In this powerful episode, Coach LA sits down with author, father, and Boston native Eric Jones (The Scars That Healed) to unpack one of the most urgent conversations of our time: Therapy & Black Masculinity. Together, they explore the stigma that keeps many men—especially Black men—from seeking support, and why reclaiming mental health is essential to both survival and legacy. Eric shares his journey from growing up in Mattapan during the 70s–90s, to becoming a father at 18, to healing through storytelling in his book. Along the way, Coach LA highlights critical stats: • Men die by suicide about four times more often than women. • Suicide is the second leading cause of death among people ages 10–34. • Among Black and Hispanic men aged 18–44 with daily depression or anxiety, only about 26% receive treatment. This episode doesn’t just shine a light on the pain points—it offers evidence-based strategies and solutions, from Solution-Focused Therapy to men’s healing circles, showing how vulnerability and self-care can be radical acts of power. 💡 Coach’s Corner: September is both Suicide Awareness Month and Self-Care Awareness Month. Coach LA offers tools for prevention, reflection, and a reminder that you can’t build legacy if you’re running on empty. Tune in for a conversation that is raw, real, and rooted in hope—reminding us all that when Black men reclaim their mental health, they also reclaim their voice, their power, and their future.
In this episode, Coach LA sits down with author and Boston native Eric Jones (The Scars That Healed) to talk openly about mental health stigma and Black masculinity. From his childhood in Mattapan during the 70s–90s, to becoming a father at 18, to his journey as an author and professional, Eric shares his story of resilience, growth, and breaking cycles of trauma.
This episode explores why so many Black men are suffering in silence and provides evidence-based tools for healing, self-care, and creating safe spaces for men to reclaim their mental health.
Men die by suicide at 4x the rate of women (CDC).
Suicide is the 2nd leading cause of death for people ages 10–34.
Among Black and Hispanic men aged 18–44 with daily depression or anxiety, only 26% seek treatment (CDC).
The cultural stigma of therapy, generational silence, and systemic racism continue to be barriers.
Evidence-based practices like Solution-Focused Therapy, CBT, Men’s Healing Circles, and Narrative Therapy can support healing.
Vulnerability is not weakness—it’s a form of survival and resistance.
📚 Connect with Eric "EJ" Jones: The Scars That Healed | Email: ejones4175@gmail.com
📲 Subscribe: YouTube.com/@IamCoachLA