We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Shawndrika Cook a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Shawndrika , 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?
When you are a trailblazer, no one looks like you. Your vision does not match what makes sense and your ability to stick out becomes your norm. I have learned in this journey through a space of trusting GOD and walking blindly in faith that my job is not to focus on being the only one in the room, my job is how can I impact the room, that when I leave the people in the room remember me. The power of a trailblazer comes with wisdom, confidence, and the boldness to never justify why you are in the room, but realize the herstory (history) you can make while you in there.
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?
Well, I have many hats. I am a licensed professional counselor (LPC) by degree, an adjunct professor at Houston Christian University by dream, the director of clinical services for the Black Women’s Mental Health Institute, by assignment, and the executive pastor of Covenant Restoration (C2Bham a.k.a. Core Church), by call. In summary, I got a degree to be an LPC, my dream job was to be an adjunct professor at a university, by assignment, I was chosen to be the director of clinical services, and by answering and giving GOD my yes I was called to be the executive pastor.
On top of all that is listed above I am the CEO of my private practice, called The Cultivation Center. I am the Founder and CEO of DearFutureHusband365, a ministry that is catered to singles and married people to encourage them to always speak to their future spouses. I work with the American Red Cross Serve Armed Forces (SAF) Division as their Al/MS Region Licensed Facilitator Coordinator for their Resiliency Workshops. Lastly, I am one-half founder and host of a podcast called Jesus+Therapy, Sis which I do with my other host and founder Cynthia Cooper. You can find the podcast on all podcast platforms including Spotify, Apple, and Google.
A project that I am currently working on is the Faith and Mental Health Collective. This is a big passion for me as it is the marriage between mental health and the church. This project connects pastors and congregations with mental health experts and creates conversation for awareness, education, networking, and services for those that need it. We also have a space where pastors can come feel safe and share their mental health struggles. The question is always asked, “Who pastors, the pastor?” Well, we have the answer and we discuss it during our Faith and Mental Health Collective meetings that will start back in May. Go to www.bwmhi.org to find out more information about this project.
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?
Three things that were most impactful for me are: 1) Doing things scared and all. When you dream big, you can’t be afraid of the greatness that your dream produces. The process is temporary, but the dream…that’s how legends are made. 2)Have a community. I love Ecclesiastes 4:9-12 “Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labor:10 If either of them falls down, one can help the other up . But pity anyone who falls and has no one to help them up. 11 Also, if two lie down together, they will keep warm. But how can one keep warm alone? 12 Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken”. Simply put doing things by yourself will bring destruction to yourself, but if you have a community or at least someone to hold you accountable, you create success. 3) Never get comfortable, it creates compliancy, which stuns growth.
What do you do when you feel overwhelmed? Any advice or strategies?
I love these questions. I am going to give you the therapeutic response and then I am going to give you the Shawndrika response. Therapeutic: You give grace to yourself and remind yourself what is important and what you can and can not complete. Simply put prioritize and stick with your boundaries. Shawndrika: Remind yourself that your call does not remove the necessity of taking care of your mental health. Create your boundaries, stick to them, allow yourself space and time to rest and rejuvenate. No, is a whole sentence use it when it is necessary not just because your plate is full. Be proactive and not reactive.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.bwmhi.org
- Instagram: @CEOtherapist22
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shawndrika-cook-ms-ed-s-lpc-5592b07a/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCbeKFExiIY0gklRg5jKUtKw
Image Credits
LaVelle Tyson Photography BMiller Production