Media Mogul Tyler Perry is known for creating stories that resonate with audiences, focusing on Black narratives. Many of his projects explore themes of healing, resilience, and faith. However, until recently, Perry had not fully embraced his own journey toward emotional healing.
While on The View, Perry revealed that, at 54 years old, he took Joy Behar’s advice and went to therapy for the first time.
“I really took your advice,” Perry said, addressing co-host Joy Behar. “I went to therapy for the first time, at 54, last year and I was able to really get in touch with some things…I’m living the freest, best part of my life at 54.”
Perry finally sought therapy after years of grappling with a traumatic past, a journey we learned about in his new documentary, Maxine’s Baby: The Tyler Perry Story. The filmmaker has been candid about the abuse he endured as a child, including physical violence at the hands of his father and sexual abuse by other adults.
“I’ve been bound by so much trauma, so much pain, so much heartache, and heartbreak,” he admitted. While Perry has used his creativity to process his past, therapy offered him a new perspective.
The billionaire recommends therapy but emphasizing find the “right” therapist. “I would recommend it to anyone; the right therapist because the wrong ones will make you crazy as hell,” Perry laughed.
Perry says he has unlocked a new level of freedom and joy. “You can’t really heal until you say the words.”
