Two-time Emmy and Three-time NAACP Image Award-winning, television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed Sharise Nance.

Purpose of the Interview

To showcase Sharise Nance’s mission in mental health advocacy, entrepreneurship, and workplace wellness.
To discuss her companies:
- Hand in Hand Counseling Services – addressing mental health disparities in Black communities.
- Vitamin C Healing – building trauma-sensitive, wellness-centered workplace cultures.
To educate on stress, burnout, compassion fatigue, and financial equity in the mental health field.

Key Takeaways

Hand in Hand Counseling Services
- Founded with college roommate Tess Kenny in Pittsburgh.
- Created a safe space for mental health support in underserved communities.
- Celebrating 12 years in operation.
Breaking Mental Health Stigma
- Built trust through community presence and transparency.
- Advocated therapy as normal: “I’m a therapist who has a therapist.”
- Education on what therapy is and isn’t.
Understanding Stress
- Eustress (positive stress) vs. Distress (overwhelming stress).
- Physical signs: sweating, rapid heartbeat, tense shoulders, jaw clenching.
- Stress can lead to depression and anxiety—seek professional help.
Impact of COVID-19
- Isolation amplified mental health issues.
- Introduced concept of co-regulation—healing through community and connection.
Vitamin C Healing
- Originated from her book Vitamin C Healing for the Mind, Body.
- Evolved into a brand offering workshops, consultations, and burnout assessments.
- Focused on helping professionals and leaders prevent compassion fatigue.
Financial Equity in Mental Health
- Advocates for fair pay: “We can care deeply and earn abundantly.”
- Challenges the mindset that passion work means low income.
- Encourages professionals to set boundaries and value their expertise.
Burnout & Organizational Cost
Personal Journey
- Biggest bet: leaving full-time job in 2017 to pursue entrepreneurship.
- Therapy helped her navigate fear and grief (especially after losing her father).
- Quote: “Feel the fear and do it anyway.”

Notable Quotes

“We can care deeply and earn abundantly.”
“I’m a therapist who has a therapist.”
“Feel the fear and do it anyway.”
“We heal when we are in community—it’s hard to heal in isolation.”
“Compassion fatigue isn’t just a feel-good topic; it costs companies millions.”
“Betting on myself was the best investment I ever made.”

#SHMS #STRAW #BEST

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