Episode 44: I Didn’t Know My Own Strength: Overcoming Intimate Partner Violence (w/ Dr. Yameika Head)

Pain isn’t always easy to see. Sometimes it hides in silence, in hurtful words, or in love that feels unsafe. Abuse isn’t just about bruises; it’s also about control, manipulation, and fear disguised as care.

In this episode with Dr. Yamika Head, we have a deeply honest conversation about the realities of abuse, how it can exist behind success, within high-achieving women, and under the mask of strength. Dr. Head shares how she endured violence during her medical training, why she stayed silent for years, and how therapy and reflection helped her reclaim her voice. This episode is a reminder that abuse has no profile and that healing begins when silence ends.

Song of the week: I Didn't Know My Own Strength by Whitney Houston

Topics Covered:

(00:02:22) Introducing our guest, Dr. Yameika Head

(00:04:15) Intimate partner violence

(00:05:46) Dr. Head’s journey with intimate partner violence

(00:10:19) What do you think made you stay? 

(00:12:58) The cycle of abuse and manipulation

(00:14:33) Success and education don’t make you immune

(00:17:58) The pressure to stay silent and appear strong

(00:22:19) The cultural weight of the “strong Black woman” mindset

(00:26:42) Early warning signs of control and isolation

(00:29:35) You deserve love

(00:33:01) Her calling in child abuse pediatrics

(00:35:29) Strength

(00:36:44) Connect with Dr. Yameika Head

Key Takeaways:

"It doesn’t have to be daily for it to be abuse."

"You don’t have to save the world. You can find someone who will love you for who you are and cherish you."

“We who are givers and healers often attract people who take advantage of that.”

“People always say, ‘If that ever happened to me, I’d leave.’ But when it happens, it’s not that simple.”

About Our Guest:

Dr. Yameika Head is a board-certified pediatrician and full Professor of Clinical Pediatrics, specializing in Child Abuse Pediatrics. With over 15 years of experience, she’s dedicated to providing compassionate care for children and families facing trauma. As a survivor of intimate partner violence, Dr. Head uses her platform to empower women, advocate for victims, and promote healing and resilience.

Connect with Dr. Yameika Head:

Web: www.dryameikaconsulting.com

IG: https://www.instagram.com/headdixonyameika/ 

FB:  https://www.facebook.com/yameika.headdixon/

Domestic Abuse Hotline: 800-799-SAFE (7233)

About Your Host

Dr. Nicole is a pediatrician, the owner of a successful healthcare consulting company, a riveting keynote and TEDx speaker, and the mom of two beautiful young adult daughters. From the outside, she appeared to have it all. But in 2023 she faced the most difficult challenge of her life- ending a 28-year marriage and navigating heartbreak, deception, and loss. Dr. Nicole is committed to creating a safe space where other women who have experienced a “divine disruption” can heal, recover, and THRIVE!

Connect with Dr. Nicole:

Web: https://yournextchapter.co/

IG: https://www.instagram.com/yournextchapter_co

FB:https://www.facebook.com/yournextchapter.co

Get our Email newsletter: https://yournextchapter.myflodesk.com/community