Meet Dr. Sasha Johnson

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

Dr. Sasha, thanks so much for taking the time to share your insights and lessons with us today. We’re particularly interested in hearing about how you became such a resilient person. Where do you get your resilience from?
My resilience is fueled by the profound impact I have on the community. One of the most rewarding experiences is witnessing and supporting individuals during difficult and trying moments. It’s truly inspiring to observe people persisting through adversity, driven by motivation, and refusing to surrender when faced with challenges. Being a source of motivation for others fortifies my resilience, and it’s a beautiful thing to experience.

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 was born in Montgomery, Alabama on April 20, 1987. I’m a single mother of two wonderful sons, and I wear many hats in my professional life. I’m a licensed professional counselor, author, professor, and inspirational speaker. I’m also the Chief Executive Owner of Inside and Out Consulting, LLC, where I specialize in providing mental health counseling with a focus on trauma, relationships, and support for the LGBT community.

In addition to my counseling work, I’m passionate about giving back to the community. I founded a nonprofit organization called Sister’s 2nd Chance, which aims to inspire and assist women and children facing challenging circumstances. Our mission is to combat mental health stigma, homelessness, and provide mental health support to families in need of healing.

On the academic front, I’ve pursued my Doctorate Degree in Philosophy of Psychology, with a specialization in General Psychology. My dissertation involved generic qualitative research, focusing on the experiences of community counselors dealing with stress while providing their valuable services. I’m proud to hold the title of a National Certified Counselor.

In the realm of public speaking and media, I’m the Chief Executive Owner of Sasha Mercedes, LLC. Through this platform, I participate in interviews, engage in speaking engagements, and have had the honor of being featured in renowned magazines such as VoyageATL, Afroelle Magazine, ACHI Magazine, and Sheen Magazine.

I also have the privilege of serving as an adjunct professor at Yorkville and California University, where I teach courses centered around psychology and counseling. As an author, I’ve written approximately six books on mental health, resilience, and gratitude.

My life’s work revolves around inspiring and motivating as many individuals as possible, and I’m truly dedicated to making a positive impact in the world.

If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?

Three crucial skills or aspects that have been instrumental in my journey are:

Discernment: Throughout challenging situations and even in moments when I felt defeated, I noticed that my ability to discern became increasingly powerful. It helped me navigate tough decisions and find the right path forward.

The Strength of Motherhood: Being a mother provided me with a wellspring of strength and motivation. Many of my accomplishments were driven by my desire to be the best role model for my sons, to show them that they can achieve anything without limitations.

Caring for Others: Another impactful aspect of my journey has been my dedication to caring for and supporting others. Interestingly, in doing so, I discovered more about myself. At times, I felt lost, but I realized that to genuinely care for and enhance the lives of others, I needed to first find and love myself. This journey of caring for others ultimately helped me rediscover and nurture my own self-worth.

All the wisdom you’ve shared today is sincerely appreciated. Before we go, can you tell us about the main challenge you are currently facing?
One challenge I currently grapple with is the struggle to give myself adequate recognition for my achievements. Occasionally, I experience a sense of inadequacy and defeat, feeling like my efforts are insufficient. This negativity can be demotivating, even tempting me to give in.

However, I counter this energy by persistently pushing forward and making a conscious effort to remind myself to express gratitude to myself for all the incredible things I’ve accomplished.

Contact Info:

Image Credits
Perfection Rivers

Suggest a Story: BoldJourney is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
Leadership Development
Empathy Unlocked: Understanding how to Develop Emotional Intelligence

“Empathy is the starting point for creating a community and taking action. It’s the impetus

Productivity
Where do you get your work ethic from?

We’ve all heard the phrase “work hard, play hard,” but where does our work ethic

Productivity
Boosting Productivity Through Self-Care

When you have a never-ending to-do list it can feel irresponsible to engage in self-care,