Just Me Therapy

Join Tracey as she invites you to pause and breathe deeply while exploring the true meaning of nurturing. Against the soothing sound of ocean waves, she challenges the traditional stereotypes tied to femininity, masculinity, and parenting. What images come to mind when you think of nurture? For many, it’s a soft, maternal presence—but nurturing isn’t just feminine, and it’s not limited to mothers....

This week, we’re diving deep into the emotional weight of financial stress. From job insecurity and underemployment to the silent pressure to provide, we’re exploring how socioeconomic strain impacts men’s mental health. Financial hardship doesn’t just hurt the wallet—it shakes confidence, feeds anxiety and shame, and can cause emotional withdrawal. But there’s hope. We’ll share how men can build...


In this special Men’s Health Month episode, Sasha, Tracey, and Shirena dive deep into the mind-body connection—focusing on how stress and anxiety show up physically in men’s lives. This conversation is for men and those who care about them. From chronic back pain and headaches to fatigue and stomach issues, many physical symptoms are the body’s way of saying something’s not right—especially when...

Today’s episode is all about embracing the spectrum of who we are—mentally, emotionally, culturally, and biologically. We're exploring how gender, culture, ethnicity, and mental health all intersect to shape identity and self-expression. Let’s start with a key truth: masculinity and femininity are not opposites, and they aren’t limited to one gender. Every person carries both masculine and feminin...

In this episode, we’re leaning all the way into a conversation that’s long overdue: “When Gender Meets Culture: Intersectionality and Mental Health.” Culture doesn’t exist in isolation—and neither do we. Intersectionality helps us understand how different parts of our identity—like race, gender, class, and culture—interact to create unique lived experiences. For example, being a Black woman isn’t...

This week, we’re diving into another powerful episode Masculinity Reimagined: Beyond the Tough Exterior. Let’s be real—this conversation might ruffle some feathers, but it’s necessary. In today’s culture, there’s a script many boys and men are handed: be dominant, aggressive, and emotionless. That’s the heart of hypermasculinity—and it’s hurting more than it’s helping. We're exploring how these ou...

Welcome back, everyone, and happy May! This month on the Just Me Podcast, we're diving into a powerful new series: Femininity, Masculinity, and Identity. We're exploring how these social constructs shape our mental health, influence how we see ourselves, and impact how we express our authentic selves in everyday life. Through real conversations and clinical insight, we’ll challenge stereotypes, no...

The final episode of The Care Went In series! Tracey, Sasha, and Shirena  close out this powerful journey with a candid conversation about the evolving dynamics of caregiving and mental health—specifically focusing on boundaries. Let’s clear this up: boundaries aren't about pushing people away—they're about protecting your energy, your time, and your peace. In this episode, we explore how setting...

✨ In this week’s episode of Just Me: The Care Within, we dive into the heart of resilience—our bodies. As caregivers and helpers, we often prioritize others and push our physical needs aside. But this conversation is a reminder: when our bodies are cared for, everything else flows better. From skipping meals to living on coffee and crumbs, we explore how daily habits like nourishing ourselves, mo...

Last week, we started an important conversation about prioritizing ourselves—what it really looks like to tune in, listen to our needs, and give ourselves permission to rest without guilt. This week, we’re building on that by talking about something that affects every caregiver, parent, and helper: stress. We're not just talking about the obvious stressors—but the stress that creeps in quietly and...

Welcome to the first episode in our month-long series focused on Stress Awareness and the art of truly taking care of you. This week, we’re talking about giving yourself permission to put yourself first—because prioritizing your well-being isn’t selfish, it’s essential. I'm Sasha Giles, a licensed clinical social worker, and I’m joined by my colleague, Shirena Smith. Together, we’ll explore what i...

In this special March Madness episode, we dive into the crucial role of sportsmanship and mental resilience in athletics. Today, we’re joined by one of our very own, Sasha, who may not play on a college team but stays active in a local kickball league. She shares her experience balancing sports with personal and professional life while using athletics to maintain physical health, manage stress, an...

March Madness is here, bringing intense pressure for athletes who must balance peak performance with academics, family expectations, future plans, friendships, and coaching demands. Our discussion will focus on the mental state of athletes, the high emotions involved, and the stressors that arise during this time. We’ll break down how athletes handle setbacks, manage stress, and build coping strat...

This week’s episode focuses on the challenges student-athletes face in balancing academics and athletics. We’ll explore the impact of rigorous schedules, the mental toll of high expectations, and the importance of rest and balance. Success isn’t just about performance—it’s about well-being.

In this episode, we dive into an important conversation about mental health in athletics, coaching, and performance. We’ll explore powerful stories and strategies that emphasize the vital role of mental wellness in sports, both on and off the field. Joining us are two phenomenal experts—Nya Moore, a social worker, clinical addiction specialist, and mental health advocate, alongside Aliyah Grinage,...

 In this candid interview, we sit down with someone who openly shares their personal experiences with online dating—the highs, the struggles, and everything in between. As we explore the impact it has had on their mental health over the years, we discuss the emotional rollercoaster of connections that never quite materialized, the self-doubt that can creep in, and the search for something real in...

Today, we’re diving into the transition from online dating to face-to-face connections—because let’s be real, moving from the comfort of texting and DMs to sitting across from someone in person is a whole different ball game. This shift comes with all kinds of emotions—excitement, nervousness, overthinking—and we’re here to unpack it together. How do we mentally prepare? What are the common challe...

In this episode, we're diving into the complexities of modern dating—where swiping, ghosting, and red flags are all part of the landscape. With dating becoming more digital than ever in 2025, it can feel like a chaotic minefield of uncertainty. We’ll break down why ghosting happens, how to recognize red flags early, and the importance of setting healthy boundaries. Whether you're navigating dating...

In this episode, we’re continuing with the theme of New Year, New You by focusing on how your values influence better money management and life choices. Last week, we explored the foundation of values—those deeply held principles that guide your beliefs, behaviors, and decisions, acting as a personal compass. This week, we’re diving deeper to discuss how your values shape your money mindset, spend...

As we step into a new year, many of us are setting resolutions and goals, hoping for growth and change. But have you ever stopped to ask yourself what truly drives those resolutions? Today, we’re diving into something deeper—our values. These are the unseen forces that shape who we are, how we make decisions, and how we show up in life. In this episode, we’ll explore how understanding and living b...

Welcome to the very first episode of the year on Just Me Podcast! As we step into 2025, we’re diving into the topic of New Year’s resolutions and what they really mean for our mental health and well-being. Joining us today is Mr. David Buchanan, an experienced outpatient therapist from North Carolina, who specializes in helping adults and older teens navigate mental health challenges. In this epis...

Happy New Years! We are grateful for so much that has happened this year with our podcast. And we are thankful for everyone who listens and supports it!!

Resetting your intentions involves reflecting on what truly matters to you and creating meaningful goals that align with your core values. This process requires self-reflection and, at times, sitting with uncomfortable emotions like fear, guilt, or frustration. These feelings are part of the journey and can provide valuable insight into what needs to be addressed or prioritized. By embracing these...

In today’s episode, we’ll explore the empowering yet challenging journey of letting go—releasing the limiting beliefs, toxic behaviors, and unresolved emotions that no longer serve us. We’ll discuss how this process of emotional release is essential for personal growth and freedom, and how understanding what truly serves us can transform our lives. By reflecting on past priorities, we’ll uncover h...