This Calm In The Chaos episode will explore the mental health challenges of project and program management practitioners, particularly how to identify signs of burnout and maintain self-care while meeting deadlines. Joined by licensed therapist Valerie Carmel Dorsainvil, who specializes in workplace wellness, we will explore these practitioners' unique pressures and how to check in on their mental well-being proactively. This conversation offers actionable advice for project and program management professionals who want to build healthy teams by recognizing signs of burnout.

This Calm In The Chaos episode will dive deep into project and program management practitioners' mental health challenges, particularly during the mid-month crunch. With constant deadlines, team dynamics, and deliverables piling up, it's easy for stress and burnout to take center stage. Joined by licensed therapist Valerie Carmel Dorsainvil LCSW, specializing in workplace wellness, we will explore project and program management practitioners' unique pressures and how to check in on their mental well-being proactively. This conversation offers actionable advice for project and program management professionals who want to build healthy teams by honoring psychological safety.

In this Calm In The Chaos episode, we dove deep into project management practitioners' mental health challenges, particularly during the mid-month crunch. With constant deadlines, team dynamics, and deliverables piling up, it's easy for stress and burnout to take center stage. Joined by licensed therapist Valerie Carmel Dorsainvil LCSW, specializing in workplace wellness, we explored project management practitioners' unique pressures and how to proactively check in on their mental well-being. From recognizing early signs of burnout to practical tips for setting boundaries and fostering resilience, this conversation offers actionable advice for project management professionals who want to balance productivity with peace of mind. Whether leading a high-stakes project or simply navigating daily work stress, this episode reminds you to pause, reflect, and prioritize yourself.

Episode Notes:

[00:00 - 01:56]: Intros and the "why" behind the launch of the mid-month wellness check-in series for project management professionals.

[0:157 - 4:22]: Valerie shares her observations of unique mental health challenges that project management professionals encounter compared to professionals in other roles.

[4:23 - 6:25]: Valerie shares examples of patterns or behaviors you've observed in clients who work in project management when approaching burnout.

[6:26 - 8:12]: Valerie and Michele further discuss the optics of decision fatigue and how to recognize consistent signs of experiencing burnout.

[8:13 - 10:59]: Valerie clarifies the durations of burnout based on one's approach to work and capacity levels.

[11:00 -15:51]: Valerie discusses impactful practices project management professionals can incorporate into their daily routines to protect their mental health.

[15:52 - 17:43]: Valerie shares advice on how project management professionals can intentionally address the struggle to prioritize their wellness because they feel responsible for their team's psychological safety.

[17:44 -19:34]:  Valerie and MIchele discuss actionable tasks and strategies for "staying full" and not positioning themselves to be empty and support and pour into others from being burned out.

[19:35 - 22:41]: Valerie talks about the importance of sleep and how to prepare for quality sleep throughout your day to avoid poor sleep outcomes.

[22:42 - 26:05]: Michele and Valerie discuss friendly mental health reminders on how to track your mood to navigate the holiday season and Q4 wrap-up.

[26:06 - 27:47]: Valerie provides one piece of advice, self-acceptance, and extending grace to yourself,  to every project manager professional to remember until our next mid-month check-in.

[27:48 - 29:00]: Valerie talks about cultivating wellness in the workplace.

[29:01 - 29:54]: Michele shares her thoughts on the importance of mental wellness checks.

Evolving to your professional best is a journey that will lead many of us to assess the need to honor your mental wellness. Mental wellness awareness is year-round, and small actions can ignite transformation to take better care of ourselves.

Many professionals actively seek ways to manage compassion fatigue, preserving their ability to provide compassionate care while safeguarding their well-being.

Natasha is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC) in the states of Florida, Oregon, and Washington, a Florida Qualified Supervisor, a Nationally Certified Counselor (NCC), a Certified Clinical Trauma Professional (CCTP), a Certified Compassion Fatigue Professional (CCFP), a Compassion Fatigue Educator and a Certified Forward Facing Professional Resilience Coach and Consultant. She received her Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Argosy University, Sarasota. She is the Clinical Director of Lakewood Residential Treatment Center and the owner of D'Arcangelo Counseling & Consulting, LLC. Her previous experience includes 15 years as an educator in an inpatient psychiatric setting, community mental health, private practice, and mental health tech. She is an international speaker who has presented on various topics, including Destigmatizing Mental Health Care, Compassion Fatigue, and Effective Techniques for Working with Teens. She operates from a cultural humility perspective and is an ally of the LGTBQIA+ community. She is especially passionate about working with clients who are struggling with trauma and anxiety.

Show Notes:

[00:06] Michele introduces Natasha and shares her mental wellness journey.

[03:00] Natasha discusses how mental health interconnects with personal and professional lives.

[4:50] Natasha explains compassion fatigue and how to recognize it.

[07:57] Natasha shares why she enjoys speaking and educating others about compassion fatigue.

[8:49] Natasha educates on how trauma impacts our body and nervous system.

[12:22] Natasha shares her lessons and insight into compassion fatigue from her experiences.

[15:30] Natasha addresses misconceptions of compassion fatigue.

[19:05] Natasha provides strategies to manage or prevent compassion fatigue.

[21:47] Natasha emphasizes and gives reasoning to recognize and honor that "It's ok not to be ok."

Suggested Read:

The Body Keeps The Score by Bessel van der Kolk

Suggested Read: Professional Resilience by Dr. Eric GentryResource: Professional Quality of Life (proQOL) https://proqol.org

Evolving to your professional best is a journey that will lead many of us to assess the need to honor your mental wellness. Mental wellness awareness is year-round, and small actions can ignite transformation to take better care of ourselves. Determining a pattern of how to prioritize self-awareness, practicing mindfulness to foster a growth mindset that supports setting meaningful goals, and engaging in positive self-talk is a journey that may require a few reboots. We must work to celebrate our efforts to care for ourselves consistently.

Valerie Carmel Dorsainvil is next up in the series, discussing mindful evolution.

Valerie Carmel Dorsainvil, LCSW, CCTP, is adding her insight to the series by discussing the importance of building a healthy relationship with yourself.

When you're as passionate and knowledgeable as Valerie Carmel Dorsainvil, guiding high-achieving Black women's stress and trauma to their highest selves is all in a day's work. As a licensed clinical social worker (LCSW) and founder and CEO of Valerie Carmel Therapy, LLC, Valerie has providedcountless African-American and Caribbean-American professional women with the tools they need to reclaim control of their narratives. Her uncanny ability to deeply see, hear, and guide her clients empowers them to thrive mentally and emotionally beyond their therapy sessions.

Show Notes:

[00:03] Michele shares her mental wellness journey.

[02:37] Valerie shares her interpretation of what "mindful evolution" means to her as a therapist.

[03:21] Valerie addresses the misconception and usage of the term, healed.

[04:18] Michele and Valerie chat about career grief.

[05:58] Valerie chats about taking time and making space to experience a purposeful life.

[09:25} Valerie shares her awareness of how she presents as a therapist who is a black woman in workplaces and her suggestion of how to select to participate in different experiences.

[11:45] Valerie speaks on the power of affirmations and the power behind asking for help.

[13:54] Valerie informs of the importance for black women incorporating therapy as a part of their ongoing self-care routine.

[16:56] Valerie shares her journey to therapy and how panic attacks impacted her becoming a therapist.

[23:04] Valerie explains strongholds and how to release them.

[30:58} Valerie talks about the power of a win-wall.

[33:40] Valerie chats about the importance of taking time for yourself.

Valerie Carmel's Mental Health Therapy Site: https://valeriecarmel.com/

Evolving to your professional best is a journey that will lead many of us to assess the need to honor your mental wellness. Mental wellness awareness is year-round, and small actions can ignite transformation to take better care of ourselves. Treating ourselves like a priority and having a healthy relationship with ourselves can sometimes be challenging for various reasons. Sometimes, embarking on or reconnecting to therapy can be a good investment of our time and resources with an ROI of next-level self-care we're each worthy of experiencing.

Dr. Rhonda Baker, M.A., LMFT, is adding her insight to the series by discussing the importance of building a healthy relationship with yourself.

Dr. Baker is a pioneer in human services—a highly sought-after professional who has created a humanitarian impact for over 25 years. As a licensed marriage and family therapist, Dr. Baker diligently assists couples and communities in navigating relationship challenges through the Art of DismantlingTM communication barriers. Her empathetic nature and ability to create a safe, non-judgmental space have earned her the admiration of her clients and peers. She guides her clients toward increased self-awareness, elevated emotional intelligence, and distinctive resilience through evidence-based therapeutic techniques and personal strength approaches.

Show Notes:

[00:04] Michele shares her mental health story.

[02:20] Michele introduces Dr. Rhonda Baker

03:18] Dr. Baker shares three questions she encourages people to ask themselves when building a healthy relationship with themselves.

[04:35] Dr. Baker discusses the importance of honoring your feelings when discovering the aspects of developing a healthy relationship with yourself.

[05:48} Dr. Baker chats about the unexpected ways our childhood may impact our relationship with ourselves as an adult.

[08:16] Dr. Baker talks about the frequency of therapy, seasonally or ongoing.

[10:11] Dr. Baker shares ways for H.A.L.T. to be used to remember when nurturing a relationship with self.

[12:51] Dr. Baker provides examples of what experiences can lead someone to therapy.

[13:45] Dr. Baker educates how an individual should approach the idea of going to therapy.

[15:33] Dr. Baker shares a strategy for exploring therapy and finding the right therapist.

Dr. Rhonda Baker's Luxury Perspectives Site:

https://www.luxperspectives.com/

Evolving to your professional best is a journey that will lead many of us to assess the need to honor your mental wellness. Mental wellness awareness is year-round, and small actions can ignite transformation to take better care of ourselves. As we navigate the ebbs and flows of our careers, we sometimes need to heal from career grief, perceived lost opportunities, unexpected life events, overcome self-doubt, and dismiss the imposter syndrome.

Caitlin Magidson, NCC, LCPC is kicking off the series by discussing Well-being in Life & Career.

Caitlin integrates her mental health counseling and coaching specialties as she guides clients through personal and professional life transitions to enhance their overall well-being. Caitlin previously worked as the Assistant Director of Coaching & Education at the Johns Hopkins Carey Business School. She has coached executive leaders through Hopkins’ Academy for Women and Leadership and The Academy for Health Care Leadership and Management.

Show Notes:

[00:29]:  Michele introduces herself and why mental health is the focus of Keep Your Stride

[01:53]: Michele introduces Licenses Psychotherapist & Coach, Catlin Magidson

[02:52]: Caitlin shares the “why” behind her mental health work that focuses on professionals.

[04:49]: Caitlin shares strategies on how to manage stress and anxiety in a high-pressure work environment.

[08:06]: Michele shares ways of therapy to reconnect to a childhood love of coloring and a new way she elevated her self-care through juicing.

[09:07]: Caitlin extends the labors of love reference as an act of love that requires energy.

[10:40]: Caitlin discusses perceptions of work-life balance/harmony that support maintaining mental health, and how to achieve it.

[12:53]: Michele and Caitlin discuss the need for reflection as we evaluate how to live a life that aligns with our values and definition of quality.

[16:15]: Caitlin chats about having healthy boundaries personally and professionally.

[19:16]: Caitlin talks how to identify work-related burnout.[20:56]: Caitlin shares the details about her individual services including her Career Design course and community.

Caitlin Magidson’s Psychotherapy & Coaching Site: https://www.caitlinmagidson.com/

The Skills Recharged® conversation recently continued during the Add Your S.A.U.C.E. episode on my podcast, Career Tipper®. S.A.U.C.E is my latest professional development acronym to help professionals like yourself keep their skills recharged, competitive, and hire-ready. #ProfessionalDevelopment

In this bonus video, I'm providing more information on E in S.A.U.C.E on exploring opportunities beyond your comfort zone, including insight from David Tann, the Founder and Creative Director of Tantrum Agency. #SkillsRecharged

S.A.U.C.E. episode on my podcast, Career Tipper®. S.A.U.C.E is my latest professional development acronym to help professionals like yourself to keep their skills recharged, competitive, and hire-ready. #ProfessionalDevelopment

Michele provides more information on C in S.A.U.C.E on communicating your value, including insight from Career Coach, Cathy Francois in this bonus video. #SkillsRecharged

S.A.U.C.E. episode on my podcast, Career Tipper®. S.A.U.C.E is my latest professional development acronym to help professionals like yourself to keep their skills recharged, competitive, and hire-ready. #ProfessionalDevelopment

Michele provideds more information on U in S.A.U.C.E on understanding your niche, including insight from Former Accountant and Investment Banker, Dalan Vanterpool in this bonus video. #SkillsRecharged