‘Cuse Conversations Episode 121: The Power of Holistic Healing and Wellness With Therapist and Entrepreneur Rachel Johnson ’17, G’19

Original air date: Oct. 26, 2022 In her work as a therapist, Rachel Johnson ’17, G’19 knew she was making a difference in the lives of her patients. But she also realized her work wasn’t impacting an often overlooked segment of the population when it comes to mental wellness and holistic health: Black people. So she founded Half Hood Half Holistic in her adopted hometown of Syracuse as a holistic wellness business that allows Black individuals, couples and families to have the space to heal and work on their mental, physical and spiritual health. The author of the “Self Love Workbook for Black Women,” Johnson discusses what holistic health means to her, what healing looks like for Black people, why it’s important to debunk the stigmas and stereotypes associated with mental health services, how she helps make holistic healing accessible for all who seek it, the important role holistic healing plays in helping communities heal from racial harm, and how a program called Say Yes to Education helped Johnson hone her skills at Syracuse University.