Dark Matters with Dr. Shemena

What drives us to excel, and when does that drive become destructive? Join us as we dissect the factors influencing competitive behavior, such as self-esteem, social comparison, and the quest for recognition. You'll learn to identify the fine line between healthy striving and toxic competition, gaining insights that are vital for personal and professional growth.Get in touch with Dr. Shemena · Tweet me at @ShemenaJohnson · Follow me on IG at @DrShemenaJohnson · Email me at info@shemenajohnson.com Thank you for listening!

What if you could turn the chaos of your emotions into a powerful tool for personal growth? Join me, Dr. Shemena, in this episode of Dark Matters as we explore the transformative potential of deeply understanding and making meaning of our feelings and thoughts. Listen as we dissect the effects of disavowing our emotions whether influenced by family dynamics, cultural expectations, and/or societal norms, and why acknowledging our emotions is crucial for personal empowerment. This episode offers insightful perspectives and actionable advice to elevate your journey toward self-awareness and empowerment.Get in touch with Dr. Shemena · Tweet me at @ShemenaJohnson · Follow me on IG at @DrShemenaJohnson · Email me at info@shemenajohnson.com Thank you for listening!

On this episode of Dark Matters, we'll uncover how childhood experiences, from deep-seated trauma to family dynamics, cast long shadows over our adult lives. Our conversation will examine how unspoken pain can distort our life's compass and how recognizing the "unnamed pain" can illuminate the path to self-awareness and growth.  So, grab yourself a pen and paper, and let's navigate the path to healing and self-discovery together on Dark Matters.Get in touch with Dr. Shemena · Tweet me at @ShemenaJohnson · Follow me on IG at @DrShemenaJohnson · Email me at info@shemenajohnson.com Thank you for listening!

This is the introduction to a new series, "Breaking Through." In this series, Dr. Shemena will discuss the intricate patterns that shape our emotional landscape and help guide you toward breakthroughs for a more authentic self. Stay tuned ...Get in touch with Dr. Shemena · Tweet me at @ShemenaJohnson · Follow me on IG at @DrShemenaJohnson · Email me at info@shemenajohnson.com Thank you for listening!

I'm back, not just to apologize, but to take you along this path of enhanced self-awareness.This new year, I'm thrilled to announce a lineup of discussions designed to liberate us from the unhealthy cycles that hold us back. A special series dedicated to men and masculinity will also be featured, where we'll explore the complexities of male psychology and patterns that define—and sometimes confine—their lives. Join me in this new year as we continue to foster wellness within. Get in touch with Dr. Shemena · Tweet me at @ShemenaJohnson · Follow me on IG at @DrShemenaJohnson · Email me at info@shemenajohnson.com Thank you for listening!

Ever wondered why joy, the most precious emotion, often seems so elusive? Join me as I discuss the emotion of joy, its core essence, and how we can cultivate more of this beautiful emotion in our lives. Drawing from my personal experience and insights from my practice, I'll guide you with practical tips, compassionate understanding, and a healthy dose of empowerment to inspire you to take the first step towards a more joyous life. Get in touch with Dr. Shemena · Tweet me at @ShemenaJohnson · Follow me on IG at @DrShemenaJohnson · Email me at info@shemenajohnson.com Thank you for listening!

What if your idea of love is actually an addiction? Dr. Shemena helps us understand how individuals with deep-seated insecurities and fears of intimacy can fall into a pattern of seeking perfection and adulation in their partners, becoming addicted to the euphoria of love rather than experiencing its genuine depth.  This episode is for anyone seeking to transform their relationship dynamics and gain deeper insight into their own behavior. Tune in!Get in touch with Dr. Shemena · Tweet me at @ShemenaJohnson · Follow me on IG at @DrShemenaJohnson · Email me at info@shemenajohnson.com Thank you for listening!

Have you ever caught yourself overeating or talking excessively to keep uncomfortable feelings at bay? What if there's a way to confront these defense mechanisms head on and reclaim your psychological freedom? Let's traverse the labyrinth of the mind together in this episode where Dr. Shemena takes you through the fascinating concepts of repression and resistance. We'll decode these defenses, from excessive talking to overeating, and explore how they can act as barriers to our self-awareness, growth, and understanding.Get in touch with Dr. Shemena · Tweet me at @ShemenaJohnson · Follow me on IG at @DrShemenaJohnson · Email me at info@shemenajohnson.com Thank you for listening!

Imagine you walked into McDonald's and asked for a lobster, only to be disappointed when they served you a hamburger. Sounds absurd, right? But what if I told you that's exactly how some of us approach our relationships? Listen in as Dr. Shemena shares an illuminating perspective on expectations in relationships. Get in touch with Dr. Shemena · Tweet me at @ShemenaJohnson · Follow me on IG at @DrShemenaJohnson · Email me at info@shemenajohnson.com Thank you for listening!

Ever feel like you're drowning in your own emotions? That's where we're heading today on Dark Matters. I'm your host, Dr. Shemena Johnson, ready to guide you showing you that it's okay, even essential, to acknowledge and express what's churning inside. We'll tackle how our mental health is often linked to our ability to process and articulate our emotions. We'll also discuss how expressing our feelings is not a sign of weakness but a trait that makes us truly human. Get in touch with Dr. Shemena · Tweet me at @ShemenaJohnson · Follow me on IG at @DrShemenaJohnson · Email me at info@shemenajohnson.com Thank you for listening!

Have you ever felt that relentless hurricane of thoughts and emotions during a panic attack or intense anxiety? Join me, Dr. Shemena, in this episode of Dark Matters, where we dive into the world of anxiety and the power of mindfulness. Discover how childhood fears can follow us into adulthood and how taking a moment to reflect on our responses can lead to growth and freedom.Get in touch with Dr. Shemena · Tweet me at @ShemenaJohnson · Follow me on IG at @DrShemenaJohnson · Email me at info@shemenajohnson.com Thank you for listening!

What does it truly mean to love, and how do we express this complex emotion in our lives? Join me in this thought-provoking episode as we explore the various ways we experience love -- from the simple enjoyment of pizza to the deep emotional connections we have with our romantic partners and family members.Dr. Shemena challenges you to think deeply about your own experiences with love and how your upbringing has influenced the way you express it. Are you still longing for something you never received from your parents? Do you find yourself merging too quickly in relationships or maintaining a safe distance? How do you show love towards your children and their individuality? Tune in and discover how to better understand and express love in your own life.Get in touch with Dr. Shemena · Tweet me at @ShemenaJohnson · Follow me on IG at @DrShemenaJohnson · Email me at info@shemenajohnson.com Thank you for listening!

One of the cornerstones of psychological health is the ability to separate-individuate from our parents. It's a difficult journey, but an empowering one in accepting one's own Self, with a capital S. Listen in to Dr. Shemena discuss this important phase of development and share her personal experience.Get in touch with Dr. Shemena · Tweet me at @ShemenaJohnson · Follow me on IG at @DrShemenaJohnson · Email me at info@shemenajohnson.com Thank you for listening!

Understanding impostor syndrome is the first step toward overcoming it. Listen in to Dr. Shemena discuss the why behind this nagging -- but untrue -- belief and how to take steps forward to overcome it. Get in touch with Dr. Shemena · Tweet me at @ShemenaJohnson · Follow me on IG at @DrShemenaJohnson · Email me at info@shemenajohnson.com Thank you for listening!

Building trust in a relationship requires taking risks. Taking risks can show you that your partner is not the same as those from your past who hurt you.  It can also help you grow into a better partner. Listen to Dr. Shemena discuss how taking risks helps build trust in your relationship.Get in touch with Dr. Shemena · Tweet me at @ShemenaJohnson · Follow me on IG at @DrShemenaJohnson · Email me at info@shemenajohnson.com Thank you for listening!

A new year brings a desire for change, growth, more structure – overall, new beginnings. And, in the first month, we aim to get a handle on the remaining months that will follow. But, a more practical new year's idea is about finding the balance between the two structures that ground and motivate you. Listen in as Dr. Shemena discusses her ideas on finding balance in the new year.Get in touch with Dr. Shemena · Tweet me at @ShemenaJohnson · Follow me on IG at @DrShemenaJohnson · Email me at info@shemenajohnson.com Thank you for listening!

Have you ever felt depressed? Did you know that unprocessed and unexpressed anger can lead to depression? Depression can be understood as a verb, to depress one's feelings. Listen to Dr. Shemena discuss the variations of depression and how emotional expression can be the cure. Get in touch with Dr. Shemena · Tweet me at @ShemenaJohnson · Follow me on IG at @DrShemenaJohnson · Email me at info@shemenajohnson.com Thank you for listening!

What's happening with men these days?  The central conundrum is simply this, women across the board want more emotional intimacy from their men than most boys and men have been raised to deliver. Men are struggling. Listen to Dr. Shemena discuss how men can start to think about themselves and vulnerability. Get in touch with Dr. Shemena · Tweet me at @ShemenaJohnson · Follow me on IG at @DrShemenaJohnson · Email me at info@shemenajohnson.com Thank you for listening!

The best way to be heard is to learn how to listen well. When partners feel understood it changes the tenor of conflict and relaxes the conversation. Listen in to Dr. Shemena discuss a few techniques on how to listen well in relationships.Get in touch with Dr. Shemena · Tweet me at @ShemenaJohnson · Follow me on IG at @DrShemenaJohnson · Email me at info@shemenajohnson.com Thank you for listening!

Learning how to communicate well in relationships is a skill because how we think in this regard is a window into our psychology. There is an upset, complaint, a grievance and you want to convey that to the other person. And yet, often times these kinds of communications become difficult. Listen to Dr. Shemena discuss how your own psychology can play an important role and what to do about it.Get in touch with Dr. Shemena · Tweet me at @ShemenaJohnson · Follow me on IG at @DrShemenaJohnson · Email me at info@shemenajohnson.com Thank you for listening!

These last two years, even the last two weeks have been a lot! From pandemic stress and grief to the overturning of Roe v. Wade. The range of emotions that you may be feeling can seem stressful and overwhelming. That's why I want to symbolically create some space for you to breathe. Don't deny yourself the ability to feel and self-soothe. Get in touch with Dr. Shemena · Tweet me at @ShemenaJohnson · Follow me on IG at @DrShemenaJohnson · Email me at info@shemenajohnson.com Thank you for listening!

Do you and your partner get into the same arguments, time and again? Often, this type of conflict takes on a life of its own where you end up arguing within minutes. This doesn't just happen with couples, but unwanted arguments happen with family members and friends. With a simple strategy of being non-defensive, you can learn to think about the issue and work towards a deeper understanding. Listen to Dr. Shemena discuss this strategy which is the basis of good communication. Get in touch with Dr. Shemena · Tweet me at @ShemenaJohnson · Follow me on IG at @DrShemenaJohnson · Email me at info@shemenajohnson.com Thank you for listening!

Relational ambivalence is those contradictory thoughts and feelings that make us wonder should I stay or should I go? The reality is that relational ambivalence is a fact of life. Listen to Dr. Shemena discuss the challenges and how to navigate the complexity of making a decision.Get in touch with Dr. Shemena · Tweet me at @ShemenaJohnson · Follow me on IG at @DrShemenaJohnson · Email me at info@shemenajohnson.com Thank you for listening!

Anxiety pretty much lies at the heart of many people's difficulties. What lies at the root of anxiety is an extreme sense of tension and fear. But, many people try to cope with their anxiety by avoiding what causes their anxiety.  Listen to Dr. Shemena discuss one of the ways that anxiety can manifest itself -- control. Get in touch with Dr. Shemena · Tweet me at @ShemenaJohnson · Follow me on IG at @DrShemenaJohnson · Email me at info@shemenajohnson.com Thank you for listening!

For this episode, I was joined by Jennifer Archie of Junie Bees Buttas. We discuss some of the challenges that come with being an entrepreneur that can have an impact on mental health and the importance of having a support system. Learn more about Junie Bees Buttas ...Website: https://www.juniebeesbutta.com Instagram: www.Instagram.com/juniebeesbuttaGet in touch with Dr. Shemena · Tweet me at @ShemenaJohnson · Follow me on IG at @DrShemenaJohnson · Email me at info@shemenajohnson.com Thank you for listening!

Friendships are critical in understanding how positive and negative peer relationships shape you. Many times the depiction of friendships through television is usually infused with conflict or on social media, it depicts quantity over quality of friendships. What's your idea of a good friend? Listen in to Dr. Shemena share her idea of friendship and what a friend is.Get in touch with Dr. Shemena · Tweet me at @ShemenaJohnson · Follow me on IG at @DrShemenaJohnson · Email me at info@shemenajohnson.com Thank you for listening!

We all bear the invisible wounds from our childhood and when these invisible wounds go unnoticed or unnamed, they can wreak havoc on our relationships. It becomes the heavy bag that you carry with you through life. But, why do you give away or put so many parts of yourself away in the bag? Listen to Dr. Shemena discuss how the power of our past can shape your relationships if you're not conscious or self-aware.Get in touch with Dr. Shemena · Tweet me at @ShemenaJohnson · Follow me on IG at @DrShemenaJohnson · Email me at info@shemenajohnson.com Thank you for listening!

Everything changes, nothing stays the same. Even though we intellectually understand this concept, many individuals fear change. It's an interesting paradox of wanting to live a happy, fulfilling life and, on the other hand, engaging in behaviors that keep you in the same place. Listen to Dr. Shemena delve deeper into this interesting paradox.Get in touch with Dr. Shemena · Tweet me at @ShemenaJohnson · Follow me on IG at @DrShemenaJohnson · Email me at info@shemenajohnson.com Thank you for listening!

Relationships are a part of life. And so are endings. But, it's not just about loss. Listen to Dr. Shemena turn the lens on understanding the nature of how relationships begin, end and can last forever after. Get in touch with Dr. Shemena · Tweet me at @ShemenaJohnson · Follow me on IG at @DrShemenaJohnson · Email me at info@shemenajohnson.com Thank you for listening!

Shame is a powerful and painful emotion that is about self-experience. It can have a cultural component or exist at a core level. But, understanding the nature and circumstances of shame, fear, and humiliation can place you on a path towards healing.  Listen to Dr. Shemena discuss her "secret shame" and the underpinnings of shame.Get in touch with Dr. Shemena · Tweet me at @ShemenaJohnson · Follow me on IG at @DrShemenaJohnson · Email me at info@shemenajohnson.com Thank you for listening!

It feels very natural to take responsibility for the behavior of others. We all try to understand why he/she cheats, why mom/dad ignores me, or why my friend ditches me. While it may be true that the other needs to be accountable for their actions, it is also important to understand how others treat you and the reason you take ownership of their behavior. Understanding this is critical for establishing higher functioning relationships. Get in touch with Dr. Shemena · Tweet me at @ShemenaJohnson · Follow me on IG at @DrShemenaJohnson · Email me at info@shemenajohnson.com Thank you for listening!

In this podcast, Dr. Shemena shares some further thoughts on the topic of differentiation and how it can be applicable to the lives of people of color.  Get in touch with Dr. Shemena · Tweet me at @ShemenaJohnson · Follow me on IG at @DrShemenaJohnson · Email me at info@shemenajohnson.com Thank you for listening!

It's pretty awe-inspiring to think of the mental gymnastics we play on ourselves. Why? It's a crucial question that we must ask ourselves in order to dismantle the psychological processes that keep you stuck in place. Awareness gives you a fighting chance of bettering yourself. Listen to Dr. Shemena discuss the topic of psychological defenses so that you can begin to confront these dynamics.Get in touch with Dr. Shemena · Tweet me at @ShemenaJohnson · Follow me on IG at @DrShemenaJohnson · Email me at info@shemenajohnson.com Thank you for listening!

Racism is a tenacious and psychological problem for the lives of people of color.  In the aftermath of protests and the verdict of George Floyd, we cannot cut off from this topic any longer. It's another way of not having enough air. Listen to Dr. Shemena discuss this important topic of learning to confront the pain of racism.Get in touch with Dr. Shemena · Tweet me at @ShemenaJohnson · Follow me on IG at @DrShemenaJohnson · Email me at info@shemenajohnson.com Thank you for listening!

Your relationship arguments are not always about what you think. Listen to Dr. Shemena discuss the interpersonal dynamics under most relationships fights and how to stop the pattern.Get in touch with Dr. Shemena · Tweet me at @ShemenaJohnson · Follow me on IG at @DrShemenaJohnson · Email me at info@shemenajohnson.com Thank you for listening!

Effecting change involves hard work and difficult choices.  Most of us want something for nothing. Listen to Dr. Shemena share her ideas on why change is difficult and how to work towards creating change. Get in touch with Dr. Shemena · Tweet me at @ShemenaJohnson · Follow me on IG at @DrShemenaJohnson · Email me at info@shemenajohnson.com Thank you for listening!

A year ago, we realized everything was about to change. We scrambled to stock up on goods as the world shut down. This week is the anniversary of the global pandemic. Listen to Dr. Shemena share her reflections on this past year and routines that she's grateful for.Get in touch with Dr. Shemena · Tweet me at @ShemenaJohnson · Follow me on IG at @DrShemenaJohnson · Email me at info@shemenajohnson.com Thank you for listening!

What's your emotional playlist? I'm not the first one to note that music is connected to our emotions. It gives voice to emotions we're already experiencing and can also induce new feelings within us.  Listen to Dr. Shemena discuss how bringing your emotional playlist into your awareness can give you the power to choose which feelings you want to rouse. Get in touch with Dr. Shemena · Tweet me at @ShemenaJohnson · Follow me on IG at @DrShemenaJohnson · Email me at info@shemenajohnson.com Thank you for listening!

People don't become grown-ups until they realize that their parents, however wonderful, were misinformed in areas. Each generation's job is to question the things the parents accept , explore the possibilities, and learn to become your own adult. Listen to Dr. Shemena discuss the process of outgrowing your parents.Get in touch with Dr. Shemena · Tweet me at @ShemenaJohnson · Follow me on IG at @DrShemenaJohnson · Email me at info@shemenajohnson.com Thank you for listening!

What do you mean when you use the term "self-love"?  Higher sense of self or a state of wholeness. Listen to Dr. Shemena share her ideas on why this term is often times confused with a more grounded sense of well-being.Get in touch with Dr. Shemena · Tweet me at @ShemenaJohnson · Follow me on IG at @DrShemenaJohnson · Email me at info@shemenajohnson.com Thank you for listening!

Living as a person of color unfortunately continues to be an acute low grade trauma. Trauma can go beyond what happened a moment ago or just one person's experience. It can span generations for African Americans. Listen to Dr. Shemena gives her most compelling reasons why therapy should be seen as a benefit and not a negative. Get in touch with Dr. Shemena · Tweet me at @ShemenaJohnson · Follow me on IG at @DrShemenaJohnson · Email me at info@shemenajohnson.com Thank you for listening!

Are you exhausted? I think we're all exhausted. We're all crawling to the finish line of a long and challenging year. We've faced deep divides of black and white, rich and poor and red and blue. One major goal throughout all of this is learning how to regulate stress and supporting your emotional health. Listen to Dr. Shemena gives some tips on learning how to regulate stress during these trying times.Get in touch with Dr. Shemena · Tweet me at @ShemenaJohnson · Follow me on IG at @DrShemenaJohnson · Email me at info@shemenajohnson.com Thank you for listening!

What is differentiation? And why is it important? Listen as Dr. Shemena discusses the reasons differentiation can help you define yourself and navigate relationships.Get in touch with Dr. Shemena · Tweet me at @ShemenaJohnson · Follow me on IG at @DrShemenaJohnson · Email me at info@shemenajohnson.com Thank you for listening!

Call it emotional pain, psychological pain or just simply, suffering. We have all experienced these unpleasant feelings at some point in our lives.  But, when we try to avoid feelings, we miss the opportunity to explore deeper parts of ourself. Listen as Dr. Shemena discusses how to take a non-judgmental approach to look at your pain.Get in touch with Dr. Shemena · Tweet me at @ShemenaJohnson · Follow me on IG at @DrShemenaJohnson · Email me at info@shemenajohnson.com Thank you for listening!

We're all in favor of high self-esteem -- but cultivating it is no easy task. In this podcast, Dr. Shemena discusses some of the reasons why building a good foundation helps to improve your self-esteem. Get in touch with Dr. Shemena · Tweet me at @ShemenaJohnson · Follow me on IG at @DrShemenaJohnson · Email me at info@shemenajohnson.com Thank you for listening!

Are you growing? Are you evolving or are you a spectator of others? People who know their purpose, navigate stress better and have reduced levels of anxiety and worry. Nietzsche famously said that “He who has a why to live for can bear almost any how.” Finding meaning is about sculpting a new narrative for yourself. Dr. Shemena will explore this dynamic in this podcast.Get in touch with Dr. Shemena · Tweet me at @ShemenaJohnson · Follow me on IG at @DrShemenaJohnson · Email me at info@shemenajohnson.com Thank you for listening!

There is so much going on in the world. The death of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor and more many have left many of us feeling outraged, confused, depressed and anxious.  Dr. Shemena will discuss the affects of racism and how it affects us on a relational and interpersonal level.Get in touch with Dr. Shemena · Tweet me at @ShemenaJohnson · Follow me on IG at @DrShemenaJohnson · Email me at info@shemenajohnson.com Thank you for listening!