Dr. Thema Bryant is a licensed psychologist, ordained minister, and professor of psychology at Pepperdine University. Dr. Thema was the 2023 president of the American Psychological Association and advocates for mental health and wellness locally, nationally, and globally. She is a past president of the Society for the Psychology of Women and a past American Psychological Association representative to the United Nations. She has appeared as a mental health expert on CNN, Headline News, CBS Mornings, NPR, VH1, OWN, and BET. Dr. Thema, who hosts The Homecoming Podcast, earned her doctorate from Duke University and completed her postdoctoral training at Harvard Medical Center.
“In Matters of the Heart, Dr. Thema provides a comprehensive roadmap that gently guides readers back to their own inherent wisdom and strength. Her compassionate warmth radiates through each lesson, making this book a true balm for the heart—the wellspring of life and healing.” —Dr. Mariel Buqué, nationally bestselling author of Break the Cycle “We cannot pour if our cups are empty. Dr. Thema gracefully weaves in lessons on choosing ourselves, self- love, and the beautiful possibility of healing so that we can show up fully for ourselves and others. This book is a must read.” —Alexandra Elle, New York Times bestselling author of How We Heal “Many of us lack the tools needed for healthy relationships. In Matters of the Heart, Dr. Thema provides practical guidance on how to heal and understand ourselves, enabling us to show up with compassion in our relationships. This book is a heartfelt guide to loving yourself and others more deeply and genuinely.” —Nedra Glover Tawwab, New York Times bestselling author of Set Boundaries, Find Peace and Drama Free