the Jasmine BRAND

@thejasminebrand : Do you have to be completely healed before entering a healthy relationship? According to therapist and author @kingjaybarnett , the answer is no.

During a conversation with theJasmineBrand founder @itsjasminebrand , Dr. Jay explained that people can build healthy relationships while continuing to work through personal challenges, but self-awareness and communication are essential.

“You can have a healthy relationship while you’re still healing if this person possesses the level of awareness that allows them to articulate and to communicate with their partner where they are on their healing journey,” he explained.

He added that individuals must also be able to communicate their triggers, the areas they’re still working through, and the progress they’ve made.

“It comes down to communication and it comes down to your ability to have been vulnerable with yourself.”

Dr. Jay also reflected on his own healing journey, particularly his relationship with his father and how it influenced his ability to connect with other men.

“The reason I can pour into men the way that I do is because I’ve healed my father wound.”

He explained that unresolved issues with a father can create barriers to trusting and building relationships with other men.

“It’s difficult to build a relationship with men. It’s difficult to be mentored by other men if you were not fathered well.”

Through his own healing, Dr. Jay said he’s become comfortable expressing admiration and love toward other men without feeling that it threatens his masculinity.

“I can tell another man I love him. I can give another man his flowers through words and give him flowers in real time and not feel that there is an indictment on my masculinity or my sexuality.”

He also stressed the importance of recognizing emotional triggers before they negatively affect relationships.