Cynthia Djengue’s Stories, Lessons & Insights

We’re looking forward to introducing you to Cynthia Djengue. Check out our conversation below.

Good morning Cynthia, we’re so happy to have you here with us and we’d love to explore your story and how you think about life and legacy and so much more. So let’s start with a question we often ask: What do you think is misunderstood about your business? 
Common Misconceptions About Psychotherapy

There are a lot of misconceptions floating around about psychotherapy, and it’s easy to see why. With social media influencers and AI becoming go-to sources for self-diagnosis, symptom checks, and basic mental health info, people are getting a heavy dose of personal opinions rather than solid, scientific, or research-backed facts about mental health.

One big misconception is the idea of a therapist shortage. You have some therapists with waiting lists, while others have many spots open. In most mid-to-large American cities, there are actually a ton of therapists out there through telehealth. The real challenge is finding the right one, which brings us to the next point.

The second misconception is that therapists come fairly pre-packaged and conduct sessions in a routine manner. Research suggests that the average client has three or four therapists before finally connecting with someone who feels right. Therapists’ backgrounds vary hugely, from those with a master’s degree offering basic talk therapy or CBT, to others who are highly specialized, certified, and hold advanced degrees like a PhD or PsyD. Some will work 30 minutes to an hour, while others do intensives for several hours up to several days.

Finally, there’s the myth that therapy is a quick fix – that you’ll be “fixed” after 8-10 sessions. In reality, many therapists report that they see their main clients for around three years on average. Programs like EAP (Employee Assistance Programs) do offer shorter-term therapy focused on resolving a specific issue, often in six sessions, for example.

Notably, the world of insurance is definitely shaking things up for both clients and therapists. As insurance companies aren’t fairly reimbursing therapist, and have recently been reducing rates, many therapists are shifting to private pay but are having a hard time doing so with the effects of AI and hedge-funded companies that scoop up available clients through their large-funded platforms. The average individual self-employed therapist cannot compete with billion-dollar organizations who you see at the top of Google searches.

Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
Hello! I’m Cynthia Djengue, LISW, LCSW, a psychotherapist and relationship-repair specialist with more than 30 years in social work. Through my practice, The Hummingbird Path LLC, I support individuals and couples navigating ADHD, anxiety, attachment wounds, and relational patterns. I also lead Mama Hummingbird Consulting – where I offer somatic and energy-healing services, including therapy intensives, integrative sessions with Brainspotting and Reiki, and coaching grounded in mindfulness and nervous-system regulation. My work is unique in blending evidence-based relational science with holistic, body-and-energy-focused healing, creating deep transformation for clients who are ready to move beyond reactive patterns and reconnect with confidence, clarity, and meaningful connection.

Thanks for sharing that. Would love to go back in time and hear about how your past might have impacted who you are today. What breaks the bonds between people—and what restores them?
Bonds between people can break for many reasons. Sometimes it’s intentional, when someone chooses distance for safety or clarity. Other times, it’s unintentional, the slow distance and silence that happens when pain or misunderstanding goes unspoken. Some are mutual, where both people sense it’s time to release, and others are natural endings that unfold as life cycles shift.

All relationships are meant to last in their own way, because when we grow or transform, our connections evolve too. Healing the bond isn’t always about returning; sometimes it’s about honoring what’s changed, allowing love to take a new shape, or recognizing that ending a relationship may be the truest way to nurture and honor your own love for yourself.

What fear has held you back the most in your life?
The fear that has held me back most is the fear of being misunderstood. I was recently diagnosed with ADHD, and one aspect or symptom, rejection sensitivity dysphoria, or RSD, resonated deeply with me. Looking back, from adolescence through adulthood, I often experienced intense reactions to perceived rejection or disappointment, not because I acted to please others, but because my focus and energy naturally followed what interested me. This sometimes created a disconnect in relationships or work, leaving me feeling dismissed or unfairly judged. My fear of being misunderstood began early, but RSD is not a curse; it’s something that can be understood, worked through, and healed in therapy, allowing for more self-acceptance and connection.

Alright, so if you are open to it, let’s explore some philosophical questions that touch on your values and worldview. What are the biggest lies your industry tells itself?
One of the biggest lies the psychotherapy industry tells itself is that the Western, medical model is the only valid way to heal. While early approaches focused on top-down problem-solving, talk therapy, and even outdated treatments, we now know that somatic, mindfulness, and Eastern-influenced methods are equally effective. Healing is not one-size-fits-all, and the industry is slowly catching up to the full spectrum of what truly works, although, again, insurance companies and the large organizations and platforms funded by them, are not as quick to respond to this concept.

Okay, so before we go, let’s tackle one more area. What do you think people will most misunderstand about your legacy?
I have been interviewed before by this magazine, and my focus then was much different: a glimpse into my life and work as a creative. I think people might misunderstand my legacy because it isn’t fixed; it evolves as I do. The Hummingbird Path and Mama Hummingbird Consulting (Mama Hummingbird Shop) are about guiding people toward healing, but the ways I work, the methods I use, and even the paths I take may shift over time. What matters most is the impact on the people I care about and serve, not popularity or recognition. My legacy is living proof that transformation, growth, and attunement are what endure. Like the hummingbird, my path is about movement, curiosity, and longevity – showing that even small, deliberate steps can carry profound growth and leave a lasting imprint.

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all mine

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