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 mental health disorders. This conversation highlights the necessity for coping skills education, the role of stigma, and the barriers to accessing mental health care, especially for vulnerable groups like youth, communities of color, and Veterans. They emphasize the importance of recognizing small changes in behavior as potential red flags and encourage seeking help proactively.

Eric Williams is the Associate Dean of Student Affairs and Career Advising at the University of South Carolina School of Medicine Columbia. In addition, he works with the Prisma Health Midlands ACT team. He earned his medical degree from the Wake Forest University School of Medicine and completed his general residency and child and adolescent fellowship with the Palmetto Health Alliance/University of South Carolina School of Medicine. Eric worked in an academic setting, an inpatient setting, in juvenile justice, college student mental health, and as a traveling psychiatrist prior to his current positions. His after-hours job is as a group exercise instructor at One Life Fitness.

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 counseling, attributing it to the secular origins of psychology and fear of ethical violations. Dr. Harrichand shares how his cultural and spiritual background informs his counseling practice, integrating spirituality to enhance resilience, coping, and healing in clients, particularly those affected by trauma. Practical strategies like broaching the subject with clients and involving them in the process are discussed. Dr. Harrichand also provides resources and training recommendations for counselors interested in ethically incorporating spirituality into their practice and highlights the work of the Association for Spiritual, Ethical, and Religious Values in Counseling (ASERVIC)

John J. S. Harrichand, Ph.D., LPC (NJ), LMHC (NY), LPC-S (VA, TX), NCC, CCMHC, ACS, CCTP (he/him/his) is an Associate Professor and CSI Co-Chapter Faculty Advisor of Chi Sigma Mu Chapter in the Department of Counseling at Montclair State University. He is also President (2025-2026) for the Association for Spiritual, Ethical, and Religious Values in Counseling (ASERVIC), a division of the American Counseling Association (ACA). Dr. Harrichand is a U.S. resident and Canadian scholar of Chinese and East Indian heritage born in Guyana, South America, he holds an Honors Bachelor of Science in Psychology and Integrative Biology from the University of Toronto at Scarborough, a Master of Arts in Counselling from Providence Theological Seminary, and a CACREP-accredited Ph.D. in Counselor Education and Supervision from Liberty University. With more than a decade of experience in counseling and clinical supervision, Dr. Harrichand is committed to expanding access to affordable mental health services while advocating for minoritized and systemically excluded communities. His scholarship has appeared in leading regional, national, and international counseling journals. His research centers on (1) culturally responsive counseling with minoritized communities—including LGBTQ+, immigrants, refugees, international students, and survivors of sex trafficking; (2) pedagogy, ethics, religion/spirituality, and clinical supervision in counselor education; and (3) leadership and advocacy within the counseling profession, including legislative advocacy and wellness initiatives. Dr. Harrichand’s contributions have been recognized with numerous accolades, among them the Chi Sigma Iota Journal of Counselor Leadership and Advocacy Outstanding Article Award, the ACES Professional Leadership Award, the AMCD Young Emerging Leader Award, the AADA President’s Outstanding Service Award, the SACES Outstanding Pre‑Tenured Counselor Educator Award, and the Texas Counseling Association Professional Writing Award.

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 implications in different communities. The conversation emphasizes the importance of direct dialogue, culturally responsive care, and the roles of both community and professional gatekeepers in suicide prevention. They also highlight the significance of having trusted support systems and mentors, particularly within BIPOC and LGBTQ+ communities.

Dr. Michael P. Chaney (he/him) is a Professor and Doctoral Program Coordinator in the Department of Counseling at Oakland University in Rochester, MI. He holds licenses as a Professional Counselor in both Michigan and Georgia and serves as an Approved Clinical Supervisor. He received his Ph.D. in Counseling in 2004 from Georgia State University. His counseling experiences include providing individual and group counseling to LGBTQ+ clients with co-occurring disorders in a variety of settings. He has demonstrated competencies working in residential inpatient substance abuse treatment facilities, community mental health and substance abuse agencies, and transitional recovery housing. His research expertise lies at the intersections of substance use disorders and process addictions, affirmative counseling, suicide prevention and wellness among LGBTQ+ populations. Dr. Chaney has published extensively in peer‑reviewed journals, delivered national and international presentations, and contributes to the profession through service roles. Dr. Chaney has held numerous leadership roles within the American Counseling Association (ACA), including Past-President of the Society for Sexual, Affectional, Intersex, and Gender Expansive Identities and, a current member of ACA’s Governing Council. He also serves on the ACA Ethics Revision Task Force. In 2023, he was honored as an ACA Fellow for his contributions to the counseling profession, advocacy, and human rights, particularly for LGBTQ+ communities. Look for Mike’s book, LGBTQ+ Affirmative Addiction Counseling: In Their Own Words to be published in November 2025 by Cognella. Outside of his professional life, Dr. Chaney is an avid runner and CrossFit enthusiast—and a proud “dog-dad” to Georgia and Luna, two rescue dogs from Hurricane Harvey.

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 COVID-19 pandemic on career and mental health, and offers advice to career advisors, HR professionals, and organizations on how to support the mental wellbeing of employees. The episode concludes with Dr. Hayden discussing his new book, Integrating Career Development and Mental Health Counseling, and offering resources for listeners to further explore the topic.

Dr. Seth C.W. Hayden is an associate professor of counseling and coordinator of the clinical mental health program at Wake Forest University. Dr. Hayden’s research focuses on the connection between career development and mental health. In addition, he examines the career and personal development needs of military service members, veterans, and their families. 

Dr. Hayden is a licensed clinical mental health counselor in North Carolina, a national certified counselor, a certified clinical mental health counselor, and an approved clinical supervisor. In addition, Dr. Hayden is a past-president of the Military and Government Counseling Association and National Career Development Association, both divisions of the American Counseling Association.  

He is co-author of Group Career Counseling: Practices and Principles (2nd. ed.) and Career Development for Transitioning Veterans and co-editor of Cognitive Information Processing: Career Theory, Research, and Practice. He is also the author of Integrating Career Development and Mental Health Counseling published by the American Counseling Association. 

Resources

• Florida State University Career Center - Cognitive Information Processing Theory
• National Career Development Association
• North Carolina Career Development Association
• Frank Parsons - Choosing a Vocation
• American Counseling Association

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 support, and the evolving role of churches and social media in changing the narrative around mental health. Drs. Butler and Jones also introduce their upcoming book "Mental Health and the Black Man: A Mixtape Experience of Hardship and Harmony," which aims to provide both academic and practical perspectives on Black men's mental health.

Dr. S. Kent Butler is a dedicated advocate for social justice and a passionate supporter of family, firmly believing in the power of community to uplift and inspire. As an esteemed educator and counselor, Dr. Butler emphasizes the importance of meeting individuals where they are, not to change them, but to provide pathways to self-discovery, self-love, and a genuine desire for positive change. Dr. Butler holds a Ph.D. in Educational Psychology with a concentration in Counseling Psychology from the University of Connecticut. He is a Nationally Certified Counselor (NCC) and a Nationally Certified School Counselor (NCSC). Currently, Dr. Butler serves as a Professor of Counselor Education at the University of Central Florida. A former President of the American Counseling Association (2021-2022), Dr. Butler is also an ACA Fellow and previously hosted the ACA's weekly vodcast, "The Voice of Counseling." His leadership extends to the Association for Multicultural Counseling and Development (AMCD), where he served as President and ACA Governing Council Representative. Dr. Butler is a proud member of AMCD’s Multicultural Counseling Competencies Revisions Committee, which developed the Multicultural & Social Justice Counseling Competencies (MSJCC). Dr. Butler has co-edited two influential textbooks: "Introduction to 21st Century Counseling: A Multicultural and Social Justice Approach," which received the 2022 Most Promising New Textbook Award from the Textbook & Academic Authors Association, and the newly published "Intersectional Counseling Skills: The Journey to Becoming a Culturally Inclusive Counselor." These works are seminal in guiding counselors to adopt multicultural and social justice perspectives in their practice.

Dr. Michael Jones is a licensed mental health counselor, clinical supervisor, and counselor educator committed to advancing culturally responsive, ethical, and accessible mental health care. His clinical work focuses on supporting historically marginalized communities, and his leadership in counselor education is grounded in practical training, identity-affirming supervision, and values-driven advocacy. Dr. Jones is an active writer and editor whose current projects examine Black masculinity, spirituality, mental health stigma, and the intersections of identity and clinical care. He serves as co-editor of Mental Health and the Black Man: A Mixtape Experience of Hardship and Harmony and is contributing to several book chapters that explore the role of culture in therapeutic practice. His research explores how artificial intelligence can enhance counselor education and clinical training without compromising ethics or client care. He is particularly interested in the use of AI to support documentation, decision-making, and diagnostic clarity while maintaining cultural sensitivity and practitioner accountability. Through his work, Dr. Jones pushes the field to integrate innovation with intention. Whether teaching, supervising, or presenting nationally, he centers the voices of underserved populations and challenges the profession to move toward equity, effectiveness, and long-term impact.

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 partnership and sophisticated tool rather than a job eliminator. The discussion also touches on misconceptions about AI, the necessity of adaptability and flexibility, and the implications for various sectors including sales, medical, and construction. The conversation concludes with advice for career development professionals on preparing individuals for an AI-driven future, emphasizing the importance of continuous learning, upskilling, and understanding the evolving role of AI in different fields.

More about Dr. Thayer:

Dr. Yvonne Thayer is a career educator – having worked as a teacher, in school district leadership, as a policy analyst and state director of adult education for the Virginia Department of Education, and with national and federal school improvement initiatives throughout the United States. For the last decade, Yvonne’s consulting work with states, colleges and universities has focused on training and developing workers for the transforming workplace – including responding to the more recent fields of cybersecurity and artificial intelligence, while preparing workers to be flexible and adaptable.

Her ongoing research on the future of work led to co-authoring a book with Canadian Professor Saul Carliner and U.S. corporate executive Margaret Driscoll, entitled Career Anxiety: Guidance Through Tough Times. Look for their podcast on artificial intelligence, which will be available to the human resources community in the Summer of 2025. 

Yvonne received her doctorate in adult education from Columbia University and her coaching certification from the International Coach Academy.

Resource

• Gartner

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 importance of awareness and education in addressing financial stress. Practical strategies such as financial self-care, utilizing budgeting apps, and focusing on financial affirmations are recommended. This conversation also covers the impact of societal pressures and social media on financial behaviors, the vulnerability of marginalized populations to financial stress, and the importance of transparency and education in improving financial health. Dr. Sharon and Dr. Ashley stress that making informed and intentional financial decisions can lead to better mental health and overall life satisfaction.

Dr. Ashley Lowe-Simmons  is a serial entrepreneur, certified financial social worker, TedX speaker, wife, mother, world traveler and money mindset disruptor. Dr. Ashley is the CEO and lead clinician at Conversations with a Clinician, a premier mental and financial wellness firm that works specifically with women of color to help them to understand their emotional relationship with money, why they spend the way they spend and provide these women with the tools necessary to create a healthy life with their fin-emotions.

Resources:

• Steps to Making My Money Work for Me!!! [PDF] by Dr. Ashley
• The Body Keeps Score

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 your career, mental health, relationships, and self-care, know that you are capable of achieving your goals in 2025.

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 importance of self-awareness, geographical influences on SAD prevalence, and the critical need for continuous support and professional help. Dr. Jones emphasizes the significance of proactive measures and self-advocacy in managing mental health.

Dr. Dayna Jones is a licensed clinical psychologist in South Florida. She is the owner of Jones Psychological Health Services, LLC. As the sole psychologist in her private practice, she works with adults suffering from mild to severe psychological distress. Dr. Dayna began her career with a master’s degree in child adolescent clinical psychology in 2006 and thereafter worked with people suffering from schizophrenia as a mental health clinician. From there she worked overnight providing crisis intervention and involuntary hospitalizations for Bergen County, New Jersey. She later decided to go back to school for a second master’s and doctorate so that she could gain more knowledge and experience to start her private practice. She worked throughout her educational endeavors, mostly with severe mentally ill populations. Dr. Dayna made it a point to gain exposure to the various levels of care in the field of psychology to enhance her knowledge of the human experience from diverse lenses. She’s committed to her clients and has an unwavering desire to assist and guide them toward their optimal living experience.

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 underpaid and overworked. Dr. Edwin shares her expertise on the far-reaching impacts of these challenges on mental health and job performance, emphasizing the need for systemic change. The discussion includes the toll that chronic workplace stress can take on the body and mind and offers practical strategies to transition out of unhealthy situations, including self-care, aligning personal values, and seeking professional support.

Dr. Tega Edwin is an award-winning career development researcher, educator, and speaker. She provides consultation and training for corporations that want to leverage trauma-informed leadership to improve employee productivity, retention, and engagement. She’s the owner of Her Career Doctor, where she provides coaching to women who are stuck in soul-sucking jobs. Dr. Edwin is a licensed professional counselor, a national certified counselor, a certified trauma professional, and a certified salary negotiation facilitator.