?
All right.
[soft music]
[music continues]
[Manda]
Yes. Let's do this.
[host] Today we are joined
by best-selling author,
producer, and therapist,
-Dr. Manda Beemer.
Welcome, Manda.
-Thank you.
You know, it's an honor to
be here in my home state.
[host] Well, we know
that North Carolina's
definitely welcomed you.
Tell us a little bit
about the inspiration
behind this book.
Well, you know, I spent years
helping my clients
work through
their traumas as a therapist.
Sharing my story represents
breaking generational curses.
Healing, freedom,
and silencing shame.
[music continues]
Hey, Javon.
Big lil' sis.
What you up to?
Oh, just getting back inside.
I was out playing with
the kids for a little bit.
[Javon]
You know you a star now, right?
-[laughing]
-I was walking in
the store the other day,
and I seen you on
another cover of a magazine.
[laughs]
Well, I'm no star, but...
I guess
I'm doing pretty well.
But I'm saying though, sis.
You know, I've been doing
my therapy and stuff...
and my probation.
I don't know.
I think it might be time
to write my book now.
["Columbia Nights"
by The Rhythm]
Do-do-de-ah
Do-do, do-do-do-de-ah
Do-do
Do-do-do-de-ah
Do-do
Do-do-do-de-ah
Do-do-do-de-ah
Created as the rhythm
Is seeping in your dreams
Dancing in your day
Thoughts imprinted in memory
Seeking manumission
In the movement of your feet
Take it from the inside
And release it on the street
It's just the music
It's just the rhythm
It's just the lyrics
It's just the beat
It's just the movement
It's just the timing
It's just the flow
That's living in me
It's just the music
It's just the rhythm
It's just the lyrics
It's just the beat
It's just the movement
It's just the timing
It's just the flow
That's living in me
Holding onto notes
As they are freed
Into the air
Entangled so deep
In your thoughts
You comb them
Through your hair
Losing sense
Of when and why
And who and what
And where
Just know you're in
A safe place
When the music
Takes you there
It's just the music
It's just the rhythm
It's just the lyrics
It's just the beat
It's just the movement
It's just the timing
It's just the flow
That's living in me
It's just the music
It's just the rhythm
It's just the lyrics
It's just the beat
It's just the movement
It's just the timing
It's just the flow
That's living in me
Sounds filling
The silent, naked space
Grounding you
And lifting you away
Let the music play
[vocalizing]
[music fades]
[]
["Baby Maybe Someday"
by Sensitive Detective]
Circumstances have changed
Things will never
Be the same again
God knows that we've tried
And we lied
Through our teeth
By the light of day
We'll be far away
From here
Don't leave a note
Just grab your coat
We'll learn to fly
Or sail a boat
Baby, maybe someday
Baby, maybe someday
[birds chirping]
[grunts, inhales sharply]
[exhales]
[glass slams down]
[sighs]
-[knocking]
-Mama! Come on, I don't wanna
be late for school again.
I'm coming.
Just make sure your brother's
up for me, please.
What? Mama, I'm not his mama.
Time to save the world, Doc.
[phone pings]
[scoffs]
Good morning, my loves.
Good morning, Mama.
Little girl.
-I said good morning.
-Hey.
Can we please go now?
I'm not trying to be the last
person in Mr. Berry's class.
It's embarrassing.
Can you be quiet?
You're making me lose my game.
It's not my fault you suck.
You too old to be
playing that game anyways.
Anyways, can we please
move back to North Carolina?
I miss my old friends,
and I just don't like Atlanta.
Absolutely not.
This is our home now.
Let's go.
You're such a baby.
All right, you guys.
You all buckled in?
Oh, my God. I swear you guys
are obsessed with those phones.
She's the same with her laptop.
You know she can hear you,
right?
Hey, guys, you know, maybe we'll
go to the aquarium this weekend.
You know,
it's only five miles from here.
Don't get your hopes up.
She gonna be taking notes
all weekend.
Hey. I heard that.
She can't whisper.
[sighs] Look, guys, I know
I've been working a lot.
But I promise this weekend
we're gonna spend some time
together, okay?
No phones, no tablets,
no distractions.
Yeah, okay.
-[R&B song on radio]
-Hey, you guys remember
this song?
[exclaims]
[giggles]
[sighs]
[gentle music]
[indistinct chatter]
[sighs]
[exhales]
[exhales]
-[crinkling]
-[sighs]
[knocking at door]
[chuckles] Let me guess.
You weren't sleeping,
you were praying?
-No, I-- I was meditating.
-It doesn't matter.
I got a million meetings
this morning.
-Oh, sorry, sorry, sorry.
-[music stops]
Okay. [clears throat]
Manda, is there something
you wanna tell me?
What? No, I just have
some coffee jitters.
Never had too much
caffeine before?
Manda...
I mean, come on.
Look, you're a therapist.
Let's explore
the deeper meaning here.
Deeper meaning of what?
Okay.
Uh, the meditation music,
the stress ball thingy.
God, the overflowing
garbage can of coffee cups.
You know what?
Let's get right down to it.
The late notes for billing.
Okay?
You know, the other therapists,
they're-- they--
The-- the company is
gonna be making some
adjustments soon, okay?
And you're a great therapist,
Manda, but...
it just-- it seems... [sighs]
as though you are experiencing
what we in the biz call
"burnout."
Burnout?
I know what burnout is.
I'm not experiencing that.
I've been with
this company for five years.
Actually, I was up for your job
before you even got here.
Okay, hey, you know, let's just
take it down a notch, okay?
Calm down. No need to go
all Angela Davis on me, okay?
I'm here to support you.
You know, I know
you're a single mama still
building your career.
It's hard out here, kiddo.
Unfortunately, you won't be
getting a raise this year.
But you know what?
You keep trying. Next year...
I'm gonna email you a list
of improvements you can make.
Mama, you don't look so good.
Are you okay?
Uh...
-You have no couth.
-Spell it.
-C-O-U-T--
-[Manda] Hey, hey.
That's enough.
I'm fine.
Okay? Uh, homework folders.
On the table.
It's time for bed, okay?
OMG, Daddy, I'm so excited.
Mom and I picked out
the perfect dress
for Daddy-Daughter Dance
this weekend.
I miss you so much.
I can't wait to see you.
Ah, I miss you, too, baby.
Hey, you know
I love you, right?
Yeah, I know.
So, I gotta leave
out of town again this weekend.
You know I'd be there
if I could.
You say that every time.
Is that Ainsworth back there?
-Yeah.
-What's up, son?
[Ainsworth] Hey.
-[beeping]
-I know you're really
busy, Dad.
So what about
the week after next?
Can you come to Atlanta
to see us then?
Another call is coming through.
Hey, look, let me, uh--
let me check my schedule
and I'll get back to you, okay?
I'll call you later.
[phone beeps]
People just think
they can run over me.
And then when I take up
for myself, I'm the problem.
I'm tired of it.
-How tired are you?
-What do you mean?
I'm tired. I'm over it.
Okay, but we've had
this conversation before
about how people
only do what we allow.
About being assertive,
but not aggressive. Assertive.
Oh, trust me, I am not going
to let them label me
as the angry Black woman
at work.
-[sighs]
-You know, it sucks,
doesn't it?
Being labeled
the angry Black woman...
-Oh, my God!
-...and being misunderstood.
Oh, my God.
Yes, exactly, girl!
[laughs] I'm sorry.
It's just--
it's like I'm talking
to one of my homegirls.
You understand me. You relate.
More than you know.
So... same time next week?
Yes. I am not missing my weekly
session for nothing or nobody.
[both laughing]
All right, well, see you, girl.
[exhales] Sorry, I just...
I had a million and one things
to do, I couldn't wait for you.
I'm a little bit winded,
I'm-- [clears throat]
I'm gonna sit for a sec, but...
[exhales]
I gotta go pick the babies up.
On a session because...
[panting]
[exhales]
I'm sorry. [clears throat]
-I'm sorry. Just out of nowhere,
my chest is really tight.
-[heart beating]
[exhales]
Manda, you're experiencing
burnout.
I'm not burnt out.
I don't have a choice.
I-- I have to keep going.
Manda, breathe.
See, this is what I'm talking
about. You're doing too much.
No, if I had help,
if their father was here,
I would take a break,
but I can't.
[panting]
Manda.
[Manda]
Something's happening.
-No, I can't see.
-What do you mean
you can't see?
Okay.
I'll be right there, Manda.
[panting]
Babe?
I mean, she does have a point.
I'm not doing that.
You should at least
consider it, Manda.
Damon and I will help you out
with the kids.
Everything happens for a reason.
Okay, but I'm not taking
that much time off of work.
Like, I get that she's a doctor,
but I just can't.
-I can't with her.
-Burnout is real.
Stress kills, Manda.
I get that you're
trying to help me. I do.
But the truth is that
you have a husband. I don't.
You have help and I don't.
I have two kids with mouths
I have to feed.
Yeah, and your kids need you.
Your Crohn's disease
flareups are back.
Pride comes before a fall.
I mean, how can you talk to
your patients about self-care
and you don't even
take care of yourself?
At least accept John's offer.
The short-term disability
payments will help.
Plus, now you can start coming
to the group therapy session.
They won't even cover
half my bills.
I mean,
you could always downsize.
-Absolutely not.
-[chuckles]
I can't believe she really
wants to start me on
the medication fusions again.
And she wants me
to go to therapy.
Sounds about right.
You know, if John knew about
this, he'd have a field day.
He's been trying to stop
my promotion for the longest,
so this is just great.
Okay, Manda.
You are my best friend,
and I want you here, healthy.
I need you.
Your kids need you.
But most importantly, you.
You need you, Manda.
All right.
[whooshing]
[indistinct shouting]
[man] Don't!
Don't you touch that phone.
Unless you want a whoopin'.
Now go back to bed.
[man]
Why'd you make me do this, huh?
Why'd you make me
do this to you? Huh?
[woman] I didn't make
you do this to me.
-Baby, call 911--
-[man] Shut up!
Can you believe you did this?
You feel okay?
Just breathe. Relax.
You gonna be okay. [chuckles]
Hello, hello!
-Hey, Dr. Francis!
-[Dr. Francis] Well! Hi!
So welcome to
the Wounded Healer Group.
We're gonna go over the group
rules and then introductions.
Okay? So, does anybody have any
updates from our last session?
I just found out that
one of my clients overdosed.
She was doing so good.
I don't understand
what happened.
-I'm sorry.
-[Dr. Francis] So sorry.
-Ugh, that's horrible.
-[Dr. Francis] That's tough.
I'm ready to start
my own private practice.
It's time to do something
different. I'm tired of working
at the community agency.
I can make
way more money on my own.
These student loans
are killing me.
-Yeah.
-[Dr. Francis] I understand.
Manda.
Oh, sorry.
I-- it's just my job.
I got this new supervisor
who's determined to
keep me out of the loop.
-I gotta send this--
-Well, they're keeping you
out of the loop
because they don't
want you in it.
But we want you here.
Yes, we do.
So, I'm-- I'm Manda.
I am a PhD, uh, LPC, CC--
But who are you?
Not your credentials.
Oh, um... right.
Um, so I'm Manda.
I already said that. Um...
I'm originally
from North Carolina.
I moved here, it's been about
five years with my two children.
And, um... yeah! [chuckles]
Welcome to Wounded Healers,
Manda.
Thank you.
I'm sorry. This is just,
you know, my first time.
I haven't been to therapy
since college,
so this is my first time
on the other side of the table.
[giggles nervously]
Seriously, though, um,
I-- I run a state-mandated
therapy group.
She's used to being
in charge, y'all.
[all chuckling]
It was hard for me, too.
You know, making the transition
from therapist to client.
-But it changed my life.
-Yeah. Mine, too.
You know, I'm used to--
you know, it helps me
to be a better therapist.
I can relate to my clients
way more, 'cause most of the
stuff that they've been through,
I'm either experiencing it,
or I, you know, have
experienced it at some point.
I can understand that, but...
I don't like the idea
of my clients thinking
that I'm crazy too.
-You know we are not supposed
to say the word "crazy."
-[Dr. Francis] Thank you.
[male counselor]
Okay, okay. I got it.
I'm just saying, I don't
want my clients thinking
I won't be effective because
of my own stuff. You know?
I understand that,
but that's why we're here,
right?
So that we can
lean on each other,
we can talk about things.
This is an open forum.
And as you tell your clients,
you're safe here.
-[Manda exhales]
-[Dr. Francis]
Let's take a breath.
-Rule number one. All right?
-Okay. [clears throat]
Does somebody have a pen?
[chuckles]
-[sighs]
-Bye, Rayon.
So, what'd you think
about the group?
-Uh, it was better
than I expected.
-Yeah?
You know, I just--
I was just really anxious.
It just felt like
every time I was talking,
the spotlight was on me.
That's because,
technically, it is. [laughs]
For that moment,
it's all about you.
You get to share how you feel.
Well, now I know
how my clients feel.
-Mm-hmm.
-I don't know, I'm gonna have to
be a little bit more lenient
in my sessions, because...
this was a lot.
-[both laughing]
-Told you.
You did.
-I'm glad you came, though.
-I am too.
-[somber music]
-[machine beeping]
[man] Come on, baby girl.
You need to wake up now.
She'll wake up
when she wanna wake up.
Well, she need to wake up now.
This is costing a lot of money.
-[woman] You talking
about the money?
-[man] Yes, I am.
Do you see my baby's
in the hospital?
-Yes. She my baby, too.
-Then act like it.
[sighs] Come on, baby girl.
Wake up.
-Leave her alone.
-[man sighs]
Look...
we can't afford for her
to stay in here another day.
I ain't thinking about
no damn money right now.
[man]
I ain't giving you no money.
-[woman] Something
from the cafeteria.
-[man] Matter of fact,
she need to get up
out of this bed anyway.
-[woman] Oh, my God.
-Daddy?
What are you doing here?
You're better now.
We gotta get you home,
get some weight on you.
-But what the doctor say?
-[man] Come on, now.
-Earl, just wait.
-No!
She-- she better now.
-She might need a wheelchair.
-Nah. No.
She can do it.
Come on, baby girl.
[woman] Take your time.
Let me know if it hurt, okay?
[Earl] Push. Push through it.
-Come on. Don't give up.
-Don't push her.
Take your time, okay?
-Take your time.
-Push through it.
Come on. One good push.
-There you go. Come on.
-Take your time.
[Earl]
It's just a little pain.
Push through it.
I know it hurts.
You gonna be all right.
That's my girl. That's my girl.
All right,
so let's talk codependency.
Have you felt the need
to be there for people,
or everybody around you?
Yeah? Yeah.
Do you have resentment because
you give yourself to everybody
with very little in return?
Yeah. Codependency.
So how's it shown up
in your life?
I think, um...
I think codependency showed up
in my life as a child.
I, for whatever reason, felt
the need to protect everyone.
And it started with my mother.
And...
I have nightmares
to this very day because of it.
[exhales shakily]
Yes. Just breathe.
And if you don't mind sharing
more about those nightmares?
Well, there's, um--
there's always a little girl,
and she's watching
her parents fight violently.
Well, who is the little girl?
Who is she?
She's me.
I'm the little girl. I--
You know, growing up...
[sighs] my parents
used to fight all the time,
but then there was
one time where...
I came in the room and my father
was choking my mother.
She was screaming
for me to-- to save her.
And I just, um--
I just froze up.
Well, you know,
unresolved childhood trauma
lingers to adulthood.
So how are you
dealing with that now?
Uh, well...
I guess I just, um...
I compensate for it
by doing for others,
by making sure
others can depend on me,
and doing everything
I can for them
and just neglecting
my own health.
My own mental health
has suffered, and...
I don't take time for me,
and now I sound like
my clients...
[laughs]
who come into my office.
You know, we work so hard
to help our clients heal,
but we have a lot of
healing to do within, too.
Uh, Dr. Francis, uh,
I was just wondering if I could
maybe schedule some one-on-one
appointments with you.
I've been waiting for you
to ask me that.
[chuckles] But I'm only
taking motivated clients now.
As you know, the group sessions
can only do so much.
Those individual sessions,
we can go a lot deeper. Right?
But are you ready?
I think so. [laughs]
Um, yes. I am ready.
Let's do it.
[Dr. Francis] All right.
Well, call the office
and set up an appointment
for next week. Okay?
-Okay!
-All right?
-Thank you, Dr. Francis.
-Absolutely.
I'm looking forward to it.
You take care.
[Dr. Francis]
Ten years in the field, huh?
[Manda]
Yeah. Yeah, I've dedicated
my life to helping people.
[Dr. Francis] Okay. Well,
what I didn't hear is that
you love to help people.
[Manda] I do!
You know? It's just, um...
I'm exhausted.
[Dr. Francis]
Well, therapists become
exhausted of helping people
when they're doing too much.
And there are
no boundaries being set.
Manda, what are you doing
for self-care?
You know, what
I tell my clients to do.
Journaling, meditating.
I work out whenever
I have the chance.
Well, we gotta take it back
to the very beginning.
And tell me about
your childhood, parents.
-Not my childhood.
-Yeah.
-I don't wanna go back there.
-You know the drill.
Um, childhood was...
it was rough.
My parents, they violently
fought all the time.
Mmm.
And then I practically
co-parented with my mother.
I helped raise my brothers.
Where was your father?
You know, he was in and out.
You know, he was there
and he wasn't there,
if you know what I mean.
No. Explain.
He was there when he absolutely
had to be, but...
he wasn't there to protect me
from certain situations.
Certain situations?
Delve into that more.
Um...
so, you know, I witnessed
domestic violence growing up,
and then I ended up
in the exact same situation.
It's, um...
it's hard for me
to admit this...
and sometimes
I question it myself.
-[tense music]
-[baby gurgling]
Who you texting?
Oh, my God!
We're just roommates.
I don't bother you about
where you've been all day,
so don't bother me.
You got my baby,
so you belong to me.
Don't even play like that.
Me and the baby are just
here for another week,
and then we'll have
our own apartment.
You're not taking
my baby nowhere.
You ain't going
nowhere either.
So let's just say I, uh...
I moved out of his house...
[exhales]
pregnant with my daughter.
Two kids...
19 years old,
and a high school dropout.
Look, Ronald, okay,
we've been doing really good
the past few weeks.
Okay? Look, I appreciate
you and your dad
letting me and the baby
stay here, and...
[Ronald] I don't care
about none of that.
-No, please--
-I don't care about that.
-We're just supposed
to be co-parenting.
-We're supposed to be a family.
[Manda] Stop! Stop!
I said stop. Please!
So what you just described
was partner rape.
I mean, I guess, but...
I don't like to use that word.
I'm nobody's victim,
Dr. Francis.
You know,
that embarrasses me.
I mean, I understand, but it
wasn't your fault, you know?
You don't have to be-- don't
have to feel embarrassed by it.
But I'm glad
you're talking about it now.
I mean, but the embarrassment
that comes from--
when you're in a situation
like that, Dr. Francis,
-you feel powerless.
-Mm-hmm.
Well, I felt powerless.
I felt like
he took everything from me.
And when somebody
takes your body...
it's like they take your life.
which explains the anxiety.
The mistrust of others.
And lack of security.
[Manda sniffles]
-Yep.
-Yeah.
I suppose. [sniffles]
Would you like to explore
this trauma a little further?
And, Manda,
it's not going to be easy.
But I think with
cognitive behavioral therapy...
we can definitely reach the goal
that you're looking to reach.
[Manda sniffles]
This is great.
I will, um-- I'll call you
to get on your schedule.
-I appreciate you.
-Make sure you do that.
-Yeah.
-Okay.
Have a good one.
[music on TV]
[laughing]
[laughing]
You had a rough day?
[sniffles] No, fine.
Hey. Talk to me.
Mom...
why doesn't he love me?
I feel like maybe since
we live so far away, um,
he doesn't wanna see me,
but... [sniffles]
maybe if we lived close by,
he would wanna hang out more.
Here you go again,
crying over that man.
He don't care.
You think Atlanta's
far from North Carolina?
Man,
his whole family lives here.
He comes here all the time.
-Honey, that is enough.
-You know how many
games he's missed?
How many times I've needed
someone to talk to
and he wasn't there?
All we have is Mama.
I'm so sorry.
I'm sorry. But...
I'll always be here for you.
I love you.
Mmm.
I got you.
[phone buzzing]
Manda speaking.
Manda. Hey, it's John.
Um, is this a good time?
Yeah, sure. It's a good time.
How's everything going?
Um, you know.
I, uh-- [stammering]
I got some--
I got some good news
and some-- and some bad news.
Um...
okay, well, good news first.
Right, yeah.
No, um, the good news is your
clients are doing wonderful.
Yeah, they've, um,
really transitioned well
to their new therapist.
Oh, okay.
Yeah, I knew they would.
My clients are highly motivated
and I more than encouraged them
to continue to do the work
with the new therapist
until I returned.
Yes. No, they, um--
their-- their new therapist said
they're doing really well,
making a lot of progress, so...
Why do you keep saying
new therapist?
Um... look, Manda.
Come on, let's--
let's be honest here.
It's just, um, not a good fit.
I-- I don't understand.
What--
what is it-- what is it
that you're saying?
Manda, I'm really sorry.
Um, we are gonna have
to let you go.
Uh, yeah, we certainly
wish you the best,
uh, and hope
you continue to focus
on your own mental health.
-Uh--
-[scoffs]
[phone beeps]
-[Dr. Francis] Whenever
you're ready, I'm here.
-[Manda sniffles]
[Manda]
I'm sorry, I guess--
I'm just shocked.
And just, thank you
for squeezing me in.
I didn't want my kids
to see me-- [clears throat]
see me like this. [sniffles]
Tell me what happened, Manda.
They fired me.
After everything I've done
for that company, they just...
they fired me.
[sniffles]
I'm very sorry. I really am.
You mentioned shocked.
Were you thinking
of a different outcome?
Yeah. I mean, I don't know.
I just--
I don't know what I expected.
I just didn't expect this.
-[sniffles]
-Breathe. Breathe through it.
[exhales]
I think I just thought
that if I did the work--
you know, that by me coming
here, by me working at it,
that I would be able
to go back to work.
It wasn't supposed to
just end like this.
I understand your frustration.
But there's a saying:
"Every ending
is a new beginning."
And you gotta ask yourself,
"What is it that I want
to do besides counseling?"
Think about that.
There's something inside
of you
that will open up
an entire new world for you.
You gotta tap into it.
-You're right.
-You got it.
["Jell-O" by Egozi]
Somewhere on the scene
It got a little longer
So it seems
I burned out, so to speak
Now come a little closer
I feel a little lie
In the lie track
I felt a bit of bad
But I came back
There's still a little light
In the light crack
Still a bit of good,
So good
And I know just what to say
What to do
And I know just what to do
Do, do, do
And I'm so sick of pain
Well, dang!
All right, look.
It's my new book cover.
-I like it.
-You do?
Do you see how they did,
like, the little--
the little jewel here?
And then I wanted to give,
like, this bold--
Mom, I gotta go
call my friend Hannah.
Wait! Okay. Dang.
No, I'm happy you have
new friends.
Yeah. Finally.
But I do miss my friends
in North Carolina.
Yeah, but, babe,
life is about evolving.
Okay?
We're making changes every day.
You know, before you know it,
you're gonna be in college,
and making even more
new friends.
College? No, I'm way
too young for that.
Yeah, I actually don't wanna
think about that either.
[laughs]
Um, you know, there is something
that I wanna talk to you about.
Mama, I said I'm okay.
We talked. We had this
conversation with Dr. Francis.
Right?
I'm not mad or angry at you.
Actually, I'm proud of you.
-Proud of me?
-Yeah.
-Really?
-Even though Daddy
did that to you,
you still went back to school
and took care of
me and Ainsworth.
Right? You never made me
feel like I was a mistake.
That's because
you're not a mistake.
You are literally
one of the best things,
one of the best blessings
that has ever happened to me.
Now, if I had to do it
all over again...
I would.
Just so that I could
end up with you.
-I love you.
-I love you, too.
Mmm.
See? I told you therapy
was going to change your life.
Yeah, it's changed
my life drastically.
You know,
I feel like I'm meeting myself
for the first time ever.
-So you're really done, huh?
-Yes.
I am done with
traditional therapy.
But I think the beauty
of being a counselor
is that we can operate
from so many arenas.
Politics, public policies,
or corrections, or...
-You could do something in
the entertainment industry.
-Yes!
I could see you now on
one of those reality TV shows
where celebrities come
to meet with you and stuff.
-[chuckling]
-I-- that's not really
what I'm aiming for.
Oh, no? Okay. Well, at least
you're free from the paperwork.
And you get to
write what you love.
And you get to get
your hair and makeup done
every day before you film.
-That sounds exciting.
-Yeah, you know, I suppose
that's the fun part.
[both giggling]
So how do your kids
feel about all the change?
They love it. You know, I think
it's really bringing us closer.
Aw, I'm so proud of you!
You've come a long way.
And your book is gonna
inspire so many people.
-Aww.
-And for that,
drinks and dinner
are on me tonight.
-[both chuckle]
-Yes, girl. I know.
I'm the best.
You don't have to say it,
but...
-I love you lots.
-I love you, too.
Okay, but it's my truth.
I can share whatever I want to.
People share
their stories all the time.
I'm not the first person.
And you won't be the last.
I'm thinking about
writing a book, too.
People think our lives
are so perfect because
we're therapists.
Actually, guys, there's nothing
wrong with sharing your truth.
-Right!
-Right? However, we have
to be prepared,
mentally and emotionally,
for the outcome.
Well, I think you're brave.
I mean, you address
so much in the book.
Sexual abuse, single parenting,
living with Crohn's disease,
witnessing domestic violence
as a child. Like, that's deep.
Ain't no way. If I ever
told my family's business,
they would disown me forever.
Yeah, well, my family,
they're in North Carolina.
My life is here.
So if they wanna disown me...
so be it.
Okay, this-- this segment
is gonna be about--
this segment...
[phone buzzing]
[sighs]
-Hey, Javon.
-Sis. Where you been at?
-I been trying to call you.
-[indistinct chatter]
What is going on?
What is all that noise
in the background?
Um... [sniffles]
They found Grandma.
She's gone.
What do you mean, she's gone?
No, look, I know--
I know, um...
[sniffles] Yeah, it's...
I can't believe
both of 'em gone right now.
What happened to her?
Mama having a hard time with
this. You need to be down here.
Ain't you some
type of counselor?
-I am.
-[Javon] Look, look.
It's-- it's getting crazy
over here. I'ma just--
I'ma just go get a drink,
a'ight?
[brother] Me too, bro.
Roll the blunt up.
[tense music]
[mother sniffling] Manda.
I just need you to
get on down here, okay?
[exhales shakily]
These people done gave me
all this paperwork stuff.
I just need your help.
I-- I can't believe
that they gone.
[sniffles]
And everybody wanna argue
and fight about everything.
Can you please just--
just come down here
and help me with this, okay?
Yo! Is that my little
niece and nephew?
Y'all done got so big.
Oh, they have.
It's been a minute.
How y'all doin'?
Lil' sis. What's going on?
[Manda] Ah, what--
where y'all going?
Gosh, mom.
We're gonna make a video.
I'm bored.
[Ainsworth]
Yeah, it's way too hot out here.
I'm going in to play my game.
[Manda] Okay,
but you guys stay together,
and just make sure your phones
are charged this week.
Wow.
You still dressing your kids
like white folks, I see.
-[chuckles]
-I don't get why you think
you're so much better than us.
Hey, she from little
Shel Town too, y'all!
Okay, yes, I'm from here,
but that doesn't mean that
I have to act like it.
Okay. The problem is...
you didn't have to struggle
like me and Javon did.
In them foster homes,
in them prisons.
You didn't have to sell drugs
to survive when we was kids.
-Okay,
you didn't have to sell drugs.
-Would you just chill, bruh?
Like, just wait till
we get the house, man.
Look, all you did was
sit at home, reading books,
playing with them
little baby dolls, and then...
you just appeared pregnant.
So I went to school.
I have a full-time job.
I don't have help.
I'm not on government
assistance anymore.
I have no child support help,
and certainly no family help.
[sighs]
Look, sis. Hey, hey.
Don't even worry about him,
a'ight?
You know how he gets,
especially right now.
No! He probably just wants
to be high. Like always.
No, this is why
I don't come around.
Just don't go back
to Atlanta yet, a'ight?
We got a meeting
with the lawyer at, like,
-eight in the morning tomorrow.
-Okay, that's not my problem.
-What you mean,
it's not your problem?
-It's not my problem.
Sis. Sis, you gonna
be there, right?
You just gonna
leave your family hanging?
[scoffing]
Hello, everyone.
My name is Derek Evans.
I'm an estate attorney.
Uh, your grandparents
and my grandparents
were childhood friends.
Now, my family sends
their condolences.
I'm volunteering my services
for the next 30 days
to assist in saving the home
from foreclosure.
Unfortunately, this happens too
often to too many of our people.
Wait, wait. Foreclosure?
No, no.
What you mean, foreclosure?
According to
the document here,
there haven't been any payments
made on the home
in almost 24 months.
Okay, there has to be a mistake.
That can't be right.
You know, they were always
on top of their bills.
They had great credit until...
Well, I understand,
but as you can see,
the mortgage company
hasn't received a single payment
in almost 24 months.
The numbers don't lie.
Okay, so who was in charge
of the finances?
[man] Man,
this don't make no sense.
[overlapping arguing]
Y'all likely to blame me
for this.
-[arguing continues]
-Everybody, shut up!
Hey! Hey, everybody!
Everybody, shut up!
-Shut up! Really?
-[arguing stops]
Hey. I mean, didn't you
just write a tell-all book
about all of us?
[woman] Yep. That part.
And if you care so much,
why don't you just pay off
the money for the house?
Well, if it is my understanding,
Miss Manda is a Georgia
resident. Is that so?
Yes. I've been a Georgia
resident for five years now.
Okay,
so according to estate laws,
the successor of interest must
be a North Carolina resident.
So then why don't you
pay off the house then, Bianca?
Save the house.
You know, matter of fact,
weren't you the one who
had access to their accounts?
Okay, listen.
The bank is willing to do
what is called
"loss mitigation"
if a family member
is willing to step up
and complete
the probate process
and become an estate
representative assigned
by a probate judge.
Okay, let me put it this way.
Someone needs to
step up immediately,
get all the signatures
of the deceased's children
and the heirs of the deceased,
file a court date to meet with
the probate judge so that way
this person's name can be
added as a representative.
This means you'll be able
to sign for payments,
make transitions at the bank
under your grandparents' name,
and most importantly,
the mortgage company will speak
with you regarding payments due,
possibly set up a payment plan.
Nah. I don't think we ought to
mess with this house like that.
It's almost $15,000
behind on payments.
I mean, have y'all seen
this house?
It's in bad shape.
It's gonna cost an arm and a leg
just to do the remodeling.
I mean,
and Daddy wouldn't let us do
no fixing up on it for years.
Ah, that's too much work.
Just let it go back.
Ain't nobody got
that kind of money for that.
And I ain't signing nothing.
So y'all are really gonna
let them take our grandparents'
house?
Like, really?
You know, after Mawmaw,
she worked in cotton fields.
And Pawpaw worked for 31 years.
Thirty-one years!
They paid for that house
cleaning toilets
and scrubbing floors.
They paid off their house,
but they refinanced it.
For what?
For air conditioning units.
For new cars.
So that y'all
can buy y'all houses.
They paid for that house
three or four times.
And y'all are just gonna
let them take the only thing
that they left behind?
I can't stand y'all.
Dr. Francis speaking.
How may I help you?
My grandparents' home
is in foreclosure.
Okay, the only way I could save
the house is if I was
a North Carolina resident,
and I can't just move back
to North Carolina.
That wouldn't be
fair to my kids.
Well, hello.
I'm doing very well.
Thank you so much for asking.
I'm sorry, Dr. Francis.
Mm-hmm.
Now, you're absolutely right.
It would be unfair
to your children.
Is it also unfair to ask
yourself to do such a thing?
I'm doing it again, huh?
Listen, everyone makes
choices in life, Manda,
and you are not and have
never been responsible
for the outcomes.
Not even those
of your grandparents.
You know, it's like
the little girl in me
is tired of having
to be responsible, but...
you know, it's still just
a little hard to just let go.
[laughs]
Remember your boundaries.
[Manda] I know.
You're right. As always.
So I think
I'll head back to the hotel
and just pack up my stuff.
-[laughing] What?
-Yes!
Hotel, no, ma'am.
Why aren't you
with your family?
Avoiding the book
conversation?
No, I'm cutting the cord
for good this time.
There's some pretty intense
things in that book.
This might be a perfect
opportunity to work through
some of those things
with your family.
Right. I really, really, really,
really do not want to.
And you don't have to.
But you will at some point.
It's either now or later.
You choose.
You have more power and control
than you allow yourself
to believe.
Manda, own your truth.
Hey, Mama. What you doing?
[sniffles]
What am I doing?
The question is,
what are you doing?
I read your little book.
I can't believe you
put that stuff about me.
I mean, why didn't you
just write about you?
Lord knows what
the people in church gonna be
thinking about me now.
Okay, so you're worried
about the wrong things, Mama.
Did you even
read the whole book?
I mean, I ain't read
the whole book yet, but I read
the first chapter.
Now everybody gonna be staring
at my earlobes,
knowing your daddy
snatched my earring out.
I mean, Jesus, Manda!
Family business
is family business.
You don't go out and write
a whole book about our business
and share it with World.
Do you even know what
I went through as a child, Mama?
It was a lot.
I'm in therapy now.
Listen, girl,
everybody goes through
stuff in life, all right?
Do you understand that
my mama and daddy is dead?
That we about to
lose this house?
You need to be grateful
that I'm still here.
You know,
I don't even know why I expect
anything different from you.
You know, I guess
I thought that since
I've been gone for so long
that maybe, I don't know,
you would have time to look at
things from my perspective
and maybe... apologize.
-[scoffs] Apologize?
-Yes.
Girl, ain't nobody
did nothing to you.
See, 'cause I had to give up
my job just to take care
of you and your brothers.
But what did
your daddy do, huh?
-'Cause you just praise him.
-No, I don't.
I'm gonna ask you this, then.
Did your daddy stop working
for you when you got sick?
See, again,
I had to give up my job
just to take care of you.
But you ain't put that
in your little funky
little book, now, did you?
Actually, I did.
Why do you act like I owe you
for being a mother to me?
-Owe me?
-Yes!
You act like I owe you!
You know, Mom,
I'm sorry that I got sick.
I really am. You know,
I wish I didn't. I wish--
sometimes I wish I wasn't even
born because you act like--
like I'm a burden to you.
Did I ruin your life, Mom?
Ruin your life plans?
Listen...
I ain't got time
for this today, okay?
I ain't got time for it.
[sniffling]
My mama just died.
I'm about to lose this house.
So forgive me.
I got more important things
going on right now.
[tense music]
Well, I guess you're
not mad at me anymore, so...
Missed you too, bro.
Hey, bro said pull up.
He wanna see you.
[sighs] All right,
but I-- we can't stay long.
I really don't
wanna be there late.
[chuckles]
Oh, yeah. I forgot.
You been out the hood
for a while.
Turn left right here.
So how many kids is it
that you have again?
The last time I talked to Javon,
he had about seven.
I only have one set of twins.
That's it.
A couple of girls claiming
that they pregnant by me, but--
but you know how that go.
Yeah. You just be careful
out there, bro.
You always buying
a cheap ass bit, man.
Hey, hey, hey, hey, hey.
Bro.
-What it do?
-We're good.
-You good?
-Yeah, how are you?
Big lil' sis. How you doing?
Good.
How long you staying?
Oh, shit, man. Move!
[Manda] Headed back
to Atlanta on Monday.
Just came for the funeral
and to hear the will.
[exhales]
I can't believe this, man.
We really about to lose
Grandma's house like this.
Yeah. Yeah, it's really sad.
I bet you glad you ain't
gotta deal with all this
at-home stuff no more, huh?
Yeah, I'm pretty
out of sight, out of mind.
You know, you really should
come visit Atlanta
and get away from here.
Nah. You know I can't
leave the state right now.
-Oh, your probation.
-Probation, yeah.
How much longer
you have on that, anyway?
They said if I, you know,
stay out of trouble,
keep my hands clean,
six months.
Okay, that's not too bad!
It'll fly by. You just
gotta keep your hands clean.
I mean, I'm trying,
but not everybody has
a nice office job
and a nice car
and everything.
You're really doing it, sis.
I'm proud of you. For real.
Well, thank you.
Bro, I wonder what she put in
that book about us, though.
I remember when we was younger,
she couldn't stand me.
You know what?
I hope it wasn't nothing
too bad, of course, right?
It's not.
Yo, Mama was talking about
she need to pay us for
talking about the family.
No, literally.
'Cause truthfully,
I do need help
with some child support
and probation fees.
I could use a new car,
for real.
-I got--
-Yeah, you know, I think
it's been kind of late.
-Mm-hmm.
-So I think we should go.
-You can go. Yeah.
-All right, you be safe, sis.
-Wait.
-Tell Mama I'll see
her tomorrow.
[Manda]
You're not riding with us?
[chuckles] Nah, I'm good.
I don't like to be over there
on Saturday nights, so...
-[Manda] What?
-I'll pass. Yeah.
-Okay, why?
-Um, well, you know,
Mama, she likes to throw
those little kickbacks, right?
And your boy Daddy
is gonna be there, so...
Wait, what?
[Javon] Chill. Go say hi.
No, I don't wanna see him.
-Well...
-How do you know that?
...he's been asking about you.
And he been asking
about that book, so...
Yeah. I'll see you guys.
[Javon] See you.
Come on, man.
Let me get a sip.
What's in that cup, bro?
Give the man a beer.
[overlapping chatter]
Manda.
Daddy.
[sighs]
What are you doing, girl?
Come on in.
Come on.
Your mama's cooked.
Let's eat.
[friend on phone]
Oh, wow.
I'm so sorry you're going
through that, and alone.
I wish I was there with you.
[sighs] Nah, I'm picking up my
kids tomorrow and I'm leaving.
Well, I have an idea, but...
-Oh, God. What is it?
-I'm just thinking,
since you're already
there with your family,
-why don't you guys try
a few family therapy sessions?
-What?
That sounds like a good idea,
but that would never work
with my family.
Oh, Manda,
don't be no hypocrite.
You said the same thing about
the group before meeting
Dr. Francis.
But it changed your life,
right? Right.
Right. So maybe it's time
to introduce therapy
to your family.
Okay, but how would
I even get them to do it?
Come on, Manda. Put on
your therapist hat, honey.
[brother]
What's going on? You know
how to play Spades, sis?
I don't know how
to play Spades.
You done lost your Black card
for that one.
-[laughing]
-Don't think I ever had it.
[both laughing]
But I did hear you had
a blowup earlier.
[brother]
And we tried to warn you, bro,
but we had to be here tonight.
Couldn't miss this.
So, I was actually thinking...
Oh, lord.
...that, you know,
maybe, um, while I'm here,
that we could
all go to therapy together.
-[all scoff]
-[brother] That ain't for me.
I ain't down there
and telling people my personal
business, Manda.
-It just ain't gonna happen.
-Okay, but, you guys, it--
honestly, it would
really mean something to me.
-It's very important.
-Sis, I get all that.
You wanna tell your story
and everything, but that's you.
That's not really us.
More your thing.
[snickering]
[Manda] You know,
not everything is funny.
This is not a game.
We need this.
[brother]
We? Oh, it's "we" now?
I thought you ain't
like your family.
I never said that.
-I just, you know--
-You just what? Huh?
Move states, never call,
never come around?
Yup. Sound about right.
Daddy?
Those people can't teach me
anything about me.
You know what? Deal me in.
[scoffs]
-Deal you in?
-[Manda] Deal me in.
[mother]
Are you serious right now?
No, deal me in.
[brother] Now, sis,
you know you can't play.
Bless her heart.
Just bless her whole heart.
Okay, so, just deal me in,
and-- and if I win...
you guys have to
come to therapy with me.
-[brother] All right.
-[Manda] Deal?
-[brother]
What y'all think about that?
-[Javon] Hey, I'm down.
-I don't know about that.
-[Javon] We don't have to go!
-[mother] All right.
-[brother] You not about to be
on my team, though.
-She on your team.
-You would do that.
But a'ight, bet.
Okay. I'm gonna get
all the royal flushes.
[overlapping talk]
-Somebody deal these up.
-[mother] Oh, my goodness.
-You sure about this?
-No therapy for us. [laughing]
I'm Dr. Nura. I'm hearing
you're all interested in
a family therapy session?
-I wouldn't say all that.
-Earl! Really?
I'm just saying.
I don't need no help.
I'm just here so we can
stop talking about all this.
It's not uncommon for families
to reject family therapy,
especially families of color.
Counseling is still
considered a tad bit taboo.
But I can assure you,
I am here to help.
As a Black therapist,
it's my goal to be
culturally competent
and provide sensitive treatment.
Um, culturally what?
Ma, she just means, like,
she's Black and we're Black.
We can relate to
each other, right?
That's correct.
-So, how does all this work?
-Glad you asked.
First, for today,
we're going to identify
some problem areas
and then find some solutions.
I'm going to be taking
some notes during the session.
For starters,
why did you all decide you
wanted to begin family therapy?
Um, I think we're
a little bit dysfunctional.
Dysfunctional?
Nah. I'm not dysfunctional.
Maybe your mama's
side of the family.
[mother] Ah, no, uh-uh.
Don't blame this on me.
See, 'cause we all done
made some mistakes up in here.
Ain't no family perfect.
And we not gonna sit here
and act like that.
Okay, Mama, I-- I wasn't
trying to blame you
or-- or make anybody feel bad.
I just really wanted us
to connect and just talk
to see if we can
get some things out.
Just get better.
[Dr. Nura] Have you all
heard of family goals?
Earl, if you'll take
one of these and pass it down
and make sure, everyone,
you read what's on the sheet.
Hmm.
I think I'd be
the family hero for sure.
[laughs]
What makes you the family hero?
Um, well, you know,
I kind of have it all together.
Successful, college graduate.
I have two kids,
I live in a big house.
But you only have family
to you and yours.
Uh, like, if you make it out
the hood and actually become
somewhat successful,
you're supposed to
help your family out.
There's no other way.
That's an interesting
perspective.
Which role do you feel?
Oh, I feel like
I'm definitely the scapegoat.
[brother]
Nah, bro. I'm the scapegoat.
Y'all blame everything on me.
And sometimes I feel like
a complete failure.
[Javon] Okay, well, um...
If you're the scapegoat,
I guess I could be clown, maybe?
Um, 'cause I find myself
trying to laugh more
instead of, like, uh, cry,
and, uh... [clears throat]
Just-- just hard, you know,
being a black man,
trying to stay out of prison,
take care of your kids.
I don't know.
I just don't wanna be like...
[Earl]
Be like me, son?
So you blaming me too?
Ain't nobody blaming you.
I'm just saying,
but out of everybody here,
I'm the only one
that read Manda's book.
You read my book?
I didn't know that.
Yeah, sis. I think you forget
we only one year apart.
Everything that you've seen,
I seen.
We just--
just went different directions.
You ran away.
I ran towards.
So, how does talking about
the past gonna help with
anything, Dr. Nura?
Sounds like there's a lot
of resentment
and childhood trauma
to work through.
If you all
are open and willing,
healing and creating a healthy
family system is possible.
What do you say?
Can y'all believe
Manda really got us here
in therapy right now?
[all laughing]
-No, I can't.
-Nah.
[gentle music]
-[Manda] Hey.
-[all] Hey.
What's up? Why y'all sitting
here looking suspicious?
Sit down, sit down.
Come on, guys.
Go on. Show your mom
what you made her.
Go ahead, big brother.
What you so scared for?
[Ainsworth] You go first.
Ladies always go first.
Somebody. Come on, come on.
Um... I bought
this for you, Mama.
Congratulations on your book
and interview today.
Thank you. It's beautiful,
just like you are.
Go, big brother.
Well, I just wanted to
write you a letter, Mama.
-Guys, you gotta be chill.
-Okay.
"Dear Mama,
I love you so much.
I know you gave up your life
for me and dropped out of high
school when I was born
just to take care of me.
No matter the struggle,
you always found a way.
After all the experiences
we've been through,
you were still there
no matter what.
You always encouraged me
to be confident,
even though I'm small
and was a preemie baby.
Even though you're stressed
some days,
you've never given up on the
things you wanted to achieve
and the goals
you wanted to achieve.
You strove your hardest
to be the best you can be.
I know we've had some
tough times over the years,
but you fought through it
to provide for us
everything we need.
Even though Daddy wasn't here,
you still managed on your own,
and we thank you for that.
One day I'm going to
college like you.
I'm going to become
a good man, a husband,
a father, and an engineer.
I promise to
make you proud of me
the way I'm proud of you."
Good job, big man.
Oh, thank you.
-That was so beautiful.
-You think?
-Thank you, guys.
-[Javon] Of course.
Thank you so much.
We just wanted to--
you know, got your interview
and everything,
but, you know, we wanted
to send you off right.
Thanks. I gotta go get
my hair and my makeup done.
I was gonna say,
I hope you don't go like that.
No, I'm gonna go like this.
-Oh, okay.
-Okay.
I love you guys.
Y'all be good, okay?
All right.
[soft music]
[music continues]
[Manda]
Yes. Let's do this.
[host] Today we are joined
by best-selling author,
producer, and therapist,
-Dr. Manda Beemer.
Welcome, Manda.
-Thank you.
You know, it's an honor to
be here in my home state.
[host] Well, we know
that North Carolina's
definitely welcomed you.
Tell us a little bit
about the inspiration
behind this book.
Well, you know, I spent years
helping my clients
work through
their traumas as a therapist.
Sharing my story represents
breaking generational curses.
Healing, freedom,
and silencing shame.
[music continues]
Hey, Javon.
Big lil' sis.
What you up to?
Oh, just getting back inside.
I was out playing with
the kids for a little bit.
[Javon]
You know you a star now, right?
-[laughing]
-I was walking in
the store the other day,
and I seen you on
another cover of a magazine.
[laughs]
Well, I'm no star, but...
I guess
I'm doing pretty well.
But I'm saying though, sis.
You know, I've been doing
my therapy and stuff...
and my probation.
I don't know.
I think it might be time
to write my book now.
["Columbia Nights"
by The Rhythm]
Do-do-de-ah
Do-do, do-do-do-de-ah
Do-do
Do-do-do-de-ah
Do-do
Do-do-do-de-ah
Do-do-do-de-ah
Created as the rhythm
Is seeping in your dreams
Dancing in your day
Thoughts imprinted in memory
Seeking manumission
In the movement of your feet
Take it from the inside
And release it on the street
It's just the music
It's just the rhythm
It's just the lyrics
It's just the beat
It's just the movement
It's just the timing
It's just the flow
That's living in me
It's just the music
It's just the rhythm
It's just the lyrics
It's just the beat
It's just the movement
It's just the timing
It's just the flow
That's living in me
Holding onto notes
As they are freed
Into the air
Entangled so deep
In your thoughts
You comb them
Through your hair
Losing sense
Of when and why
And who and what
And where
Just know you're in
A safe place
When the music
Takes you there
It's just the music
It's just the rhythm
It's just the lyrics
It's just the beat
It's just the movement
It's just the timing
It's just the flow
That's living in me
It's just the music
It's just the rhythm
It's just the lyrics
It's just the beat
It's just the movement
It's just the timing
It's just the flow
That's living in me
Sounds filling
The silent, naked space
Grounding you
And lifting you away
Let the music play
[vocalizing]
[music fades]