We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Maureen Enayo. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Maureen Enayo below.
Hi Maureen Enayo, appreciate you sitting with us today to share your wisdom with our readers. So, let’s start with resilience – where do you get your resilience from?
Resilience is something I believe we all have within us. As human beings, our minds often create doubt, making us question whether we can endure certain struggles. But the truth is, we have survived 100% of our worst days, proving our strength time and time again.
For me, resilience isn’t just about survival—it’s about thriving, and that has been shaped by my identity, my experiences, and my history. I am a first-generation Haitian-American, born and raised in Brooklyn. Growing up as a Black girl in such a dynamic, diverse city meant being exposed to both endless possibilities and harsh realities. I saw success, wealth, and ambition, but I also witnessed struggle, systemic barriers, and the weight of generational challenges. That contrast shaped me. It showed me that while obstacles are inevitable, so is my ability to overcome them.
Being Black also means carrying the history of a people who have endured unimaginable hardship, yet still risen above it. That history is a testament to perseverance, and it fuels my own ability to push forward. Knowing the sacrifices and struggles of those who came before me reminds me that I am built to endure, to rise, and to create a future beyond what was ever imagined for us.
Being Haitian adds another layer to my resilience. There is a certain weight that comes with being the first—the first to carve a path with limited guidance, the first to navigate the tension between two cultures, the first to carry the expectations of success for an entire lineage. My family instilled values of hard work and perseverance, but they didn’t always have the blueprint for the world I was growing up in. I had to figure it out on my own—bridging cultural gaps, balancing the pressure to succeed with my own dreams, and making sense of the unspoken responsibilities that come with being a first-generation child. That journey, though challenging, has made me adaptable, strong, and unafraid to forge my own way, even when the roadmap isn’t clear.
As a woman, I’ve also felt the weight of societal expectations. We are often the caretakers, the nurturers, the ones who must hold everything together. And in that, we develop a deep-rooted resilience—the ability to rise to the occasion, to persist even when the odds are stacked against us, to push forward not just for ourselves but for those who rely on us.
But beyond my background and experiences, my resilience ultimately comes from my mindset. I’ve come to understand that positive mental health is critical in navigating life’s challenges. I refuse to move through life on autopilot, allowing circumstances to dictate my path. Instead, I put myself in the driver’s seat. I take control, knowing that while I may not always be able to change what happens to me, I can always choose how I respond.
That belief—the understanding that I have the power to shape my own journey—is what keeps me grounded, what keeps me going. My resilience isn’t just about enduring struggle; it’s about owning my story, standing in my strength, and continuing to push forward, no matter what comes my way.
Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?
I am a modern-day therapist with a contemporary style and a solution-focused approach. My philosophy is simple: you can’t heal what you don’t reveal. While suffering is a universal part of the human experience, the way we navigate and overcome it is within our control. Through talk therapy, my goal is to empower people to understand that their environment is made up of both obstacles and tools—once we recognize this, we can use those tools to create meaningful change.
My passion for mental health and life satisfaction stems from my upbringing. Growing up in a fast-paced environment like New York City, I witnessed the repetitive cycle of work, sleep, and survival. I saw people going through the motions rather than truly living, and it sparked my curiosity about what it takes to feel fulfilled. That curiosity, combined with the values instilled in me from childhood—compassion, respect, and empathy—led me to pursue a career where I could help others break out of survival mode and into a life of purpose and satisfaction.
I earned my undergraduate degree in psychology and my graduate degree in mental health counseling. Since then, I have built a career that allows me to work with people at all stages of life. I currently run a private practice through platforms such as Hello Alma, Therapy for Black Girls, and Psychology Today, helping individuals gain self-awareness and understanding of their thoughts, behaviors, and feelings. My approach is centered on making meaningful connections and guiding people toward becoming the best version of themselves.
Beyond my clinical work—caring for individuals of all ages, from infants to elders, and supporting those dealing with a range of mental health challenges—I am excited to build my brand and innovate change, particularly in the mental health of minorities. I actively participate in community mental health events, working to improve access to resources, break stigmas, and expand insight into mental wellness. I also supervise other clinicians, ensuring that quality care is delivered across the board.
At the core of my work is a deep obsession with life satisfaction—both my own and that of those I serve. I believe mental health is the foundation of a fulfilling life, and my mission is to help people take control of their narrative, break free from limiting patterns, and build a future where they don’t just survive, but truly thrive.
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
The three most impactful qualities on my journey have been self-discovery/self-reflection, passion for mental health, and balance.
Self-discovery and self-reflection have been crucial for me. By learning who I truly am, I overcame imposter syndrome, negative self-talk, and self-sabotaging behaviors. This ongoing process has built a solid foundation for both personal growth and professional resilience.
Equally important is my passion for mental health. My genuine commitment to this field drives me forward—even when immediate gratification isn’t apparent. That strong desire to make a difference has kept me motivated and innovative, constantly finding new ways to empower others and effect meaningful change.
Lastly, balance is key. Managing my various life responsibilities while preserving my mental well-being has been essential. Maintaining this equilibrium not only sustains my personal health but also enriches my ability to serve others effectively.
For those early in their journey, my advice is to let go of perfectionism and any rigid expectations. Allow yourself the flexibility to adapt and thrive; you can’t survive and truly flourish in an environment of self-imposed constraints. Always pay attention to your own needs along the way and, above all, stay committed to your growth. These steps will help you develop and strengthen these vital qualities over time.
What is the number one obstacle or challenge you are currently facing and what are you doing to try to resolve or overcome this challenge?
The number one challenge I’m facing right now is questioning whether I’m where I’m supposed to be at this stage of my life and truly fulfilling my purpose. I often feel like I’m not doing enough, even though I have so much on my plate. To overcome this, I actively challenge my negative self-talk. I remind myself that life does not come with a manual, and I refuse to let outside expectations—whether based on age, gender, or environment—make me feel like something is wrong. Instead, I use these expectations as fuel to transform my life, ensuring that self-inflicted doubts do not restrict me from becoming who I’m meant to be. I also let go of some of the expectations I have for myself in order to allow myself grace, knowing that life is about both learning and unlearning.
In addition, I lean on my support system—my family and friends—who provide me with encouragement, perspective, and accountability. Their support reminds me that I’m not alone on this journey, and it helps me stay committed to growing, evolving, and embracing my purpose.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://secure.helloalma.com/providers/maureen-enayo/
- Instagram: _msmaureen
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