Matters of the Heart: Healing Your Relationship with Yourself and Those You Love

by Thema Bryant

A groundbreaking, heart-centered roadmap for everyone who seeks greater fulfillment in their relationships—with family, friends, romantic partners, and themselves

As a psychologist and minister with over twenty years of experience, Dr. Thema understands how challenging it can be to create and cultivate healthy relationships—and how critical it is for our wellbeing.  Matters of the Heart draws on the wisdom of science, sacredness, and lived experience to help readers tend to the garden of their hearts and build their best relational lives. 
    Love is not a level playing field, and improving your relationship with yourself, which includes healing trauma and setting boundaries, is often the first step toward leveling the field. Dr. Thema shares evidence-informed practices, traits, and skills that can enhance your relationships overall, as well as solutions to challenges within common relationship dynamics. With her wise and compassionate guidance, delve  
hot topics like control issues, emotional unavailability, and releasing someone who doesn't love you practical activation activities to apply what you learn from each chapter case studies that illuminate the process of healing and growing your heart how to shift your mindset and patterns around romance and so much more. 
    One of the major predictors of wellness is the nature of our relationships. Our culture is in a mental health crisis, exacerbated by the loneliness of the digital age and realities of post-pandemic society. Whether you are trying to level up a happy relationship or rebuild trust after an unhappy one, Matters of the Heart will empower you to connect to yourself and others, heal your heart, and thrive in all areas of your life.

Genres: Self Help, Nonfiction, Psychology, Relationships, Mental Health

256 pages, Hardcover

Published February 4, 2025

Reviews

[Tania Morales · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book! Super easy read. Shed a couple tears, I felt as if Thema was there wrapping her arms around me. That she could hear, see, and validate me. Helped me heal through my divorce and abusive relationship. Definitely recommend this book to anyone!! It does not matter if you are not in a romantic relationship. You can use this with family, friends, coworkers, and your own relationship with yourself!

[Marie-Ange Janvier · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’m happy I took my time to digest this book. It’s a book of healing mostly for you and relationships around your life. I’m always trying to improve myself and how I show up for others in my life. I like that Dr Thelma Bryant is an ordained minister, a clinical psychologist and a spoken word poet. This combination makes for a unique perspective and lens for providing advice. As a person of faith, this book hits differently. Healing is a strong word but it is essential to move a soulful authentic life. Love this book and recommend it!

[Jeremy Burnett · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this book! Much needed read. Definitely recommend this book! Healing is a lifetime journey and this book’s very much so on that journey .

[jessica elizabeth · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book is a great jumping off point if you’re at the beginning of your healing journey. However, if you’re wanting to dive in and get your hands dirty with the hard work of healing, this book isn’t it.

Ultimately, I really loved the author’s gentle tone, which felt like a warm hug throughout. I appreciated and resonated with one of her main themes: the idea of coming home to yourself and creating safety within your body by getting in touch with your needs, your desires, and your voice.

Some of her writing around loneliness, jealousy, and infidelity didn’t sit right with me. But, as with anything, I try to take what feels right and leave the rest.

As mentioned, I think this book is best for those at the start of their healing journey. Those who long for something different, but have never had permission to admit it to themselves before.

[Zach Wheeler · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is scriptural canon!!!

This is one of the best books I've read in years. I feel it came to me at such a perfect time. It helped me to let go of the pain I felt from traumatic experiences I have had over the last 18 months. I'm still healing but Dr. Thema has provided me a path to overcome on my own and with others who see me.

[Melissa · Rating 3 out of 5]

A nice self-help book, but very wordy, and there were not enough paragraphs. Really messed with my ADHD brain.

[Alejandra Alfaro · Rating 5 out of 5]

should be required reading for all human beans 🫘

[Josephine Olok · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lovely book that provides guidance on healing of self and relationships.

[Mary · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book came to me at the right time ❤️

[Khadijah · Rating 5 out of 5]

Truly a gem of insights to identify your heart posture. There is always discovery work to heal, restore, and evolve.

[Marc Jones · Rating 4 out of 5]

Once again Dr. Thema has healed parts I either ignored or didn’t realize existed, with her words. Such power, to be able to come home to ourselves and seek more self-love. Selfish ≠ Self Full

[Samantha Gizzo · Rating 4 out of 5]

I didn’t really feel that a lot of this resonated with me. My life and relationships aren’t perfect, but this seemed to be geared towards people who have been deeply hurt by family, friends, or partners. It was nice to gain some new perspectives and advice though!

[Jackie Fields · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was like a good therapy session!! Amazing!!