Dr. Cheyenne Bryant, a trailblazing life coach, psychologist, and advocate, is encouraging Black women to prioritize emotional intelligence, self-love, and balance as they navigate the new year.
With nearly two decades of experience in mental health and her recent rise to prominence through viral interviews with Nick Cannon and Cam Newton, Bryant is using her platform to empower women to become high-functioning this year.
In an exclusive interview with 21Ninety, Bryant defined high-functioning behavior as the ability to regulate emotions, establish healthy boundaries, and embrace moments of vulnerability.
The Pillars of a High-Functioning Life
“Boundaries are the epitome of self-love,” Bryant shared. “They’re not just protective—they’re sacred spaces for growth and safety.”
She stated that being high-functioning doesn’t mean striving for perfection but finding balance. It involves recognizing triggers, articulating emotions, and respecting others’ perspectives without losing one’s sense of self. Bryant also highlighted the importance of acknowledging moments of low functionality, often tied to unhealed traumas, and seeking support to work through them.
“In relationships, it’s crucial to have a partner who can support you during low-functioning moments without being pulled into their own struggles. That’s how balance is built,” she explained.
A Purpose-Driven Career

While Bryant’s recent visibility has brought her expertise to a broader audience, her career spans 17 years of transformative work.
Initially a marriage, family, and child therapist, she transitioned to life coaching, combining cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) with practical coaching techniques in her hybrid approach.
“Therapy heals you, but coaching takes you where you want to go,” Bryant said. “Together, they address the whole person.”
Her work as president of her regional NAACP chapter and her advocacy for mental health have positioned her as a cultural change-maker. Bryant’s Dr. Bryant Institute now offers a life coaching certification program to train others in her methods, expanding her impact beyond individual sessions.
“This isn’t about fame,” she noted. “It’s about purpose—helping people heal and thrive with the tools they need to transform their lives.”
Dismantling Generational Cycles
Bryant’s mission centers on dismantling generational dysfunction in the Black community. Her candid discussions about relationships and emotional intelligence, featured on platforms like Tonight’s Conversation, have resonated deeply with audiences seeking practical advice for personal growth.
“When you understand your purpose, external opinions don’t sway you. You’re rooted in something greater—a higher calling,” Bryant said.
As 2025 begins, Bryant’s message for Black women is clear: embrace self-love, set boundaries, and pursue emotional intelligence to lead high-functioning, purposeful lives.