Speaking & Media
Healing Beyond Talk Therapy: Neuroscience, Liberation, and Nervous System Transformation
Shale Maulana is a liberation-based therapist, neurofeedback practitioner, and founder of Vital Mind Renewal—a holistic mental health practice serving BIPOC individuals, high achievers, and anyone seeking transformation beyond traditional therapy.
With a background in public health research and nearly a decade addressing health disparities in central Brooklyn, Shale brings a unique systems-level perspective to mental health. She understands that individual healing cannot be separated from the oppressive systems we navigate—and that true transformation requires addressing both the personal and the political.
Shale's clinical practice integrates evidence-based neuroscience (EMDR, neurofeedback brain training, somatic therapy, clinical hypnotherapy) with mindfulness, culturally responsive care, and ancestral wisdom. Her work speaks to a growing need in the mental health field: approaches that go beyond symptom management and actually address root causes in the nervous system, the body, and the systems that shape our lives.
Her insights have been featured in Brainz Magazine as an Executive Contributor, where she's published extensively on why conventional mental health tools often fall short—and what actually works. She's contributed to peer-reviewed research on health equity and COVID-19 disparities, and has been interviewed on wellness podcasts and expert panels.
Whether speaking to therapists, community organizations, podcast audiences, or wellness practitioners, Shale brings grounded wisdom, clinical expertise, and a commitment to bridging personal healing with collective liberation.
What Makes Shale a Compelling Speaker
Unique Expertise
Shale bridges three worlds that rarely converge: clinical mental health practice, public health systems thinking, and ancestral healing wisdom. She doesn't just talk about these concepts—she's lived them, researched them, and witnessed their impact at both individual and community levels.
As a Black woman therapist with lived experience navigating systemic oppression, she speaks authentically to the mental health needs of marginalized communities while offering insights that resonate across all identities.
Grounded & Relatable
Shale's speaking style is warm, authentic, and accessible. She translates complex neuroscience and therapeutic concepts into language anyone can understand and immediately apply. Podcast hosts and audience members consistently describe her as "grounded," "insightful," "deeply present," and "refreshingly real."
Evidence-Based + Holistic
Her background in public health research and peer-reviewed publications lends clinical credibility, while her training in neurofeedback, somatic practices, EMDR, and mindfulness offers the holistic perspective often missing in traditional mental health conversations.
Practical & Actionable
Audiences leave with concrete practices they can use immediately—not just theoretical concepts. Whether it's a 5-minute nervous system regulation technique or a framework for understanding intergenerational trauma, Shale provides tools that actually work.
Timely & Necessary
In a mental health landscape saturated with "self-care" advice that fails to address systemic harm, Shale offers a liberation-based framework that names oppression, honors the body's wisdom, and provides pathways to genuine healing—not just coping.
Speaking Topics
When Talking Isn't Enough: The Need for Somatic, Whole-Body Approaches in Mental Health
Traditional talk therapy has its place—but for many people dealing with trauma, chronic stress, or anxiety, it's not enough. This talk explores why trauma lives in the nervous system and body (not just the mind) and introduces practical somatic and neurofeedback approaches that create lasting change.
Your audience will learn:
Why "understanding" your trauma doesn't always heal it
How trauma gets stored in the nervous system and manifests as anxiety, hypervigilance, or emotional numbness
The science of nervous system regulation and why it matters
Practical somatic techniques anyone can use (no therapy required)
How neurofeedback works and who it helps
Ideal for: Mental health professionals, wellness practitioners, therapy clients, anyone interested in healing beyond talk therapy
Format options: Keynote (45-60 min), Workshop (90 min), Panel Discussion
The Burdens We Are Born With: Transmuting Ancestral and Intergenerational Trauma
Trauma doesn't end with one generation—it gets passed down through families and communities in ways both subtle and profound. This talk explores the science of epigenetics, the reality of intergenerational trauma, and most importantly, how to identify and release patterns we inherited without choosing them.
Your audience will learn:
How trauma patterns pass through generations (beyond "just" learned behavior)
Why personal healing work must include ancestral and collective wounds
Practices for identifying inherited trauma patterns in your own life
How to break cycles and create new patterns of resilience for future generations
The intersection of ancestral healing and nervous system regulation
Ideal for: BIPOC communities, therapists working with generational trauma, spiritual/healing communities, family systems practitioners
Format options: Keynote (45-60 min), Workshop (90-120 min), Panel Discussion
What Marginalized People Need to Know to Heal Amid Ongoing Trauma
"Self-care" advice often fails for people navigating systemic oppression—because the trauma isn't just in the past, it's happening now. This talk addresses the unique challenges of healing when you're still in the fire, and offers nervous system regulation tools that support both survival AND thriving.
Your audience will learn:
Why typical "self-care" and "resilience" advice falls short for marginalized folks
The difference between coping and actual healing when trauma is ongoing
Nervous system regulation practices for people navigating oppressive systems
How to build resilience without bypassing legitimate anger and grief
The role of community and collective care in personal healing
Ideal for: BIPOC organizations, DEI/anti-racism initiatives, community health programs, social justice spaces, grassroots organizations
Format options: Keynote (45-60 min), Workshop (90 min), Panel Discussion, Community Conversation
The Role of Mindfulness in Healing from Trauma and Mental Health Challenges
"Just breathe" doesn't work for everyone—especially people with trauma. This talk offers a trauma-informed approach to mindfulness that actually supports nervous system regulation without retraumatizing. Perfect for wellness professionals who want to make their practices more accessible and effective.
Your audience will learn:
Why standard mindfulness practices can be activating for trauma survivors
Trauma-informed modifications that make mindfulness accessible
How mindfulness supports nervous system regulation and emotional resilience
Practical mindfulness practices for anxiety, PTSD, and chronic stress
How to integrate mindfulness into clinical work or personal practice
Ideal for: Yoga teachers, wellness professionals, mental health practitioners, corporate wellness programs, meditation instructors
Format options: Keynote (45-60 min), Workshop (90-120 min), Training for Practitioners
Custom Topics Available
I'm also available to develop custom presentations tailored to your organization's specific needs, whether that's:
Liberation-based approaches to mental health in clinical practice
Neurofeedback and brain-based healing modalities
Health equity and mental health disparities
Holistic wellness for high achievers and professionals
Community-based healing and collective care
Let's discuss what would serve your audience best.
Past Appearances and Features
FEATURED ARTICLES - BRAINZ MAGAZINE
Why a Liberation-Based Approach to Mental Health is Needed Now More than Ever, Brainz Magazine
Three Game-Changing Technologies for Holistic Mental Health You Need to Know, Brainz Magazine
Why Healing Takes Longer Than Motivation Culture Allows, Brainz Magazine
High-Functioning Anxiety is Not a Personality Trait, Brainz Magazine
Why Relief Doesn’t Last for High-Functioning People, Brainz Magazine
Why Caregivers and Parents Burn Out Even When They are Resilient, Brainz Magazine
PEER-REVIEWED ARTICLES
Traumatic Injury in the United States: In-Patient Epidemiology 2000-2011, Injury
Early Childhood Development Kit Humanitarian Evaluation, UNICEF
INTERVIEWS
Interview on Holistic Healing with Cosmic Insight
FEATURED, INTERVIEWED, OR PROFILED IN:
Ready to Bring Shale to Your Event, Podcast, or Platform?
I'm currently accepting:
Speaking Engagements
Conference Keynotes - Opening or closing talks for mental health, wellness, or social justice conferences
Workshops & Trainings - Interactive sessions for therapists, wellness practitioners, or community organizations
Panel Discussions - Expert commentary on mental health, trauma healing, liberation-based care
Organizational Trainings - Custom presentations for nonprofits, healthcare systems, or DEI initiatives
Podcast & Media Interviews
Mental Health Podcasts - Deep dives into trauma healing, nervous system work, liberation-based therapy
Wellness & Holistic Health Shows - Discussions on neurofeedback, somatic healing, mindfulness
Social Justice & Liberation Spaces - Conversations on healing amid oppression, collective care
Expert Commentary - Media requests on mental health trends, health equity, culturally responsive care
Virtual & In-Person Options Available
Based in Brooklyn, NY • Available for travel • Experienced with virtual presentations
Let's Start a Conversation
For Speaking Inquiries
Download Resources: Press Kit & Bio | High-Res Headshot
Schedule a Call: Book 30-Minute Discovery Call - Let's discuss your event, audience, and how I can best serve your community
Email Direct: shale@shalemaulana.com - Include event details, audience size, date, and topic of interest
For Podcast & Interview Requests
Best Contact Method: Email with:
Show name & audience
Proposed topics or questions
Recording format (video/audio)
Preferred dates
Or Schedule Directly: Book Interview Prep Call
Quick Questions?
Response Time: I typically respond to inquiries within 24-48 hours.
What to Expect When You Book Shale
Pre-Event Collaboration
Initial consultation to understand your audience and goals
Custom talk development if needed
Marketing support (bio, headshots, promotional content)
Pre-event promotion on my platforms (if desired)
Day-of Professionalism
Arrives early (for in-person events)
Tech-checked and ready (for virtual events)
Flexible and collaborative with event flow
Engaging Q&A if time allows
Post-Event Follow-Up
Available for post-event questions or follow-up
Can provide resources or handouts for attendees
Social media promotion of the event
Open to ongoing collaboration
Frequently Asked Questions
What's your speaking fee?
Fees vary based on event type, format, audience size, and travel requirements. Let's discuss your budget and find something that works. I'm committed to making my work accessible to community organizations and grassroots spaces while also honoring the value of my expertise.
Do you speak at virtual events?
Yes! I'm experienced with virtual keynotes, workshops, and panel discussions. I use high-quality audio/video equipment and know how to engage virtual audiences.
Can you customize a talk for our specific audience?
Absolutely. While I have core topics I love discussing, I'm happy to tailor content, examples, and practices to your specific community's needs.
Do you offer workshops in addition to talks?
Yes! I can lead interactive workshops (90-120 minutes) that go deeper than keynote talks and include experiential practices attendees can use immediately.
What do you need from event organizers?
For virtual events: Tech specs, run-of-show, and any specific platform requirements
For in-person events: AV needs (mic, projector/screen if using slides), room setup preferences
For all events: Audience demographics and what you hope they'll gain
Do you travel for speaking engagements?
Yes, I'm available for travel within the US. For international engagements, let's discuss logistics.
Let's Create Something Meaningful Together
Whether you're hosting a conference, running a podcast, leading a community organization, or planning a wellness retreat, I'd be honored to contribute to your work.
Mental health conversations are shifting—from symptom management to root cause healing, from individual pathology to systems awareness, from coping to liberation. Let's be part of that shift together.
Ready to book?
Download Press Kit | Schedule Discovery Call | Email Me
I look forward to connecting with you.
— Shale