Meet Dr.Charryse Johnson

Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Dr.Charryse Johnson. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Dr.Charryse, 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?

Since childhood, I have been the only person in the room who looks like me. While it has not always been easy, I’ve learned not to make assumptions about the room when I walk in but instead focus on why I’ve been asked to be there.

The stories we tell ourselves often create fallacies about whether or not we belong. Still, by standing in my purpose and refusing to relinquish my power to anyone who makes me feel inferior, I know that I deserve to take up space in any room, regardless of who I may be surrounded by.

Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?

I am a psychotherapist, keynote speaker, mindfulness practitioner, and author of two #1 best-selling books: Expired Mindsets (2021) and Get Off Scale and Heal (2023). My work is centered around the connection between trauma, somatic integration, spirituality, and neuroscience.

In addition, I specialize in trauma therapy, eating disorders, and identity development. My podcast: ‘Dear Dr. Charryse,’ is another avenue I use to convey narratives that motivate listeners to engage in introspection and development.

Aside from mental health work, I support non-profits, educational institutions, and corporations looking to develop strategic initiatives centered on leadership, inclusivity, and emotional well-being.

Thankfully, I’ve been blessed to carve out a lane that is as eclectic as I am. I’m most excited when I can enter diverse spaces and use my creativity to cultivate new ways of reaching people. I see just as much value in community education and advocacy as I do in my one-on-one work.

There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?

The most impactful qualities I’ve learned to embody throughout my journey are adaptability, self-awareness, and confidence. In the midst of fear and self-doubt, honesty with yourself about the things you want in life is key. However, it is important to balance knowing your plans for yourself and letting go of the idea that it must happen a certain way.

Awareness of your strengths, weaknesses, and growth areas is vital to developing self-confidence and knowing when or how to pivot. These skills can be best developed through self-reflection, positive self-talk, and acceptance of the inevitable moments of uncertainty that come with being on a bold journey.

Any advice for folks feeling overwhelmed?

When I’m feeling overwhelmed, I prioritize spending time alone. Using this time wisely, I do my best to avoid dwelling or overthinking and instead opt for a sensory pause. I find my peace in stillness and quiet, usually wrapped in a blanket in low-light spaces. Though my instinct is to pull back, sometimes I will push myself to connect with friends and family, as there is just as much healing in community as in isolation.

My advice is to identify what you need and be relentless in giving it to yourself. Abandon the belief that you must keep pushing past the overwhelm. Learn when you need to change your pace and, more importantly, how to effectively communicate these changes to the people around you.

Contact Info:

Image Credits

Robert Kisiah
Corrie Huggins

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