Two-time Emmy and Three-time NAACP Image Award-winning, television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed Sharise Nance.
Purpose of the Interview
- To showcase Sharise Nance’s mission in mental health advocacy, entrepreneurship, and workplace wellness.
- To discuss her companies:
- Hand in Hand Counseling Services – addressing mental health disparities in Black communities.
- Vitamin C Healing – building trauma-sensitive, wellness-centered workplace cultures.
- To educate on stress, burnout, compassion fatigue, and financial equity in the mental health field.
Key Takeaways
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Hand in Hand Counseling Services
- Founded with college roommate Tess Kenny in Pittsburgh.
- Created a safe space for mental health support in underserved communities.
- Celebrating 12 years in operation.
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Breaking Mental Health Stigma
- Built trust through community presence and transparency.
- Advocated therapy as normal: “I’m a therapist who has a therapist.”
- Education on what therapy is and isn’t.
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Understanding Stress
- Eustress (positive stress) vs. Distress (overwhelming stress).
- Physical signs: sweating, rapid heartbeat, tense shoulders, jaw clenching.
- Stress can lead to depression and anxiety—seek professional help.
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Impact of COVID-19
- Isolation amplified mental health issues.
- Introduced concept of co-regulation—healing through community and connection.
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Vitamin C Healing
- Originated from her book Vitamin C Healing for the Mind, Body.
- Evolved into a brand offering workshops, consultations, and burnout assessments.
- Focused on helping professionals and leaders prevent compassion fatigue.
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Financial Equity in Mental Health
- Advocates for fair pay: “We can care deeply and earn abundantly.”
- Challenges the mindset that passion work means low income.
- Encourages professionals to set boundaries and value their expertise.
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Burnout & Organizational Cost
- Unaddressed burnout costs companies millions annually.
- Leads to quiet quitting, low productivity, and high turnover.
- Investing in wellness saves money and improves culture.
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Personal Journey
- Biggest bet: leaving full-time job in 2017 to pursue entrepreneurship.
- Therapy helped her navigate fear and grief (especially after losing her father).
- Quote: “Feel the fear and do it anyway.”
Notable Quotes
- “We can care deeply and earn abundantly.”
- “I’m a therapist who has a therapist.”
- “Feel the fear and do it anyway.”
- “We heal when we are in community—it’s hard to heal in isolation.”
- “Compassion fatigue isn’t just a feel-good topic; it costs companies millions.”
- “Betting on myself was the best investment I ever made.”
#SHMS #STRAW #BEST
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