As a single mother juggling the tightrope of academia, Dr. Ariel Harrison gets it.

That's why Doc G brought her on to this episode of Metamorphosis Unleashed to share her story and the wisdom she's gained from the frontlines of motherhood and higher education. She takes us through her daily life, offering hope and advice for single parents who dare to dream big. We discuss how critical a well-choreographed routine has been for her, from choosing an online doctoral program to balancing long commutes with precious family time.

Time waits for no one, which is why Dr. Harrison and Doc G delve into mastering time management and its role in counseling. You’ll hear Doc G’s brush with a missed deadline, an experience that hammered home staying ahead. Dr. Harrison's journey as a professor, gatekeeper, and advocate for her students outlines the balance between empathy and professional educational standards. We also cover the distinct paths of school and mental health counselors, unpacking the academic and professional terrains unique to each.

Beyond the books and classrooms, Dr. Harrison stresses self-care and a support network, especially for women threading the needle between caregiving and academic pursuits. Get an insider look at her book “10 Tips for Navigating Online Graduate School for Primary Caretakers” and the founding of Ariel Harrison Consulting, which represent her dedication to enriching others through her own growth. As we wrap up, we celebrate her contributions to women's empowerment through her Amazon journals—a tribute to the healing power of self-reflection and writing.

Join us for an episode that's less about the climb and more about savoring the view at each ledge of this steep ascent we call life.

In this episode, you will hear:

• Dr. Ariel Harrison's personal journey through academia as a single mother
• The challenges of raising two boys while pursuing a doctorate online
• The importance of time management for counselors
• Strategies like staying ahead of coursework and maintaining a balance between empathy and professional standards in education
• The differences between school counseling and clinical mental health counseling
• Insights into the career path of becoming a counselor educator with a doctoral degree
• Self-care and having a support network for women in academia, especially those with caregiving responsibilities
• An introduction to “10 Tips for Navigating Online Graduate School for Primary Caretakers”
• The launch of Ariel Harrison Consulting and linking personal growth to professional development
• Dr. Harrison's contribution to women's empowerment through her Amazon journals, designed for self-reflection and personal journeys like fertility and inner child work

Resources from this Episode

• Get Dr. Ariel Harrison’s book: ​​www.amazon.com/Tips-Navigating-Online-Graduate-School/dp/B0BKDXF1Z1

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Episode Credits

If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Emerald City Productions. They helped me grow and produce the podcast you are listening to right now. Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com Let them know we sent you.

When life threw a curveball that changed everything, Dr. Denise Anderson didn't just adapt. She converted adversity into advocacy.

On this episode of Metamorphosis Unleashed, from battling through the arduous recovery after a spinal cord injury to using her experience to fuel her passion for counseling and education, Dr. Anderson's story highlights the human spirit's resilience. She has an eye-opening discussion with Doc G on the complexities of SCI, revealing how it alters more than just physical abilities but every facet of your existence.

We discuss the overshadowed mental health challenges that individuals with SCI navigate. Dr. Anderson shares the stark reality of psychological battles such as depression, anxiety, and PTSD that accompany physical challenges. She emphasizes the importance of accessible mental health support and societal empathy. We round off the conversation with life lessons in humility and patience that resonate with anyone facing challenges.

Dr. Anderson's dedication shines a light on the importance of community and the strength we can draw from shared experiences and understanding.

In this episode, you will hear:

• Dr. Denise Anderson’s experience with SCI after a car accident, her misdiagnoses, and the emergency surgery that led to her paralysis
• The emotional and physical challenges of SCI recovery
• The intensive rehabilitation process and Dr. Anderson's journey towards relearning basic movements
• Mental health challenges, such as depression, anxiety, and PTSD common among SCI survivors
• The need for better mental health resources and societal empathy
• The importance of humility, patience, and self-compassion in the face of adversity and learning to accept a “new normal”
• Dr. Anderson's advocacy work and research on SCI, alongside seeing the person behind the injury and providing appropriate support
• Societal and logistical challenges that compound the struggles of those with SCI, including transportation and financial stability
• Dr. Anderson's upcoming research that aims to increase awareness and improve the quality of life for those with spinal cord injuries

Follow and Review:

We’d love for you to follow us if you haven’t yet. Click that purple '+' in the top right corner of your Apple Podcasts app. We’d love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts. Simply select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second and it helps spread the word about the podcast.

Episode Credits

If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Emerald City Productions. They helped me grow and produce the podcast you are listening to right now. Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com Let them know we sent you.

Growing up between two cultures can feel like walking a tightrope, constantly balancing the expectations of both. Dr. Kirsis A. Dipre knows this challenge all too well.

On this episode of Metamorphosis Unleashed, join us as Dr. Dipre unravels her journey from the Dominican Republic to the U.S., sharing anecdotes on the complexities of Afro-Latinx identity and the societal boxes that often confine Latinas and women of color. We address the weight of navigating spaces where identity is questioned and emphasize honoring our diverse roots.

Mental health is a labyrinth in its own right, and for high-achieving Latinas, the added factor of imposter syndrome looms large. This episode is a candid exploration of this phenomenon with Dr. Dipre, who shares her professional perspective and personal conquests over feelings of inadequacy. We uncover the ways culture, age, and environment intertwine with self-perception and how self-compassion can be a guiding light.

Don’t miss this conversation on connecting with ancestral wisdom that can fortify the spirit. Learn strategies for empowerment to navigate life's transitions with poise and self-assurance.

In this episode, you will hear:

• Dr. Kirsis A. Dipre’s journey from the Dominican Republic to the U.S. and the complexities of Afro-Latinx identity.
• Confronting societal expectations and stereotypes
• The importance of acknowledging diverse roots for Latinas and women of color
• Challenges high-achieving Latinas face with imposter syndrome
• The need for tailored mental health services
• Strategies for overcoming feelings of inadequacy, including self-compassion and connecting with ancestral wisdom
• Dr. Dipre’s personal experiences of fitting into neither black nor Latinx societal boxes and creating her own space for identity
• The impact of age and environment on self-perception
• Imposter syndrome in professional and academic settings
• Authentic self-presentation in overcoming imposter syndrome and achieving self-assurance

Follow and Review:

We’d love for you to follow us if you haven’t yet. Click that purple '+' in the top right corner of your Apple Podcasts app. We’d love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts. Simply select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second and it helps spread the word about the podcast.

Episode Credits:

If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Emerald City Productions. They helped me grow and produce the podcast you are listening to right now. Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com Let them know we sent you.