There is no one better to talk about joy with than Dr. Malakai Coté. He exudes it. Many of us are feeling weighed down by Tyre Nichols' death, as well as the many before him. Many of us feel like we have to keep going. Is there a way that we can find our joy? How do we hold onto it when it doesn't feel like it is there? Dr. Coté discusses Black aliveness through joy and so much more.
Malakai Coté, Ph.D. (he/him or they/them) is a licensed psychologist, clinical supervisor, and con...
There is no one better to talk about joy with than Dr. Malakai Coté. He exudes it. Many of us are feeling weighed down by Tyre Nichols' death, as well as the many before him. Many of us feel like we have to keep going. Is there a way that we can find our joy? How do we hold onto it when it doesn't feel like it is there? Dr. Coté discusses Black aliveness through joy and so much more.
Malakai Coté, Ph.D. (he/him or they/them) is a licensed psychologist, clinical supervisor, and consultant whose therapeutic approaches rest in interconnection and fostering holistic healing. They earned their Ph.D. in Counseling Psychology from the University of Oregon. As a psychologist, Dr. Coté has worked in university counseling center settings and currently maintains an independent practice in the Greater Sacramento, CA area. He also clinically trains and supervises at the Gender Health Center in Sacramento, CA. They have taught graduate-level courses in clinical psychology at Alliant International University. Dr. Coté is a founding member and Secretary of the newly forming Greater Sacramento Association of Black Psychologists Chapter.
His ethic of care is rooted in African-centered and liberation psychology principles and values. He specializes in serving the diverse needs of Queer, Trans, Black, Indigenous, and Persons of Color across the lifespan. They have developed expertise in providing culturally specific and SGL/LGBTQ+ affirming mental health services. Beyond providing direct therapeutic experiences, they engage in program development and evaluation consultation services with community-based organizations. They also offer professional development and continuing education workshops addressing trans healthcare and the overall well-being of African/Black people. Dr. Coté is a trained yoga teacher, and they integrate gentle movement, meditation, and breathwork into their practice.
Dr. Coté was born and raised in Kansas in the United States. He proudly identifies as a descendant of the Mende peoples in present-day Sierra Leone who thrived before the Maafa and is committed to healing, resilience, and resting in our power. He is a spouse, guide parent, puppy parent, uncle, sibling, nephew, cousin, little, grand little, and adult child of two loving and hardworking parents with a solid extended kin core. They also happen to identify under the LGBTQ+ umbrella. He is an active member of Beta Gamma Chi Fraternity, Incorporated.
Dr. Coté turns to Opening to Spirit: Contacting the Healing Power of the Chakras and Honoring African Spirituality by Caroline Shola Arewa and he is currently reading Black Aliveness, Or A Poetics of Being by Kevin Everod Quashie. I am reading "Out of the Fire: Healing Black Trauma Caused by Systemic Racism Using Acceptance and Commitment Therapy" by Jennifer Shepard Payne.
Dr. Coté is listening to 90s hip hop and R&B (Jodeci, Dre, Snoop).
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