We recently connected with Tanishia Neal and have shared our conversation below.
Tanishia, thank you so much for joining us today. Let’s jump right into something we’re really interested in hearing about from you – being the only one in the room. So many of us find ourselves as the only woman in the room, the only immigrant or the only artist in the room, etc. Can you talk to us about how you have learned to be effective and successful in situations where you are the only one in the room like you?
Being the only biracial woman in a room can be a unique and sometimes challenging experience. It often involves navigating a space where few, if any, share your particular blend of cultural or racial background. However, it can also be an empowering situation that fosters growth, resilience, and success.
I found confidence in my ability to hone in on my skills, flexible thinking and work ethic, that allowed me to adapt to whatever situation I was put in. I learned that even though those around me have already made the decision I am a black woman,which can come with it’s stigmas, I use my advantage of seeing the world from two different cultural lenses. This unique perspective can be a powerful asset in problem-solving and creative thinking.
Understanding, that self-love also plays a huge part in being confident, no matter who is around is what really helped over the years. Loving myself and understanding that no matter who’s in the room, what race, color, or nationality, I am still a loving, caring, smart, and beautiful soul that deserves everything this world has to offer. These are the words I tell myself all the time to help with maintaining my self- confidence.
Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?
I am Tanishia, a Multi-State Registered Nurse with over 17 years of experience and a Certified Integrative Health and Wellness Coach. I have specialties in Emergency Medicine, Trauma care, Chronic Disease Care and Management, Nutritional well-being and Behavioral Health. I have witnessed firsthand how health issues can affect people’s lives and well-being. That is why I am passionate about helping others achieve their optimal health and wellness goals.
I, myself suffered from lots of stress, G.I. problems, allergies was on tons of medications, had multiple surgical procedures all to end up with having the same symptoms over and over and over again. At some point, I told myself enough is enough. Here I am a nurse , and I was incapable of solving my own problems. How did I expect to solve anyone else’s that walked into my emergency room?
A light went off on my head. I said to myself that I have to start to take care of myself before my mental, physical and emotional health continued to deteriorate. So that’s when I decided to take control of my own healthcare. I went back to school to learn ways to functionally and integratively work together with the holistic care practices and western medicine, to develop a better way to not only heal, but restore and transform, not only my health, but the health of my patients and my clients. This was the best thing I did for me!
This lead me on a journey to start my own Health & Wellness Coaching Practice. This was totally against that natural progression of a Nurses career path. But, I knew in my heart that I was put here to care for people in any capacity in which I could really make a difference in someone’s life. My time in the ER was up, and I knew that I had to find a way to transition that would be both helpful and beneficial for myself and especially for my patience and clients. I am so happy that I did.
As an Integrative Health and Wellness coach, I use evidence-based practices and education, guidance, support and accountability, to empower my clients to make positive behavioral changes in their lifestyle, nutrition, stress management, and self-care. I believe that health is not just the absence of disease, but a state of physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual well-being. Working with me as your Integrative Health and Wellness Coach, you will benefit from my Clinical expertise, Holistic approach, and Personalized attention.
I believe that Health Coaching is not only beneficial for physical health, but also for Mental Health. I am passionate about addressing today’s mental health and well-being challenges as an approach to total wellness. I use evidence-based techniques and tools to help my clients cope with stress, anxiety, depression, and other mental health issues. I also help them cultivate a positive mindset and a healthy relationship with themselves and others.
My mission is to inspire and empower people to live their best lives by taking charge of their health and wellness. I am local in Orlando, FL. I see clients both virtually, and in-person. My goal is to reach people from all over to help others understand how we all need support and health coaching can make a positive impact on the health of all.
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
Transitioning from an Emergency Room Nurse to a Certified Integrative Health and Wellness coach, involves acquiring a new set of skills and knowledge. Here are three areas that are often impactful in such a journey:
Motivational Interviewing: This evidence-based approach is crucial for engaging patients in behavior change and forms an important part of health coaching education. It involves skillful conversation and clinical interventions to actively and safely engage clients in health behavior changes.
Active Listening: As a wellness coach, the ability to listen actively is paramount. It allows you to understand the client’s needs and tailor your guidance to their personal health journey.
Self-Leadership Skills: These skills are essential for managing one’s own well-being and are transferable to coaching others. They include the ability to make better decisions, manage stress, and maintain resilience, which are particularly beneficial when supporting others in their wellness goals.
These skills not only help in making a successful transition from any career, but also in ensuring that you can provide the best support to your clients as a health and wellness coach.
The one very important thing that I did learn throughout my years of nursing, that has transitioned very well into me becoming a certified integrative health and wellness coach, is the ability to understand that as a caregiver, you also need care and support. Sometimes, we could be taking on the issues and the problems of our patients and we’re so fixed on making them better, that sometimes we hold all of that into ourselves. This can create this energy that can internally affect us from a physical and a mental standpoint .So we have to hold ourselves accountable and know our limits. This is what makes us good healthcare providers. Taking care of ourselves first!
What was the most impactful thing your parents did for you?
Growing up, I did not have my father present. He left maybe around when I was four or five. My mother she suffered from a very abusive relationship after my dad left, that caused her mental health to decline. So, she was in and out as far as being present in my life.
My grandmother was my strong angel as I call her, that taught me that it is important for you to do the very best that you can do in whatever you decide you want to do. She gave me a good perspective of what the real world was and let me in on what was going to be expected of me. This taught me to have a good work ethic. Yes, she tried to shield me and protect me from the bad people and all the bad things around me, However she was very stern with education.. Very stern with being on time. She with understanding that we all are humans. She provided me with a caring and optimistic views that I know has transferred into both my personal and my professional life. It really is the essence why I do what I do.
I also have an Aunt, who was very supportive with me growing up and would take me to all my sporting events. Yes, I was a big time Tom boy. I played all sports. I was very introverted until I got on the court, field or pool. When I was younger, she was very instrumental in making sure that I understood what it was to work in a team.
I was very fortunate enough to have these two beautiful women around me. I had a good moral focus and a good value set to stand on, which is very important for all children to be able to grow up and understand that they are valued and that they deserve everything that this world has to offer. I never once looked at anything and said I couldn’t do it. I never once looked at anything and said I couldn’t have it ,and that was because my grandmother and aunt made sure that I knew even though I was black biracial that I did not have to fall into the typical stereotype or stigma that was brought about from people who I didn’t even know.
I am very proud that I was able to grow up with women who had these moral values to pass along to me, which now I have pass along to my children. So, for that I am truly grateful and if it wasn’t for my grandmother, I know I would not be where I am today. Although she has passed away now ,I don’t forget her. She is constantly in my mind every day and everything she gave to me.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.restorativehealthwellnessorlando.com
- Instagram: @Restorative_Healthsndwellness
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tanishia-neal-r-n-nbhwc-inhc
Image Credits
Branded Boss Lady
