Hey I'm Listening With Dr. Joan

In moments of adversity, we may find ourselves questioning Why such a situation is happening to us. Yet, it is often through these very challenges that our faith is tested, refined, and strengthened while allowing God to reveal himself to us. Ultimately, the challenges we face can lead to a more profound and intimate connection with God, transforming our perspective and allowing us to experience H...

Constant communication with God is the foundation of a vibrant and deeply fulfilling spiritual life. It involves nurturing a personal relationship through prayer, meditation, and understanding of His word. By maintaining an open line of communication with God, we invite His guidance, wisdom, and comfort into our daily lives. Whether in times of joy or struggle, sharing our hopes, fears, and gratit...

Neuro-linguistic Programming (NLP) is a powerful tool for understanding how individuals learn and process information. By delving into the relationship between the mind, language, and behavior, NLP provides insights into the unique ways in which people absorb and interpret knowledge. When we grasp someone's preferred learning style, whether it be visual, auditory, or kinesthetic, we can tailor...

The liberation that comes from exposing something you wish to keep hidden can have a profound impact on mental health, particularly within the Black community. Burdened by societal pressures and stereotypes, individuals within the Black community still struggle to discuss their mental health challenges and seek support. By shedding light on these hidden truths, we can break the cycle of silence ca...

The hustle-and-grind mindset, glorified in our fast-paced society, can have detrimental effects on our mental health. The obsession with productivity often results in neglecting self-care, personal relationships, and overall life balance. In this mindset, rest and relaxation are viewed as weaknesses, leading to a perpetual cycle of overworking and exhaustion which further erodes our mental health...

The absence of performance can offer a transformative shift in mindset when it comes to the pursuit of happiness. In a society driven by productivity and achievement, we often equate our self-worth with external accomplishments. However, when we let go of the pressure to constantly perform and achieve, and focus on inner growth rather than external validation, we create space for a more authentic...

The pursuit of happiness has long been ingrained in our collective consciousness as a fundamental goal in life. It is often believed that happiness is a destination to be relentlessly pursued, an elusive state that promises fulfillment and contentment. However, the notion of attaining a permanent state of happiness may be misleading as happiness is an emotion. True happiness is not something that...

Building the next generation is a collective responsibility of the elders and the present generation. It involves providing a nurturing environment, quality education, and instilling values that foster growth, empathy, and critical thinking. Investing in the next generation equips them with the skills and knowledge necessary to tackle future challenges and contribute positively to society. By empo...

Opting for the good thing often involves seeking temporary pleasures, material success, or societal approval. Conversely, choosing the God thing entails surrendering to a deeper calling, following one's spiritual path, and living in alignment with one's values and beliefs. While the good thing may bring short-term gratification, the God thing leads to long-lasting fulfillment and a sense o...

Setting boundaries during separation and divorce is crucial for navigating the process with clarity and self-preservation. It involves establishing clear guidelines and limits on communication, interactions, and personal space. By setting boundaries and sticking to them, individuals can protect their emotional well-being and ensure a smoother transition. In this episode of Hey, I’m Listening, Dr....

Recognizing toxicity is the first step toward creating a healthier and happier future. Due to love and infatuation, it’s easy to ignore the red flags in a relationship, but these red flags end up building into a toxic relationship filled with constant criticism, manipulation, lack of respect, and an imbalance of power. Identifying the signs of a toxic relationship is essential for one's overal...

A divorce does not always have to be riddled with bitterness and animosity. It can be approached with a focus on personal growth and embracing the positive side rather than the negative. By redirecting one’s energy towards self-discovery and exploring new opportunities in life, now that the constraints of that relationship no longer exist, one can lean into oneself, find strength, resilience, and...

In the realm of healing, recovery is not only possible but attainable. When we embark on our healing journey, we need to pay attention to the profound shift within the subconscious mind, unlocking its potential for growth and transformation. Amidst this process, it becomes vital to remain steadfast and resolute, choosing to stay focused on the path of recovery and allowing our inner strength and d...

What do we do when those in the military, who are meant to protect are unprotected? How do we deal with the internal and external conflict that comes with experiencing trauma? Managing internal and external conflict requires a delicate balance of self-reflection and effective communication. Internally, it involves understanding our own emotions, values, and needs, and finding healthy ways to addre...

Sexual trauma has a profound impact on individuals, often leading to post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and even addiction. Overcoming addiction and PTSD  is a challenging but possible journey.  By addressing the underlying trauma through therapy, developing healthy coping mechanisms, and engaging in recovery programs, individuals can break free from the grip of addiction and regain control of...

Healing from trauma is a complex, deeply personal, and transformative journey. When one experiences trauma from different stages in their life, it is a struggle to open the wounds and begin the healing process. These traumas can result in addiction, abuse, and more psychological harm. Through therapy, self-reflection, and the cultivation of resilience, individuals can gradually release the grip of...

The transition from military to civilian life is frequently accompanied by an intense sense of identity crisis. Many veterans struggle with issues about who they are outside of their military duty after being in a disciplined and purpose-driven setting. It becomes crucial for veterans to be allowed a substantial transition period to explore personal interests, strengths, and values, allowing for a...

Seeing the value in yourself is a transformative journey of self-discovery and acceptance. It involves recognizing your inherent worth, embracing your strengths and weaknesses, and celebrating your unique qualities. By embracing your worth and living a life of purpose, you can inspire and uplift those around you, leaving a lasting legacy that extends far beyond yourself. In this episode of Hey, I’...

Your challenges can serve as stepping stones toward growth and transformation. Instead of being weighed down by difficulties, embrace them as opportunities for learning and resilience. Every moment is precious, and by making each one count, we can cultivate a mindset of gratitude and appreciation for life. Rather than dwelling on the negatives, shift your focus towards the positive aspects, findin...

Barrenness often carries a burden of shame, as societal expectations link fertility to self-worth. The inability to conceive can lead to feelings of inadequacy and isolation. It is crucial to replace shame with compassion and understanding toward oneself while creating an environment of healing and empowerment. By recognizing and embracing your worth beyond the ability to bear children, you get to...

The desire to have children varies among individuals, driven by diverse motivations. Some seek to create a biological legacy, while others yearn for something greater than themselves or to fill an emotional void. Validation and the aspiration to build a loving family are also common reasons. However, it is crucial to recognize that solely focusing on the pursuit of a biological child can lead to n...

Infertility and the issue of endometriosis bring to light the complexities and emotional challenges faced by countless women around the world. For those yearning to start a family, the journey becomes marked by resilience, hope, and a search for solutions. In the face of such adversity, it is crucial to foster compassion, understanding, and support for those navigating this deeply personal battle....

In the midst of chaos, it's easy to overlook the valuable resources we possess that God can use to guide us out of difficult situations. Often, we fail to recognize that within us lies an inner strength, resilience, and faith that can be harnessed to overcome the challenges we face. God, in His infinite wisdom, knows exactly what we need and how to reach us, even when we feel lost or overwhelm...

To let God's love, light, and truth shine through us, we must nurture a close relationship with Him. Through prayer and studying His Word, we invite His love into our hearts, transforming our actions and attitudes. By showing kindness, compassion, and forgiveness to others, we become vessels of His love. Living with integrity and embracing His truth, we radiate His light in a world seeking gui...

By approaching the scriptures with an open mind and heart, we can discover new layers of meaning and relevance. Just as a prism reveals a spectrum of colors, various lenses such as historical, cultural, and theological can illuminate different aspects of The Word. Our thoughts, beliefs, and attitudes significantly impact how we interpret and apply the Scriptures. Recognizing this, we must guard ou...