The Self-Care Chronicle

Therapy is a great way for me, as a mental health professional, to decompress and hit the reset button. This week, I talk about how therapy helps me to take time for my own mental health and fits into my overall self-care routine. 

Work is getting even busier (!!!). Something that helps me to decompress is using a different part of my brain. This week, I talk about taking up a new instrument.  

Deciding if, when, and how to leave your current position can be difficult. Realizing I've been spinning my wheels for years really helped my decision. 

Disconnecting from work can be rewarding and restorative. Returning after a much-needed break can take a lot of mental preparation, and it's been a challenge to get back into the swing of things. 

Planning and counting the days until a fun activity often helps me to hit the reset button. I spend a lot of time daydreaming about travel. Next up: Italy!

Sometimes, when my brain feels fried from a day of evaluations, therapy, court, etc., I need Netflix. Usually, my go-to is the Golden Girls, but this week, I checked out Archive 81. Did anyone else notice what I did about the show? https://drmarshabrown.com/Music by: AudionautiX 

Welcome to SCC: The Break! In these episodes, I talk about my own self-care journey and what I'm doing to reset myself mentally, emotionally, and physically. I also talk about the highs, lows, and challenges of maintaining my own mental wellness as I'm trying to be present to help others. Note: The Self-Care Chronicle Interviews will return at a later date.  Music by: AudionautiX

This week, I'm connecting with Dr. Tara Doaty of Sage Wellness Group. Dr. Tara discusses her challenges with keeping self-care constant while holding space for those she serves. Dr. Tara Doaty is the CEO and Lead Consultant of the Sage Wellness Group in Maryland. She is a national speaker and trainer where she is frequently asked to speak on issues such as equity, racism, trauma, and emotional and mental well-being. She has been the Keynote speaker for Pediatric Grand Rounds, School Districts, and non-profit organizations and has given specialized trauma trainings for judges, magistrates, and attorneys in Baltimore City and Washington, D.C. judicial system. For more information, visit https://drmarshabrown.com/.

This week, I'm connecting with Dr. Rosa Wu. Dr. Wu discusses the impacts of her own racial trauma on self-care and connecting with clients. Dr. Rosa Wu (she/her/hers) is a Registered Psychologist, academic, avid hiker, cook, and cinephile in Vancouver, Canada-the unceded territories of the Musqueam, Tsleil-Waututh, and Squamish First Nations. Learn more about Dr. Wu at https://drmarshabrown.com/. 

In this episode of The Self-Care Chronicle, I connect with Kerri-Anne Brown, LMHC. Kerri-Anne discusses the ever-changing nature of her self-care toolbox.  Kerri-Anne Brown is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor who specializes in helping individuals and couples living with fertility challenges, perinatal loss, birth trauma, and difficulties with postpartum adjustments. Read more about her work and practice at https://drmarshabrown.com/.

The Self-Care Chronicle is back for Season 2! This week, I connect with Dr. Leighna Harrison. She discusses supporting and uplifting others as a crucial aspect of her self-care. Dr. Harrison is a womanist, Black feminist, critically conscious, clinical liberation psychologist. She offers consultation and training to groups, organizations, and corporations, in the areas of anti-racism, anti-oppression, and liberation. Dr. Harrison also maintains a private practice for women of color in tech in Silicon Valley. For more information on Dr. Harrison, visit https://drmarshabrown.com/.

In this episode, I connect with Nigeria McHellon, LCSW. Nigeria is the Founder of New Perspectives Therapeutic Services. In this episode, she discusses supporting and connecting with clients while identifying with their painful experiences as BIPOC-identifying individuals.  Nigeria McHellon, LCSW is a Licensed Clinical Therapist who has spent over a decade providing services to those in need. She is the Founder of New Perspectives Therapeutic Services in Jacksonville, Florida. Read more about Nigeria's amazing work and philosophy at https://drmarshabrown.com/. 

In this episode, I connect with Dr. Raquel Martin. Dr. Martin talks about taking time away from mommy duties in order to be the best mother she can be. She also talks about the stressors of being a Black mental health professional in America. Dr. Raquel Martin is a licensed clinical psychologist. She holds her Ph.D. in Medical and Clinical Psychology.  Dr. Martin is currently the Clinical Director at a residential treatment center for children and adolescents that have experienced traumatic events. For more info, visit https://drmarshabrown.com/

This episode of The Self-Care Chronicle is Part 2 of my interview with Dr. Emily Hu. Dr. Hu talks about navigating the stressors and harms of marginalization and the "Model Minority" myth as an Asian American mental health professional.Dr. Emily Hu is a licensed clinical psychologist in Los Angeles who specializes in treating trauma and addictions. She is especially passionate about working with BIPOC and LGBTQ+ folx. Tune in to hear her talk about managing her anger surrounding Anti-Asian violence and sentiment. She also discusses the internalization of an externally imposed caste system among marginalized groups in America. For more info, visit https://drmarshabrown.com/

In this episode of The Self-Care Chronicle, I connect with Dr. Emily Hu. Dr. Hu talks about navigating through sadness, fear, and discombobulating anti-Asian hate as an Asian American mental health professional.Dr. Emily Hu is a licensed clinical psychologist in Los Angeles who specializes in treating trauma and addictions. She is especially passionate about working with BIPOC and LGBTQ+ folx. Tune in to hear her talk about using self-compassion as a cornerstone of self-care. For more, visit: https://drmarshabrown.com/

In this episode, I connect with Nicola Pierre-Smith, the founder of Melanated Women's Health in Pennsylvania. Nicole discusses the challenges of finding her own space to process traumatic events while helping clients do the same.Nicola Pierre-Smith, LPC is a Licensed Therapist in Philadelphia. Her work focuses primarily on anti-oppressive therapy for trauma healing, anxiety, and depression. She has been featured in publications including Bustle, Yahoo Life, VICE, and Forge Mag. For more info, visit https://drmarshabrown.com/ and check out the full interview video at https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC8s-gKfT54D2X24lTpLgDWw 

In this episode, I connect with the Founder of Building Families According to Pattern, Georgia Bryce, LMFT. Ms. Bryce talks about her struggles to follow the same self-care advice she routinely gives her clients.Georgia Bryce is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and Certified Professional Life Coach. She is the owner of the Building According To Pattern franchise, through which she provides personal, professional, and leadership development services. Ms. Bryce is also the author of the book, “On Your Way To Meeting You: The Journey That Changes Everything,” which promotes the fundamentals of the self-discovery process. Visit https://drmarshabrown.com/ for more. 

In this episode of The Self-Care Chronicle, I connect with Dr. Christina Hong Huber. Dr. Hong Huber talks about the impact of escalating anti-Asian violence on her own mental health and helping clients navigate their way through the trauma of recent events while holding her own pain.Dr. Hong Huber is a first-generation, Asian-American, licensed clinical psychologist in the Washington, D.C. metro area. Dr. Hong Huber works from a social justice-oriented and trauma-informed lens and provides culturally affirming and responsive therapy. Tune in to hear Dr. Hong Huber discuss how giving herself grace helps her mitigate the psychological impact of invisibility and witnessing the unspeakable violence perpetrated on the Asian American community. Don't miss the unedited video interview (https://www.youtube.com/watch?app=desktop&v=EI59EPWpVWE&ab_channel=Dr.MarshaBrown). Visit https://drmarshabrown.com/ for more.

In this REWIND episode of The Self-Care Chronicle, I connect with Sonny Etienne, LMHC. Mr. Sonny talks about the role of self-care while serving the mental health needs of the minority community during the murders of unarmed Black citizens and adapting to COVID-19. With nearly two decades of experience as a mental health professional, Sonny Etienne, LMHC, CAP, NBCC is the owner of Introspective Counseling Services, LLC. Affectionately known as “Mr. Sonny” to his patients, he has extensive experience serving youth and their families to resolve issues including risk of delinquency, runaway, addiction, and family dysfunction. Tune in for his honest, relatable, and crucial discussion about the challenges of maintaining mental wellness as a Black male mental health professional during unprecedented times. Visit https://drmarshabrown.com/ for more.

In this REWIND episode of The Self Care Chronicle, I connect with Licensed Psychologist, Dr. Elizabeth Rodriguez. Dr. Rodriguez gives an inside glimpse into making self-care a priority while juggling two jobs as a forensic expert.   Dr. Rodriguez is a Licensed Psychologist in the Northeast where she currently serves as a Director of Assessment in a correctional facility. Dr. Rodriguez also owns and operates a private practice that provides expert evaluations of clients who are in immigration proceedings or facing criminal charges. Between working in a correctional facility and running a thriving private practice, Dr. Rodriguez's work scores high on the stressful scale. Tune in to hear her thoughts on and go-to methods for self-care...Read More at www.drmarshabrown.com/deconstructingstressAll content © 2021 The Self-Care Chronicle

In this episode of The Self-Care Chronicle, I connect with Dr. Tiffany Darby. Dr. Darby talks about the role of firm boundaries in her daily self-care routine.Dr. Tiffany Darby is a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor with nearly two decades of experience in community mental health. She is also the Owner of Darby Counseling and Consulting. Tune in to hear her discuss fighting against a desire to overload her schedule in an effort to maintain mental wellness. Read more at https://drmarshabrown.com/ 

In this episode of the Self-Care Chronicle, I connect with Sonia Ross, LCSW-C. Ms. Ross talks about the practice of self-care being crucial to her mental wellbeing as a trauma survivor. Sonia Ross, LCSW-C is the CEO & Founder of Full Circle Therapy Services, a holistic therapeutic practice focused on the unique emotional needs of Black women. Ms. Ross is also the author of Master Your Depression: A Black Woman's Guide to Emotional Wellness, which is an extension of her work in this area. Visit https://drmarshabrown.com/ to read more. 

In this episode of The Self-Care Chronicle, I connect with Ayrielle Williams, LCSW. Ayrielle tells how her own self-reflection self-improvement work led to improved boundaries, communication, and self-care.Aryielle Williams, LCSW is the Owner of Next Chapter Therapy and Consultation. She is also the Creator of the straightforward.therapy Instagram account, known for giving honest advice to its followers. Ariyelle is also a Certified Clinical Trauma Professional and Sex Therapist. Tune in to hear how insight into her own self-sabotaging behaviors led to an improved understanding of her own self-care needs. Read more… https://drmarshabrown.com/deconstructingstress/ 

In this episode of The Self-Care Chronicle, I connect with Chelsea Davis, LMFT.  Chelsea is the Owner of Revive Coalition located in Florida. Chelsea talks about how learning to be less self-critical helped her to practice self-care more effectively. Kathlyn "Chelsea" Davis is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in Orlando, FL. She is the Owner and Operator of Revive Coalition located in Florida. Revive Coalition aims to provide a safe and open environment as well as access to affordable and culturally inclusive mental health resources to diverse communities. Tune in to hear Chelsea talk about the importance of accepting and admitting when we're not ok to better manage mental health and self-care. Find out more at: https://drmarshabrown.com/ 

In this episode of The Self-Care Chronicle, I connect with Nicole Osborne, LCMHCA.  Nicole is the Owner of Milk & Honey Therapy in Greensboro, NC. Nicole talks about ways the “exhausting” events of 2020 and 2021 led to a more intentional approach to managing her own mental health and self-care. Nicole Osborne is a Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor Associate and Owner of Milk & Honey Therapy located in Greensboro, NC. She specializes in working with teens and young adults from a variety of cultural backgrounds. Nicole uses her compassionate, fun-loving, and easy-going nature to help her clients overcome a variety of issues. Tune in to hear Nicole's approach to combating the mental exhaustion unique to Black female mental health professionals. 

In this episode of the Self-Care Chronicle, I connect with Licensed Clinical Psychologist, Dr. Kristie Norwood. Dr. Norwood discusses the challenges of maintaining a consistent self-care routine. Dr. Norwood currently serves as the Director of the Student Counseling Center at Hampton University. She focuses on enhancing mental health services to college students. Dr. Norwood created ReMIND U, LLC, which serves to promote the importance of remembering to keep mental health in discussions. Tune in to hear Dr. Norwood discuss ways that graduate school often prepares mental health professionals to overextend ourselves, to the detriment of our mental wellbeing. Learn more at: https://drmarshabrown.com/deconstructingstress/ 

In this episode of the Self-Care Chronicle, I connect with Vanessa Charles, LMHC. Vanessa is a Postpartum Support International-certified mental health clinician. Vanessa discusses how trying activities out of her comfort zone led to finding unique methods of self-care. Vanessa Charles is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor based in Florida. She treats individuals with a wide range of concerns including depression, anxiety, PSTD, infertility, pregnancy or baby loss, birth trauma, and postpartum depression. Tune in to hear Vanessa discuss the challenges of finding activities to add to her self-care toolbox. To learn more about this episode's guest, visit https://drmarshabrown.com/

In this episode of The Self-Care Chronicle, I connect with Dr. Jasmine R. Burton. Dr. Burton talks about the importance of being attuned to her own mental health processes so she can adapt her self-care routine in the moment.  Dr. Jasmine R. Burton is a licensed psychologist and the founder of Essence Psychological Health Services, PLLC. She provides specialty services to women experiencing challenges related to reproductive loss, early infant mortality, infertility, Perinatal Mood and Anxiety Disorders, trauma, and grief. Listen in hear Dr. Burton's personal challenges to practicing self-care while serving specific needs within a traumatized community that does not always encourage discussion of that trauma or mental health needs.  

In this episode of The Self-Care Chronicle, I chat with Sonny Etienne, LMHC. Mr. Sonny talks about the role of self-care while serving the mental health needs of the minority community during the murders of unarmed Black citizens and adapting to COVID-19. With nearly two decades of experience as a mental health professional, Sonny Etienne, LMHC, CAP, NBCC is the owner of Introspective Counseling Services, LLC. Affectionately known as “Mr. Sonny” to his patients, he has extensive experience serving youth and their families to resolve issues including risk of delinquency, runaway, addiction, and family dysfunction. Tune in for his honest, relatable, and crucial discussion about the challenges of maintaining mental wellness as a Black male mental health professional during unprecedented times. 

In this week's episode of The Self-Care Chronicle, I chat with Dr. Paul Bryan. Dr. Bryan talks about the stressors related to keeping suicidal patients safe and practicing gratitude to maintain mental wellness. Dr. Bryan is a Florida Licensed Psychologist with over 30 years' experience as a mental health professional. He owns and operates a private practice that specializes in forensic evaluations and individual psychotherapy. Listen in to find out how Dr. Bryan uses gratitude to counter the mental health impacts of working with high-risk populations.  

In this episode of The Self-Care Chronicle, I chat with Tasia Milicevic, LCSW. Tasia talks about how her unique method of prioritizing helps her stay on top of self-care, despite juggling a private practice, a growing team of clinical employees, and mommy duties.  Tasia is the Owner and Clinical Director of TMR “Treat Me Right” Mental Health Care, P.C. In her practice, Tasia leads a multidisciplinary team of clinicians who support clients in developing the skills necessary to cope and thrive in various aspects of life. Tune in to hear more about Tasia's go-to methods for avoiding burnout at work and home. Read More… 

In this episode of The Self-Care Chronicle, I chat with Dr. LaTasha Russell. Dr. Tasha talks about the importance of firm boundaries in order to maintain mental wellness. Find out how Dr. Tasha mastered the invaluable art of saying, “No.”  Dr. Tasha is an award-winning Mental Health Clinician, Author, and Speaker. She currently serves as the President of the Association of Black Psychologists, South Florida Chapter. Her new book, "It Ain't the Dishes," is sure to help anyone who has experienced challenges in their relationships. Dr. Tasha has made regular media appearances on programs including Hot Talk with Jill Tracey and CBS4 Miami. 

In this episode of The Self Care Chronicle, I connect with Psychologist, Dr. Ana Kodžić. Dr. Kodžić gives an inside look into managing self-care while navigating life as a forensic expert.    Dr. Ana Kodžić is a Licensed Psychologist with well over a decade of experience in the assessment, diagnosis, and treatment of severe mental illness.  She currently performs forensic evaluations and testifies in court as an expert witness. She has also trained and supervised a number of future mental health experts at the master's and doctoral training levels. Her roles as a forensic expert and mentor make her days non-stop and often stressful. Tune in to hear Dr. Kodžić's thoughts on self-care and getting it all done. Read more at https://drmarshabrown.com/deconstructingstress/ 

In this episode of The Self Care Chronicle, I chat with coach extraordinaire, Dr. Sharon Grossman. Coach Sharon shares her secrets to implementing self-care into her already-packed schedule.   Coach Sharon is also an author and speaker. She specializes in working with women in medicine who are struggling with anxiety, overwhelm, and burnout.  She is truly an inspiration to high achievers around the world. Her new book, “The 7E Solution to Burnout,” has already guided countless high achievers on their journey to empowerment. Between coaching, writing, and speaking, she still manages to find time to prioritize self-care. Tune in to find out how she does it…. Read More at www.drmarshabrown.com/deconstructingstress

In this episode of The Self Care Chronicle, I chat with Licensed Psychologist, Dr. Elizabeth Rodriguez. Dr. Rodriguez gives an inside glimpse into making self-care a priority while juggling two jobs as a forensic expert.   Dr. Rodriguez is a Licensed Psychologist in the Northeast where she currently serves as a Director of Assessment in a correctional facility. Dr. Rodriguez also owns and operates a private practice that provides expert evaluations of clients who are in immigration proceedings or facing criminal charges. Between working in a correctional facility and running a thriving private practice, Dr. Rodriguez's work scores high on the stressful scale. Tune in to hear her thoughts on and go-to methods for self-care... Read More at www.drmarshabrown.com/deconstructingstress

In this episode of The Self Care Chronicle, I chat with renowned award-winning Forensic Psychologist, Dr. Lori J. Butts. Dr. Butts gives an inside look into managing self-care while managing multiple professional roles.   Dr. Lori J. Butts is an award-winning forensic psychologist and attorney. She is the Chief Executive Officer of the Clinical & Forensic Institute in South Florida. She also serves on the Board of Different Brains, a Non-Profit organization that promotes the acceptance and understanding of neurodiverse individuals. To top it all off, Dr. Butts is also the host of a bi-weekly podcast called Spectrumly Speaking, which is sponsored by Different Brains.  A day in the life of this forensic psychology Rockstar is busy and stressful, to say the least. Tune in to find out how she manages self-care amidst the chaos... Read More at www.drmarshabrown.com/deconstructingstress 

In this episode of The Self Care Chronicle, I chat with renowned Forensic Psychologist, Dr. Michael P. Brannon. Dr. Brannon gives an inside look into managing self-care while navigating life as a forensic expert.   Dr. Michael P. Brannon is a Forensic Psychologist with over 30 years of experience providing expert witness testimony and conducting evaluations for high-profile cases in criminal and civil court matters. He has testified as an expert over 2,000 times in Federal and State Divisions throughout the State of Florida. He is regularly sought after by media outlets to discuss various topical forensic issues and legal cases. Dr. Brannon's job is high-stakes, fast-paced, and incredibly stressful. Tune in to find out how he manages self-care as he navigates life as a forensic expert... Read More at www.drmarshabrown.com/deconstructingstress