Meet Jovantae!
“I’ve learned that in a world that doesn’t know how to react to what it can’t easily define, survival often means blending in to avoid questions or conflict. But over time, blending in can make us disappear from ourselves.”
Q&A
Q: What is your background? How does it relate to the work you do?
A: I present largely as a Black male, and for a long time, I felt the weight of other people’s expectations — how I should act, talk, or feel based on what they saw. That was confusing, especially being both Black and Vietnamese. I didn’t always know where I fit. Over time, I became deeply curious about who people really are beneath the versions they’ve learned to show. That curiosity and appreciation for nuance shape how I work — helping clients feel understood in ways they might not have before.
Q: What do you enjoy most about being a therapist?
A: I enjoy getting in touch with my curious side. I’m interested in what motivates you, and how who you are aligns—or doesn’t—with how others see you. I’m also drawn to the parts that don’t get noticed: small joys, buried wishes, or contradictions that feel shameful to admit.
Q: How do you handle being seen yourself?
A: Being seen can still feel vulnerable for me. I remind myself that I can share parts of myself without needing to guarantee approval. I’ve learned to pace what I share, instead of shutting down or oversharing.
Q: What do you do to recharge?
A: I like dim lights, soft Japanese-style piano music, and an unreasonable number of hot drinks throughout the day.
jh@jovantaehollowaytherapy.com
Jovantae Holloway Therapy