We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Shannon Jordan a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Shannon, so good to have you with us today. We’ve got so much planned, so let’s jump right into it. We live in such a diverse world, and in many ways the world is getting better and more understanding but it’s far from perfect. There are so many times where folks find themselves in rooms or situations where they are the only ones that look like them – that might mean being the only woman of color in the room or the only person who grew up in a certain environment etc. Can you talk to us about how you’ve managed to thrive even in situations where you were the only one in the room?
Navigating spaces where you are the only one who looks like you can present unique challenges but it also offers opportunities for growth and influence. As a black American male psychotherapist, you are in a rare percentile, making your presence even more significant. Being a “unicorn” in the field is a privilege that allows me to make a substantial impact. I embrace the uniqueness and use it as a driving force to excel, inspire, and contribute positively to the profession and community. My unique position allows you to inspire others who might be underrepresented in the field. My success can serve as a beacon of hope for aspiring professionals who share similar backgrounds.
Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about yourself before we dive back into some of the other questions we had for you?
Born and raised in Georgia, my journey has been shaped by the contrasting influences of my “churchy” upbringing and the harsh realities of life. Growing up primarily in the vibrant city of Atlanta, I found myself navigating the intricate dance between these two worlds that seemed to constantly pull me in opposite directions.
My early years were deeply rooted in my church community, where faith, values, and community were the cornerstones of my upbringing. However, beyond the sanctuary walls, I was also exposed to the challenges and unfortunate situations that life can bring. This juxtaposition created a constant internal battle as I sought to reconcile my faith with the harsh realities I witnessed.
Upon graduating from high school, my academic journey took a few twists and turns. While I attended several colleges, I found myself enlisting in the United States Air Force (USAF). Originally planning to serve for just four years, fate had other plans for me. My time in the USAF extended to an impressive 12 years, during which I embarked on incredible adventures that would reshape my perspective on life and purpose.
Through the challenges presented by my military service, I discovered strengths and depths within myself that I had never known before. I soared to heights I could have only dreamt of, accomplishing feats that not only impressed others but left a lasting impact on the world around me. Yet, beneath the surface, I was grappling with my own battles—struggling with hidden pain and battling the shadows of depression that cast a veil over my accomplishments.
As my journey in the Air Force came to an end, I embarked on a new chapter. Fueled by a burning desire to heal and channel my experiences toward helping others, I returned to school full-time. With a passion for making a difference, I pursued degrees in Social Work, Psychology, and Mental Health Counseling. These fields became my tools to understand, empathize, and provide support to those who, like me, were navigating the complexities of life.
Armed with my education and honed talents, I embarked on the creation of my practice—Crown and Mind Therapy. This venture symbolizes my commitment to combining the knowledge I’ve gained with the personal growth I’ve undergone. With the present as my canvas, I aim to create a safe space where individuals can address their pain, confront their struggles, and find the resilience to rise above them.
My journey from Georgia to the Air Force and through academia has shaped me into a compassionate, understanding, and insightful psychotherapist. Every twist and turn has contributed to the creation of Crown and Mind Therapy—a testament to my resilience, growth, and unwavering commitment to guiding others toward healing and self-discovery.
Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
Patience: Ironically, my family labeled me as an impatient child, yet this very trait has transformed into my superpower in adulthood. Learning to embrace patience allowed me to approach decisions and challenges with a calmer and more thoughtful mindset. My advice to those starting their journey is to recognize the value of patience. In a world driven by instant results, taking the time to evaluate, contemplate, and gather information can lead to more informed and successful outcomes. Practice taking a step back before making decisions, and let the power of patience guide you.
Critical Thinking: Throughout my growth, I’ve learned to think critically and evaluate situations from various angles. This skill has enabled me to make well-informed decisions and avoid hasty judgments. To those embarking on their journey, I suggest honing your critical thinking skills. Don’t simply accept things at face value; question, analyze, and seek a deeper understanding. This habit will not only enrich your knowledge but also empower you to make sound choices.
Resilience and Adaptability: Life’s twists and turns have taught me the importance of resilience and adaptability. Embracing change and bouncing back from setbacks has been crucial. For those just starting out, my advice is to develop a resilient mindset. Embrace challenges as opportunities for growth rather than obstacles. Be open to adapting to new situations, and let the setbacks strengthen your determination rather than hinder your progress.
To those early in their journey, I encourage you to nurture these qualities:
Patience: Practice delaying gratification and resisting the urge for immediate answers. Take time to reflect before acting, and learn to appreciate the rewards of a well-thought-out approach.
Critical Thinking: Cultivate curiosity and a thirst for understanding. Don’t be afraid to question assumptions and seek different perspectives. Engage in thoughtful discussions and be open to changing your viewpoint based on new information.
Resilience and Adaptability: Embrace challenges as learning opportunities. When faced with setbacks, focus on what you can learn and how you can grow from the experience. Develop a mindset that thrives on change and can pivot when necessary.
In a world that often values speed over depth, remember that your journey is unique and worth the investment of time, thoughtful consideration, and continuous self-improvement. By nurturing patience, critical thinking, and resilience, you’ll not only navigate your journey effectively but also leave a lasting impact on your path to success.
One of our goals is to help like-minded folks with similar goals connect and so before we go we want to ask if you are looking to partner or collab with others – and if so, what would make the ideal collaborator or partner?
Absolutely! I aim to consistently grow my network to encompass persons from various experiences and insights. I would love for people to see who I am associated with and feel a sense of safety and intrigue. I have friends and colleagues who run the gamut. Married, single, male, female, non-binary, LGBTQ plus, degreed and non-degreed, various age ranges of adulthood. Just an eclectic network of opportunities geared to helping people establish, secure, and maintain their mental health.
Yes, I am actively seeking individuals to partner and collaborate with. I believe that diverse perspectives and backgrounds can enrich the support we offer to others. I’m looking to collaborate with professionals passionate about mental health and well-being, regardless of their field of expertise. This could include fellow therapists, psychologists, counselors, educators, medical professionals, social workers, artists, writers, and anyone dedicated to positively impacting people’s lives.
If you’re reading this and are interested in collaborating, I encourage you to reach out. You can connect with me through my website, social media, or email. Let’s start a conversation about how our collective experiences and insights can come together to create innovative approaches to mental health support. Together, we can build a network that fosters inclusivity, understanding, and empowerment for all individuals seeking to improve their mental well-being.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: @crown_and_mind_therapy
- Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/shannonjordan2
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