Restorative Health and Wellness is a holistic mental health group practice dedicated to the health and well being of Black and Brown people and people who have historically been marginalized. Restorative Health and Wellness recognizes that the choice to focus on ones health has to do with not any individual faults but the stress society exerts on us all.
If you are experiencing issues or stressors related to work, raising your family, a romantic relationship, intergenerational family conflict, feeling stuck, unhappy or unhealthy we would love to assist you in navigating those circumstances. It is a common misconception that one has to have a significant mental health issue or ‘something wrong’ as an individual to access therapy nothing could be further from the truth one just has to be human as we all experience hardships and difficulties. Therapy offers you an unbiased, safe space to talk out any and all issues you may be experiencing.
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Restorative Health and Wellness has clinicians primarily of color that are culturally competent and trained in multiple different therapeutic modalities including Strength based and person centered approaches, Cognitive Based Therapy. Additionally, RHW offers regular and restorative yoga groups/ classes, several groups and, has a reiki practitioner and nutritional counselor.
Shalonda Edwards MSW, LICSW
"I wake up, do yoga, go to the office, light incense, and put on my trap music while I drink my tea."
Shalonda Edwards MSW, LICSW is the Founding Clinician of Restorative Health and Wellness. She is a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker LICSW with 16 years of clinical experience and yoga teacher who ethically integrates holistic and somatic modalities including Breathwork, Mindfulness, and, trauma informed yoga and meditation into her work with clients. As an avid yoga practitioner and teacher Shalonda has recognized the important benefits of facilitating a mind body connection via yoga/ somatic practices.
Shalonda is a graduate of the University of Connecticut School of Social Work and Westfield State University. Shalonda is licensed and currently practices in CT and MA and has several advanced certifications including; Certified Holistic Therapist, Trauma Informed Practitioner, Liberation Psychology, Sound Healing Certificate,Energy Healing Certificate, Reiki Level 1 Training, Trauma Informed Breathwork Facilitator, Mindfulness Informed Practitioner Certification,Trauma Informed Energy and Sound Healer, Yin Yoga Training and is a RYT500. Shalonda has clinical specialties and advanced training in: recovery from familial and relational trauma and abuse, recovery from narcissistic relationships, family estrangement and support navigating toxic family dynamics, neurodivergence (adhd, autism, PTSD),supporting high achievers that have a history of people pleasing and struggle to assert boundaries.
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Shalonda, given her immense experience, is sought after for individual clinical consultation in families/ educational institutions supporting children who are neurodiverse as well as providing trainings, panel expertise, education and clinical consultation to private clients, clinicians, non profits, educational institutions, governmental agencies and businesses on topics within her areas of expertise. Shalonda also acts as an adjunct faculty member and field advisor for graduate students in Social Work programs and her practice serves as a site for internship placements. Shalonda is an avid learner and enjoys traveling the country to attend various trainings and learn new modalities, she often provided clinical expertise and support to others clinicians as well. She is the founder of Restorative Health and Wellness and takes pride in her business being the first Black owned Holistic private therapy practice in Western Massachusetts. Restorative Health and Wellness serves the greater MA/CT area with a Holistic lens that seeks to ethically integrate these practices into our work with clients and to offer them to the community at large.
Shalonda is a lifelong resident of Springfield, MA and has a vested interest in ensuring that communities of color and underserved communities have access to Holistic and Somatic modalities and clinical care that demonstrates cultural humility as well as ensuring clinicians particularly of color have access to competent clinical support and training that demonstrates cultural humility and takes a decolonized approach.
Maisam Borrero MSW
Maisam Borrero has a Masters Degree from the University del Este in Ponce, Puerto Rico and has a Bachelors of Arts Defree in Psychosocial Human Services from Interamerican University of Puerto Rico in Aguadilla, Puerto Rico. Maisam is a Social Worker with over a decade of experience, and a broad and diverse clinical background. I have experience working with individuals experiencing a wide range of mental health, behavioral and emotional challenges including; depression, anxiety, substance use disorders, trauma, foster care and adoption support, grief and loss counseling, and assistance for individuals experiencing poverty, homelessness, or incarceration. My experience includes working with children, adolescents, adults, seniors, couples, and families. I have a particular interest in supporting individuals from oppressed communities and am fluent in English, Spanish and Arabic.
I am adept at adapting my approach to meet the unique needs of individuals at all life stages. My therapeutic approach focuses on empowering clients to prioritize their mental well-being, cultivate healthier communication skills, and foster more fulfilling relationships.
My therapeutic modalities include Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Solution-Focused Therapy, Narrative Therapy, and Motivational Interviewing. For couples counseling, I frequently utilize the Gottman Method; and for family therapy, I incorporate Structural, Systemic, and Strategic Family Therapy approaches.
In my free time I enjoy vacation in my home in Puerto Rico with my husband and son. I really enjoy the beach, sunshine and, spending time with my family and, being physically active. I have availability to meet with new clients Thursdays from 9am to 3pm.
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Rayhana Washington, LMHC
Hello, my name is Rayhana Washington and I am a Licensed Mental Health Counselor in MA. I am passionate about helping individuals to achieve clarity and regulation, particularly as they navigate life transitions. I have experience supporting individuals in understanding and processing challenging family dynamics, breaking relationship cycles, setting boundaries, learning to prioritize self, divorce, parenting, anxiety, and depression amongst other things. I specialize in teaching my clients how to manage stress, improve relationships, enhance performance, and identifying triggers/patterns in their life that no longer serve them.
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The majority of my practice focuses on addressing the common struggles that my clients face, such as anxiety, depression, relationship conflicts, self-esteem issues, setting boundaries. I approach therapy from a cognitive-behavioral, humanistic, and somatic approach, integrating various modalities to tailor the treatment to the unique needs of each individual. My goal is to create a supportive and collaborative environment where clients feel empowered to make positive changes in their lives. I look forward to working with you.
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I'm an avid reader and a lifelong resident of Western, MA. Graduated from University of Phoenix and attended Cambridge College for graduate school. I loves traveling especially taking road trips to clear my mind.