Shuwanda Hudson is a Chicago native whose career spans the fields of accounting, early childhood development, and psychology. She earned her MA in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from North Park University and is currently a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC) in the Chicago area. Shuwanda is deeply committed to serving individuals who have been traumatized and marginalized. She thrives on creating a space of comfort and transparency to support others on their personal journeys of growth and healing.

In this episode, Dante and Shuwanda discuss:

• The layered impact of trauma and the importance of giving people space to express themselves
• Misconceptions about therapy and how seeking help is an act of self-care
• How emotional awareness and internal goals support better relationships
• Shuwanda’s new book, Sipping Your Own Tea, and its focus on self-love and emotional intelligence
• The practical barriers to mental health care and how to find the right therapist

Key Takeaways: 

• Trauma doesn’t look the same for everyone. The most powerful act of support can be simply holding space and letting someone share their story without judgment or interruption.
• Seeking therapy isn’t a weakness—it’s an act of bravery and a declaration that you’re worth healing. It’s one of the most empowering forms of self-investment.
• Emotional intelligence begins with learning to name what you’re feeling properly. By identifying emotions with precision, you unlock the ability to respond rather than react.
• Finding the right therapist is a journey in itself. It’s not only acceptable but encouraged to meet with different professionals until you feel aligned and supported.
• Incorporating just a few minutes of quiet reflection each day can center your mind. Practices like mindful breathing or simply observing your environment can sharpen your emotional awareness and provide daily grounding.

“Having therapy or searching out therapy is the most courageous thing that anyone can do, because it's a form of self-care.” - Shuwanda Hudson

Connect with Shuwanda Hudson:

Website: https://care.headway.co/providers/shuwanda-hudson 

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shuwanda-hudson-50901488/ 

Email: [email protected] 

Shuwanda’s Book: https://www.amazon.com/Sipping-Your-Own-Tea-Hudson/dp/B0DYPL8KCZ 

Connect with Dante Royster:

Website: https://www.danteroyster.com/

Epic Mortgage Website: Epic Mortgage, Inc. NMLS 1885086

Facebook: EpicMortgage1885086

Epic Mortgage Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/epicmortgage/

“The Ultimate Mortgage Guide” book: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CKTRWLRP

LinkedIn: Dante Royster | LinkedIn

Twitter: https://twitter.com/DanteRoyster

YouTube: Epic Spotlight 

Email: [email protected]

Mission Statement: Epic Spotlight shines a light on the truths behind love, happiness, health, and wealth. Hosted by America’s Mortgage Expert and author Dante Royster, this podcast delivers bold insights to help you grow and build your most epic life.

The 9 states that Epic Mortgage is licensed in are: Illinois/Indiana/Michigan/Colorado/Maryland/Virginia/Florida/Georgia/Texas

Show notes by Podcastologist: Angelo Paul Tagama

Audio production by Turnkey Podcast Productions. You're the expert. Your podcast will prove it.