Self Aware & F**ked Up Podcast

It’s often been said that comparison is the thief of joy and that is especially true in the age of social media. In this episode of the Self Aware & F**ked Up Podcast, Tree the LPC (Sandtrice Russell) has explores navigating social comparison with Chelsea Bea. Chelsea Bea is a chairperson for the Phoenix Children's Hospital Heart Center, she runs a non-profit organization that raises money to assist families with their hospital stays, and she is the host of the Beyond the Picket Fence Podcast. Chelsea shares about her personal journey towards self-love, the trauma of witnessing her son code due to complications with a congenital heart defect and working to overcome social comparison. To connect with Chelsea Bea follow her on IG @beyondwithchelsea and listen to her podcast Beyond the Picket Fence by Beyond the Picket Fence by ChelseaBea (kite.link) For more information on Tree the LPC visit https://linktr.ee/TreetheLPC or the UniqueDestiny.org website. Also be sure to follow @treethelpc on all social media platforms. To purchase Unique Destiny merch visit UniqueDestiny.org/shop If you are someone who you may know is coping with a mental health concern, please connect with your local National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) chapter.by visiting the NAMI Website. Home | NAMI: National Alliance on Mental Illness

Sabbaticals are essential. Sometimes we all need to hit that reset button in order to jump start the next phase of our lives. In this episode of the Self Aware & F**ked Up Podcast, Tree the LPC (Sandtrice Russell) has an in-depth conversation with Felicia Baxley about her personal journey with depression and anxiety. Felicia Baxley is an author, a mental health advocate, and the founder of a non-profit organization- the Sain d’Espirit Directive Inc. Felicia is also an upcoming YouTuber who uses her channel Fueling Freedom to help break the stigma of mental health. Felicia discusses her transition into entrepreneurship, her passion for helping teenage girls build their self-confidence, and her recent sabbatical that helped her refocus and rebrand her life. To connect with Felicia visit her website https://direct.me/pearlmae__ and follow her on IG @fuelingfreedom__ You can also purchase Felicia's books by visiting the following link on Amazon For more information on Tree the LPC visit https://linktr.ee/TreetheLPC or the UniqueDestiny.org website. Also be sure to follow @treethelpc on all social media platforms. To purchase Unique Destiny merch visit UniqueDestiny.org/shop If you are someone who you may know is coping with a mental health concern, please connect with your local National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) chapter.by visiting the NAMI Website. Home | NAMI: National Alliance on Mental Illness

If you don't make time for your wellness, you will be forced to make time for your illness. In this episode of the Self Aware & F**ked Up Podcast, Tree the LPC (Sandtrice Russell) has an insightful chat with Kelly Gorham, LPC about her journey towards finding her niche as a counselor, her personal journey with wellness, and her passion for educating others on taking better care of themselves. Kelly Gorham is a Licensed Professional Counselor and founder of the ASA Centre where she specializes in helping clients who are coping with burnout, depression, grief, PTSD, anger, trauma, and anxiety. Kelly shares helpful tips for recognizing signs of anxiety and burnout, key strategies for alleviating stress, and the importance of understanding and walking in your purpose. To connect with Kelly visit her website kellygorham.com. If you’re interested in working with Kelly as your therapist- visit- Kelly-Gorham-clientsecure.me For more information on Tree the LPC visit https://linktr.ee/TreetheLPC or the UniqueDestiny.org website. Also be sure to follow @treethelpc on all social media platforms. To purchase Unique Destiny merch visit UniqueDestiny.org/shop If you are someone who you may know is coping with a mental health concern, please connect with your local National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) chapter.by visiting the NAMI Website. Home | NAMI: National Alliance on Mental Illness

“Rejection is merely a redirection; a course correction to your destiny.” -Bryant McGill- In this episode of the Self Aware & F**ked Up Podcast, Tree the LPC (Sandtrice Russell) speaks candidly with Olivia TM Cook (Coach Liv) about her personal challenges with the loss of her father, navigating an abusive relationship, and starting over after losing 80% of her belongings during hurricane Michael. Coach Liv is a Transformational Success Coach and Neurolinguistic Practitioner who specializes in helping professional woman transform their lives. Coach Liv shares helpful tips for reinventing yourself, using your menstrual cycle to your benefit, and transforming your life to the next level To connect with Coach Liv visit her website oliviatmcook.com and follow her on all social media platforms under the handle @coach_liv. You can also visit her linktree. For more information on Tree the LPC visit https://linktr.ee/TreetheLPC or the UniqueDestiny.org website. Also be sure to follow @treethelpc on all social media platforms. To purchase Unique Destiny merch visit UniqueDestiny.org/shop

In this episode of the Self Aware & F**ked Up Podcast, Tree the LPC (Sandtrice Russell) takes a deep dive into marriage therapy with Chantha Yim, MFT about the navigating relationship trauma. Chantha explores appropriate boundaries within the counseling setting, using heart math to connect with her clients, and navigating the world post Covid-19. Chantha is a Gottman trained, Marriage and Family Therapist based out of North Carolina. To connect with Chantha e-mail her at chanthayim752@gmail.com and learn more about her counseling services visit the Meaningful Minds Counseling For more information on Tree the LPC visit https://linktr.ee/TreetheLPC or the UniqueDestiny.org website. Also be sure to follow @treethelpc on all social media platforms. To purchase Unique Destiny merch visit UniqueDestiny.org/shop If you are someone who you may know is coping with a mental health concern, please connect with your local National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) chapter.by visiting the NAMI Website. Home | NAMI: National Alliance on Mental Illness

He who angers you, controls you. Stop giving your Power away. Preserve your Peace!!!! In this episode of the Self Aware & F**ked Up Podcast, Tree the LPC (Sandtrice Russell) takes a deep dive into anger management with Carlis H. Hughes, LPC about the associated with unmanaged anger. Carlis explores the importance of recognizing your triggers, provides some helpful coping strategies for managing anger, and shares the importance of preserving your peace. Carlis H. Hughes is a Licensed Professional Counselor and Certified Anger Management Specialist who works with Veterans and runs her private practice Mindful Peace Counseling, LLC To connect with Carlis and learn more about her counseling services visit her website  www.mindfulpeacecounseling.com  Connect with her on FB mindfulpeacecounselingllc or reach her via e-mail at info@mindfulpeacecounseling.com For more information on Tree the LPC visit https://linktr.ee/TreetheLPC or the UniqueDestiny.org website. Also be sure to follow @treethelpc on all social media platforms. To purchase Unique Destiny merch visit UniqueDestiny.org/shop

Living with depression can feel like pure hell, but you are not alone In this episode of the Self Aware & F**ked Up Podcast, Tree the LPC (Sandtrice Russell) has a powerful, unfiltered conversation with Didi Hairston (The Diva with Depression) about her battle with treatment resistant depression. Didi speaks candidly about her mental health journey from the perspective of being a mother and mental health advocate with a passion for helping others. Didi actively advocates for breaking the stigma of mental health and intergenerational trauma for black and brown people via her mental health blog and her podcast Breaking the Mask of Depression. To connect with Didi and learn more about her mental health advocacy visit her website www.divawithdepression.com and follow her on IG and Twitter @divawdep For more information on Tree the LPC visit https://linktr.ee/TreetheLPC or the UniqueDestiny.org website. Also be sure to follow @treethelpc on all social media platforms. To purchase Unique Destiny merch and support the Black Therapists are Essential Movement visit UniqueDestiny.org/shop If you are someone who you may know is coping with a mental health concern, please connect with your local National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) chapter.by visiting the NAMI Website. Home | NAMI: National Alliance on Mental Illness

The greatness of a community is most accurately measured by the compassionate actions of its members. (Coretta Scott King) In this episode of the Self Aware & F**ked Up Podcast, Tree the LPC (Sandtrice Russell) has a Q&A session with District 2 City Council Candidate, Maiya Dowell about the state of mental health services, smart policing, and urban development within the community. Maiya is a home grown, LaGrange native who is passionate about bringing change to LaGrange. Maiya has experience in working with the education system, legal system, and in community and human service. To connect with Maiya reach out to her via FB under her name Maiya Dowell or via IG @msurtype. You can donate to Maiya’s campaign via cash app $MsUrType or via Venmo @Maiya-Dowell Early Voting in LaGrange starts on Oct 10, 2022 and Election Day is November 8, 2022. Be sure to get out to cast your vote!!!! For more information on Tree the LPC visit https://linktr.ee/TreetheLPC or the UniqueDestiny.org website. Also be sure to follow @treethelpc on all social media platforms. To purchase Unique Destiny merch and support the Black Therapists are Essential Movement visit UniqueDestiny.org/shop If you are someone who you may know is coping with suicidal thoughts or experiencing a mental health crisis, please reach out to the Suicide Prevention Hotline by dialing 988 or visiting the NSPH website Lifeline (988lifeline.org)

Surviving trauma can take a toll on you, especially if you lack the proper tools to navigate life’s intricate challenges. Developing resiliency is critical for youth and young adults who have survived growing up in the foster care system. In this episode of the Self Aware & F**ked Up Podcast, Tree the LPC has a meaningful discussion with Amnoni L. Myers about the struggles that they faced growing up in the foster care system. Amnoni discusses their bestselling book, “You are the Prize: Seeing Yourself Beyond the Imperfections of Your Trauma” in which they provide helpful tips for assisting youth and young adults who may be impacted by the broken foster care system in America. Amnoni is an author, public speaker, and advocate for youth in foster care. To connect with Amnoni reach out to them via IG @moni_laren, via FB @ Amnoni L. Myers, or visit their website amnonimotivates.com. To purchase their book click the link: You Are the Prize: Seeing Yourself Beyond the Imperfections of Your Trauma For more information on Tree the LPC visit https://linktr.ee/TreetheLPC or the UniqueDestiny.org website. Also be sure to follow @treethelpc on all social media platforms. To purchase Unique Destiny merch and support the Black Therapists are Essential Movement visit UniqueDestiny.org/shop If you are someone who you may know is coping with suicidal thoughts or experiencing a mental health crisis, please reach out to the Suicide Prevention Hotline by dialing 988 or visiting the NSPH website Lifeline (988lifeline.org)

Learning to overcome self-doubt and reframe your thoughts can be quite challenging if you lack the necessary tools and resiliency to face life’s challenges- especially if you’re feeling a bit unfulfilled. In this episode of the Self Aware & F**ked Up Podcast, Tree the LPC has an insightful chat with Geoff Seow about his recovery from addiction and how it allowed him to find his unfulfilled purpose and facilitate growth and change within others. Geoff discusses his MindAxis Method to life coaching which he has utilized to help millennials across 4 different continents overcome self-doubt, identify their focus areas, and navigate imposter syndrome. Geoff is the owner and head life coach at Mind Axis Life Coaching and owner of Astraeus Apparel To connect with Geoff follow him on all social media platforms under the handle @mindaxislifecoaching or visit his website www.mindaxislifecoaching.com.auin order to learn more or book a discovery call. You can also obtain a free copy of Geoff’s self help guide “The Visionary” by visiting his website. For more information on Tree the LPC visit https://linktr.ee/TreetheLPC or the UniqueDestiny.org website. Also be sure to follow @treethelpc on all social media platforms. To purchase Unique Destiny merch and support the Black Therapists are Essential Movement visit UniqueDestiny.org/shop

Becoming the best version of yourself isn’t always easy, in fact it takes a shit ton of exploration, self-reflection, and a commitment to growth. In this episode of the Self Aware & F**ked Up Podcast, Tree the LPC has an in-depth conversation with Kels about his journey towards self-discovery and self-acceptance. Kels shares his experience of deciding to transition, overcoming a near fatal car accident, and his battle with homelessness. Kels is an actor, model, and entrepreneur, best known for his work in “If I was your Girl”, a Coquie Hughes film and television series. Kels is an advocate for positivity and uses his platform to educate others. To connect with Kels follow him on IG at @pressure_p87 or send him a message on Facebook under Pressure P Kels or Rondala Kelly. If you would like more information on gender identity or are considering transitioning visit The Genderbread Person | A free online resource for understanding gender identity, gender expression, and anatomical sex, find a local support group, and please connect with a local therapist. For more information on Tree the LPC visit https://linktr.ee/TreetheLPC or the UniqueDestiny.org website. Also be sure to follow @treethelpc on all social media platforms. To purchase Unique Destiny merch and support the Black Therapists are Essential Movement visit UniqueDestiny.org/shop

It is not taboo to fetch what is at risk of being left behind. While home births are trendy right now, this hasn’t always been the case. In this episode of the Self Aware & F**ked Up Podcast, Tree the LPC has an insightful chat with Doula Ife Adebowale, owner/founder of Cherishing Life Beginnings. Doula Ife shares a wealth of information on the background and history of doulas, mortality rates of black women who give birth in a hospital setting and connecting with your ancestral roots. Doula Ife is a doula, childbirth instructor, and midwife who specializes in empowering and reconnecting mothers with their natural birthing strengths as they bring their children earthside. Doula Ife is also an advocate and community leader for BIPOC women. To learn more about Doula Ife Adebowale or to purchase her services visit her website- cherishinglifebeginnings.com or connect with her on FB (Doula Ife Adebowale) or IG @Nubi31 For more information on the Ancestral Starseed Celebration in honor of pregnancy & infant awareness month click here For more information on Tree the LPC visit https://linktr.ee/TreetheLPC or the UniqueDestiny.org website. Also be sure to follow @treethelpc on all social media platforms. To purchase Unique Destiny merch and support the Black Therapists are Essential Movement visit UniqueDestiny.org/shop

Does talking about sex make you feel uncomfortable? For many people talking about sex with their partner can be anxiety provoking. Sex is a taboo topic in many cultures; however, our sexual history shapes how we show up intimately in our relationships. In this episode of the Self Aware & F**ked Up Podcast, Tree the LPC explores human sexuality with Pontress S. Bailey, LPC, a Certified Sex Therapist. Pontress shares a wealth of information about how to improve your sexual relationship with your partner, the impact that sexual assault can have on intimacy, and how to reduce anxiety during sex. Pontress S. Bailey is a Licensed Professional Counselor and Certified Sex Therapist in the state of Georgia who specializes in helping couples reconnect and improve their sexual intimacy. Pontress is also the host of an upcoming podcast called Sex & Situations. To connect with Pontress, follow her on IG @thesexperteaze or reach out to Pontress via e-mail at Changewithinllc@gmail.com For more information on Tree the LPC visit https://linktr.ee/TreetheLPCor the UniqueDestiny.org website. Also be sure to follow @treethelpc on all social media platforms. To purchase Unique Destiny merch and support the Black Therapists are Essential Movement visit UniqueDestiny.org/shop

Do you live your life from a place of authenticity? Let’s be real, many of us send our representatives out into the world, but when we’re all alone in our bathroom mirrors, how do we really feel about ourselves? In this episode of the Self Aware & F**ked Up Podcast, Tree the LPC has an in-depth chat with Pastor Damion S. Hutchins about his experience of growing up as an adoptee, being dropped off at Howard University as a young adult, and his journey towards developing authentic spirituality. Damion S. Hutchins is a pastor, author, and educator who strives to teach others how develop authentic spirituality. Damion is the author of “F.I.G.H.T: From not enough to good enough” To purchase Damion’s book click on the link: F.I.G.H.T.: From Not Enough to Good Enough - Kindle edition by Hutchins, Damion. Self-Help Kindle eBooks @ Amazon.com. To connect with Damion, follow him on IG @unk357 or connect with Damion Hutchins on FB. For more information on Tree the LPC visit https://linktr.ee/TreetheLPC or the UniqueDestiny.org website. Also be sure to follow @treethelpc on all social media platforms.

When it comes to taboo topics in mental health, it doesn’t get any more taboo than child molestation and sexual assault. We live in a country where one in 9 girls and one in 53 boys under the age of 18 experience sexual abuse or assault at the hands of an adult. In this episode of the Self Aware & F**ked Up Podcast, Tree the LPC has an in-depth chat with Jacquie C. Hamilton about her journey towards healing after coping with her parent’s divorce, experiencing child molestation, and navigating teenage pregnancy. Jacquie also shares helpful tips for navigating raising a child with Autism. Jacquie C. Hamilton is an author, educator, and owner of a non-profit organization for Autism support and awareness. Jacquie is the author of “I Need Thee: True Inspirational Stories of a Problematic Past That turns Into a Purposeful Future” To purchase Jacquie’s book click on the link: I Need Thee To connect with Jacquie, follow her on IG @jacquie.c.hamilton or on FB Jacquie C. Hamilton or Author Jacquie Hamilton For more information on Tree the LPC visit https://linktr.ee/TreetheLPC or the UniqueDestiny.org website. Also be sure to follow @treethelpc on all social media platforms. If you are someone you may know has experience a sexual assault, you do not have to suffer in silence. Reach out to the National Sexual Assault Hotline at 1-800-656-HOPE or visit the rainn.org website.

Let’s be real, learning to love yourself can be a lifelong journey. Our inner critical voice often tell us the worst things about ourselves. In this episode of the Self Aware & F**ked Up Podcast, Tree the LPC has an insightful chat with Cassy E. Gates about their journey towards self love and some of the obstacles that they’ve encountered along the way. Cassy also shares some helpful tips for letting go of toxic situations and tapping into your own self worth. Cassy is the owner of Xtra Lush, a mobile bartending service that provides premium service. To connect with Cassy, follow her on IG @bountifulbeauty01 or on FB - Cassy Gates. For more information on Tree the LPC visit https://linktr.ee/TreetheLPC or the UniqueDestiny.org website. Also be sure to follow @treethelpc on all social media platforms.

Growing up as a black gay kid in the South can be quite traumatizing especially within the black church. It can be extremely challenging to find your own voice when you're constantly being told that being who you are is wrong.  In this episode Tree the LPC speaks with Steven M. Martin, an author, activist, and motivational speaker about his journey towards self-acceptance and his struggle with depression. Steven is known for addressing sexuality in his writings with his bestseller The Evolver and its sequel Reprobated as well as his blog. To learn more about Steven, connect with him, or purchase his books visit stevenmmartin.com. Also follow him on all social media platforms under the handle @smartin706.  For more information on Tree the LPC visit https://linktr.ee/TreetheLPC or the UniqueDestiny.org website. Be sure to follow @treethelpc on all social media platforms.

Navigating a crisis situation can be a challenging experience for many individuals and helping a friend or family member who is experiencing suicidal ideations, or a psychiatric emergency can be both mentally and emotionally taxing. In this episode, Tree the LPC speaks with Mercedes Hickman, LCSW, a crisis intervention specialist with over 10 years of experience working for suicide prevention hotlines, about how to assist and advocate for loved ones who are experiencing a crisis. Mercedes shares tips for working with law enforcement, local crisis lines, and ensuring the safety of your friends/family members. Mercedes also shares important self-care tips for mental health professionals and information about her Travel Agency- Mellow Escapes, LLC. To learn more, follow Mercedes Hickman on Instagram under the handle @mellowescapesllc or visit www.mellowescapes.com to book your next vacation.  For more information on Tree the LPC visit https://linktr.ee/TreetheLPC or the UniqueDestiny.org website. Also be sure to follow @treethelpc on all social media platforms.

For many people walking in their truth can be a bit challenging, but it's our purpose that makes us who we are.  In this episode, Tree the LPC speaks with Twyla Wright, an elementary school counselor who recently finished her 15th year in academia, about the challenges of working within the school system, the impact of school shootings on educators and students, and her journey towards living in her truth.  Twyla shares helpful tips for navigating being out in the workplace, strategies that counselors can use to connect with parents, and how parents can advocate for their children within the school setting. To connect with Twyla Wright be sure to follow her on IG under the handle @twylaw21.  For more information on Tree the LPC visit https://linktr.ee/TreetheLPC or the UniqueDestiny.org website. Also be sure to follow @treethelpc on all social media platforms. To purchase your Unique Destiny Expressions gear visit uniquedestiny.org/shop

In a world where social media followers, likes, and comments are utilized to measure success, it can be challenging to push towards your passion. In this week’s episode Tree the LPC speaks with K. Noel Jordan, an author,  motivational speaker, life coach, and spiritual leader, about how to  become relentless in your pursuit of your goals. K.  Noel shares practical tips for overcoming church hurt, pushing through  anxiety and depression, and becoming the best version of yourself. To learn more about K. Noel Jordan and to purchase his books visit http://www.relentlessmotivationalgroup.com, visit his podcast at http://www.relentlessconversations.com and follow him on IG @knoelmotivates Listen to Relentless Conversations For more information on Tree the LPC visit https://linktr.ee/TreetheLPC or the UniqueDestiny.org website. Also be sure to follow @treethelpc on all social media platforms.

Narcissism has become a bit of a trending topic over the past several years. We see it on the news and read about it on social media, but how much of it is real and how much of it is fictionalized? In this episode of Self Aware and F**ked Up, Tree the LPC speaks with Marcia Blane, LPC, a certified Clinical Hypnotherapist who specializes in working with individuals diagnosed with Narcissistic Personality Disorder (NPD). We discuss the differences between someone with NPD and someone who has Narcisstiic traits, how to break free from the influence of a Narcissist, and we shed light on the number one Narcissist group in the world. (You'll be surprised to find out who they are)  To learn more about Marcia Blane and to purchase her Peculiar One Guided journal and other Peculiar 1 merchandise, visit www.marciablane.com. For counseling inquiries be sure to visit (peculiar1.com) You can also download a copy of her free workbook Unsticking the Trauma by visiting Unsticking the Trauma Workbook — Marcia Blane For more information on Tree the LPC visit https://linktr.ee/TreetheLPC or the UniqueDestiny.org website. Also be sure to follow @treethelpc on all social media platforms.

Have you recovered from your childhood trauma? The truth is recognizing the signs of unresolved childhood trauma in adulthood can be a bit tricky. In this episode Tree the LPC takes a deep dive into childhood trauma with the incomparable Marcia Blane, LPC, a Certified Clinical Hypnotherapist. We discuss multiple trauma related topics to include: how to identify the signs of unresolved trauma, the key challenges to working through childhood trauma, and how parents can help their adult children overcome those challenges. To learn more about Marcia Blane and to purchase her Peculiar One Guided journal and other Peculiar 1 merchandise, visit www.marciablane.com. For counseling inquiries be sure to visit peculiar1.com For more information on Tree the LPC visit https://linktr.ee/TreetheLPC or the UniqueDestiny.org website. Also be sure to follow @treethelpc on all social media platforms.

Domestic Violence is such a huge issue in relationships and the world of mental health, but nobody wants to talk about it. Victims are often afraid to leave, family members & friends don't know how to be supportive and mental health providers don't always have the necessary tools to help their clients.  In this episode, Tree the LPC has an honest chat with Dr. Michele Finneran, a licensed professional counselor and author of "Surviving Domestic Abuse: Formal and Informal Supports and Services" about the challenges of overcoming domestic violence, Stockholm syndrome, and how to recognize the signs that your loved one may be in a domestic violence situation.  To learn more about Dr. Finneran and purchase her book visit drmichelefinneran.com  For more information on Tree the LPC visit https://linktr.ee/TreetheLPC or the  UniqueDestiny.org website. Be sure to follow @treethelpc on all social media platforms.

This is a brief intro to the Podcast. New Episodes coming weekly. Stay Tuned.