We recently connected with Cherlette McCullough and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Cherlette , so great to have you on the platform. There’s so much we want to ask you, but let’s start with the topic of self-care. Do you do anything for self-care and if so, do you think it’s had a meaningful impact on your effectiveness?
For selfcare, I allow myself to disconnect from my usual day to day routine in efforts of recharging. I know you may say what does that look like? Well, before I share what it looks like let me share my motivation for my self care. My motivation for selfcare started back in 1999 after graduating with my undergraduate degree. I landed my first job as a Supervisor at a level residential program with the Department of Juvenile Justice. It was my first professional career job. The work was stressful and I worked very long hours. There were several crisis situations that would happen daily and I was responsible for issues during my shift. It felt like I lived to work. I had no time for the things that filled me up, that bought me joy or fun things. I started hating my job. I began to believe that I needed another job with better hours and more pay. I applied, interviewed and was hired with the Department of Children and Familes as a Protective Services case manager. I was making more money and it started out as a position with better hours. Well, I started working 12, 13, 14 hour days. I was beginning to feel like I was living to work. Sounds familiar? I continued my career in child welfare from 2000 to 2010. In 2010 on a sunny morning I drove to work which was an hour drive one way. I arrive to work on this day as usual around 730 am before any of my staff arrived. As the Program Director working 10,12 13 hours a day was normal. On this particular I remember being at my desk reviewing the budget then waking up in the hospital. I was told that I blackout at work and was transported to the hospital by ambulance. This was my wake up call. I made the decision of changing my diet and changing my mindset on taking care of myself mentally,emotionally, physically and spiritually.
Although self care is vital but to be consistent with my selfcare I had to embrace self compassion. Self compassion is more about the mindset of how you treat and feel about yourself.
Life can be hard. Life has ebs and flows. It’s not always about life’s changes, but how am I coping? How am I showing up. How do I still find joy and some purpose in my situations. My selfcare includes connecting with family, spa days, exercise, sitting in silence, shopping, spending uninterrupted time with my husband or any other activity that I enjoy.
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?
Im a licensed mental health therapist & coporate wellness consultant who help individuals, couples, families and organizations. Im the owner of a strength-based private practice. In my practice I help women take care of themselves both emotionally and mentally. I share keen insight on the human experience as it relates to mental health.
I enjoy giving back to my community. Currently I am the Vice Chair for the mental health association of Central Florida. I have been interviewed on numerous news outlets as a mental health expert. I am the mental health contributor for Afrotainment network. I have been recognized by the community for my contributions to mental health. In 2022 I was recognized my I4 Business magazine with the Women’s Entrepreneurship Spirt award. In 2022 I was recognized by the Women Executive Council with community wellness award.
My most proud moment is when I started a community project back in 2020 in memory of my maternal grand mother who I loss to Covid-19. The project is Share a Meal in honor of MawMaw. I give a full Thanksgiving meal to senior citizens and single mother. The meal includes a turkey, yams, cranberries, mash potatoes, gravy, Macaroni&Cheese, dressing corn bread, green beans a sweet potato pie and a roasting pan. In 2020 we feed 57, In 2021 77, in 2022 123. Donations are accepted. Its 50.00 per family. Criteria is you must be a senior citizen or a single mother.
Please consider donating to this much needed community service.
I offer a monthly support group for Women called Ladies Happy Hour. Its a small group held once a month requires registration.
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?
Self acceptance Discipline
Faith
Self acceptance to build your confidence and belief system about your capabilities.
Discipline is help you stay consistent. Not perfect but consistent no matter the season you are experiencing.
Faith to know that it will work out.
How would you describe your ideal client?
The ideal client for my practice is a female or a couple. A female who may have type A personality and want to learn new coping strategies for communication, dating, childhood trauma, work stress or career coaching.
All couples are welcomed in my practice. Couples who are having challenges with communication,life after infidelity, new parents, divorcing parents, blended families and adoptive families.
Contact Info:
- Website: Www.cherlettemccullough.com
- Instagram: Cherlette_McCullough
- Facebook: Cherlette McCullough
- Linkedin: Cherlette McCullough
- Youtube: Conversation with Cherlette
Image Credits
Cherlette McCullough
