Work & Wellness with Dr. Sharon

Dr. Sharon interviews grief expert Susan Whitmore, who shares how her personal loss led her to found the nonprofit organization griefHaven® and create resources for others. Susan defines grief as a normal, organic response to the death of something loved, including non-death losses (e.g., health, home, freedom, divorce, infertility), and notes pet loss can be profound. She challenges the myths tha...

In this episode, Dr. Sharon interviews career development researcher Dr. Tristram Hooley about integrating entrepreneurship into sustainable career pathways. They challenge the common “flexibility and wealth” narrative by noting uneven access to capital and networks, frequent failure, and that self-employment can mean lower pay and longer hours. Hooley argues that career guidance should support ac...

In this episode host Dr. Sharon Givens, a licensed professional counselor, and Dr. Eric Williams, a respected voice in mental health, explore practical strategies to protect mental health in 2026. They discuss mental health's importance in daily life, navigating stress, common issues like anxiety and depression, and the interconnectedness of mental and physical health. Their conversation high...

In this episode host Dr. Sharon Givens presents a Women's Reflection Panel with inspiring leaders: Melanie Calhoun, Dr. Carla Cheatham, and Dr. Marian Higgins. These women share their journeys from the past year, discussing their personal and professional wins, and emphasize themes such as perseverance, purpose, and transformation. They reflect on the importance of self-care, balancing respon...

In this episode, Dr. Sharon emphasizes that gratitude is not only about saying "thank you" but also a mindset and practice that helps reframe negative experiences. She introduces practical strategies to cultivate gratitude, such as maintaining a gratitude journal, taking "gratitude pauses," writing gratitude letters, and engaging in gratitude walks. She shares a story of a clie...

In this episode Dr. Sharon hosts Dr. Eric Williams, Associate Dean of Student Affairs at the University of South Carolina School of Medicine, to discuss the mental health crisis in America. Dr. Williams provides insights into the increasing demand for mental health services amidst limited resources, the impact of recent tragic events and social media on mental health, and the rising rates of menta...

In this episode Dr. Sharon Givens discusses the role of spirituality in counseling with Dr. John Harrichand, an associate professor at Montclair State University specializing in clinical mental health counseling. Dr. Harrichand defines spirituality as a multifaceted, personal experience that is integral to holistic mental health and wellness. They explore why spirituality is often overlooked in co...

In this episode Dr. Sharon hosts Dr. Michael Chaney, a licensed counselor and professor at Oakland University, to discuss suicide in America. Dr. Chaney shares statistics from the World Health Organization, noting a significant increase in suicide rates post-pandemic. He discusses trends, risk factors, and protective factors related to suicide across various demographics, including cultural implic...

In this episode Dr. Sharon talks with Dr. Seth Hayden, an associate professor of counseling at Wake Forest University, about the connection between career development and mental health. The discussion covers the lifelong nature of career development, the impact of work on mental health, and the importance of decision-making and problem-solving skills. Dr. Hayden also highlights the effects of the...

In this episode Dr. Sharon Givens and her guests Dr. S. Kent Butler and Dr. Michael Jones discuss the mental health challenges faced by Black men. Both guests share their personal journeys and professional insights into how cultural upbringing, systemic racism, and access barriers influence mental wellness in the Black community. They emphasize the importance of authentic representation, community...

In this episode Dr. Sharon hosts Dr. Yvonne Thayer, a thought leader in workforce development. They delve into the transformative impact of artificial intelligence (AI) on the modern workforce. Yvonne outlines how AI, which has its roots in the 1950s, is now rapidly reshaping industries through big data, machine learning, and deep learning. Thayer emphasizes that AI should be viewed as a partnersh...

In this episode Dr. Sharon Givens, welcomes Dr. Ashley Lowe-Simmons to explore the intricate relationship between mental health and financial wellbeing. Dr. Ashley highlights that 90% of financial decisions are driven by emotions rather than logic, causing stress and anxiety which often manifest physically. She discusses how childhood experiences shape our money mindset and emphasizes the importan...

In this episode Dr. Sharon discusses the importance of reflection and intention setting at the start of the year and offers five guiding questions to help you reflect on the past year and set priorities for the coming one. Dr. Sharon emphasizes celebrating achievements, learning from challenges, identifying top priorities, retaining effective habits, and seeking necessary support. As you focus on...

In this episode, Dr. Sharon's guest is Dr. Dayna Jones, a clinical psychologist from South Florida who shares insights on Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD). They explore the difference between SAD and general depression, common symptoms, diagnosis criteria, susceptibility factors, and effective treatments such as therapy, medication, and light therapy. The discussion also highlights the impor...

What if recognizing workplace stress could save your mental and physical health? On this episode, Dr. Sharon and Dr. Tega Edwin uncover systemic barriers that Black and Brown women face in professional environments. From lack of support and social capital to microaggressions, they explore how these factors contribute to inequities in policies and workloads, leaving many marginalized women underpai...

In this episode, Dr. Sharon and Dr. Kimberly Frazier discuss the experiences of marginalized women in the workforce, the impact of toxic work environments, and the systemic barriers that these women face.  Dr. Kimberly N. Frazier recently served as the 71st president of the American Counseling Association (ACA) and is one eight African Americans to be elected to this role for the ACA. She is a ful...

In this episode Dr. Sharon and Dr. Diandra Prescod , Associate Professor and Program Coordinator of Counselor Education at the University of Connecticut, discuss the challenges faced by marginalized women in the workforce. Diandra shares her personal experiences and the intersectionality of the barriers she has faced. The conversation also emphasizes the importance of mental health, empathy, and a...

Dr. Sharon and fitness trainer Sarah Spicer discuss the positive impact of exercise on mental health. Sarah emphasizes that any form of exercise can boost endorphins, improve self-esteem, and enhance body image. Sarah explains that any form of exercise can be beneficial, as long as it's consistent, and emphasized that exercise complements other treatments like therapy. She also provides tips...

In this episode, Dr. Sharon shares 12 self-care practices for promoting mental and emotional wellbeing. She emphasizes the importance of learning to say "no," practicing gratitude, and engaging in activities like meditation and reading. She also highlights the benefits of laughter and exercise. Dr. Sharon encourages you to incorporate these activities into your daily routine. Connect wit...

In this Wellness Wednesday episode, Dr. Sharon emphasizes the importance of managing stress for overall mental and physical well-being. She highlights how chronic stress can lead to various health issues, affect productivity and performance at work, and negatively impact relationships. Dr. Sharon provides techniques to manage stress, including engaging in physical activity, exploring mindfulness a...

Introducing  a monthly wellness series for April 2024 called "Wellness Wednesday" with Dr. Sharon! The goal of this series is to provide tips and strategies for prioritizing physical, mental, and emotional well-being. The focus of the first Wednesday session is on gratitude. Dr. Sharon highlights the numerous benefits of gratitude, including its ability to promote positive emotions, redu...

In this episode Dr. Sharon and Matt Bierds, a licensed counselor in private practice,  discuss the concept of "the perfect job" and how to achieve career satisfaction. They emphasize the importance of career work in therapy, managing career expectations, and finding balance within the work environment. They also stress the significance of self-awareness in career planning, effective comm...

Checking in ... how is your year going? In this episode, Dr. Sharon and Dr. Monica P. Band discuss strategies for starting fresh and living a healthier life through understanding the importance of self-acceptance, self-love, and acknowledging losses before moving forward. They also highlight the potential drawbacks of disconnecting from one's body and emotions. The discussion includes strateg...

In this episode, Dr.  Sharon and Dr. Paul Harris share their personal experiences and passion for sports and express concern for the mental health of today's athletes. The conversation includes potential issues athletes face, the stigma surrounding mental health in the athletic community, and the need for proactive measures to support the mental health of athletes. Dr. Paul Harris serves as f...

Many people encounter seasonal affective disorder (SAD) in the fall or winter months as seasons change. In this episode, Dr. Sharon shares her experience working with clients who have experienced SAD, a form of depression that can affect mood, sleep, and energy levels.  While the cause isn't known, there are some risk factors may contribute to experiencing SAD that you can be aware of. Dr. Sh...