Healing Homes, Transforming Lives: Devina Parker’s Mission to Build Thriving Relationships
Devina Parker is on a mission to redefine emotional health for Black mothers, military families, and high-achieving women. As the Founder of The Feelings Therapist and a seasoned Marriage and Family Therapist with over a decade of experience, Parker is empowering individuals to build thriving relationships—starting with themselves. Whether through her therapeutic expertise, globally impactful work with military families, or her inspiring children’s book series, she’s creating tools that foster resilience, emotional intelligence, and lasting connections.
From Law to Love: A Journey into Healing
Originally bound for a career as a criminal attorney, Parker discovered that the heart of many legal issues traced back to one’s earliest environment: the family. Inspired by her work in the legal field and a stint with the assistant district attorney, she pivoted to become a Marriage and Family Therapist. Over a decade later, she has supported hundreds of clients, from children impacted by trauma to military families facing unique challenges.
Parker’s professional path has taken her across the globe, working with service members and their families in Niger, West Africa, England, and Germany. “Military families live a life of constant transition and emotional strain,” Parker shares. “I wanted to create tools that would help not only children but also their parents to build resiliency and emotional intelligence.”
The result? The Feelings Therapist series, a collection of children’s books that creatively address the unique challenges faced by military families while fostering emotional growth.
Breaking Stigmas, Building Trust
As a Black woman and a Christian, Parker has encountered the stigma surrounding mental health firsthand. “I grew up in a Christian family where emotional challenges were often met with ‘just go to church,’” she recalls. While she acknowledges the power of faith, she also emphasizes the importance of mental health professionals as instruments of healing.
Parker has made it her mission to bridge the gap for those hesitant about therapy, particularly within the Black community. “Building trust is crucial,” she explains. “I’m culturally competent, educated on the realities of racism, and grounded in my faith. My clients know they can come to me without judgment, and together, we align their mental health journey with their spiritual values.”
Teaching Emotional Intelligence—At Any Age
What sets Parker apart in her field is her dual focus on education and therapy. “Many adults struggle in their relationships because they were never taught the basics: emotional identification, expression, and communication,” she says. Parker tackles this gap through her books, therapy sessions, and community workshops, aiming to reach both children and adults.
Her passion for teaching these skills extends to her private practice, where she works with clients in California, Louisiana, and overseas. For Parker, it’s about helping women—especially high-achieving mothers—break cycles of unhealthy patterns and build fulfilling relationships.
“The one thing all your relationships have in common is you,” she says. “If you’re struggling, it’s time to pause and ask, ‘What am I bringing to this relationship? How am I showing up for myself?’”
Military Coins, Awards, and Milestones
Parker’s dedication has not gone unnoticed. While serving as a Military Family Life Counselor overseas, she earned 10 awards and multiple commendations, including recognition from a military battalion in Germany and military coins from units in Niger and England. These honors reflect her ability to connect with diverse populations and make a lasting impact, even in high-stress environments.
Today, Parker continues her work as a professor at Pepperdine University’s Marriage and Family Therapy Program, where she trains future therapists. Her Feelings Therapist series has even been added to the university’s digital library.
A Vision for the Future
Looking ahead, Parker dreams of transforming The Feelings Therapist into an animated series for children and adults. “Not everyone will attend therapy,” she acknowledges. “But they might watch an engaging show with their kids or pick up a book that starts a conversation.”
She also hopes to secure a contract with the Department of Defense to write books addressing the specific needs of military families. Through her local church partnerships, Parker is committed to educating communities about mental health and equipping families with tools for emotional well-being.
A Call to Action
For Parker, emotional health isn’t just a professional goal; it’s a deeply personal mission. “Your children are paying attention to how you treat yourself,” she says. “When you love and care for yourself, everyone wins.”
Through her books, therapy services, and community outreach, Devina Parker is giving families the tools to thrive. To learn more about The Feelings Therapist series, book a counseling session, or explore resources, follow her on Instagram at @MsDeeTherapy or visit her website at www.thefeelingstherapist.com.
In her own words: “We weren’t born with the tools to navigate life’s relational challenges—but we can learn them. Together, let’s build a legacy of healthy, thriving relationships for ourselves and future generations.”
