Workshop Summary: "The Journey to Self-Acceptance" is a pivotal 90-minute breakout session designed for mental health professionals, aiming to address the critical intersection of clinician wellness and professional identity. Charese Josie illuminates the often-overlooked aspect of self-acceptance in the clinician's journey, exploring the detrimental impact of emotional exhaustion, burnout, and the complex dynamics of transference and countertransference. This talk is set against the backdrop of the Clinician Connection Conference's mission to inspire, equip, and connect mental health professionals. Through a blend of personal narratives, theoretical insights, and practical strategies, attendees will learn to navigate their internal landscapes to prevent the professional from overshadowing the personal, ultimately fostering a healthier, more resilient self that thrives both in and out of the therapeutic setting.

Learning Objectives:  

Participants will…
1) Demonstrate strategies to identify and manage signs of burnout and emotional exhaustion in clinicians.

2) Apply self-management techniques to establish healthy boundaries and mitigate transference and countertransference.

3) Develop a personalized self-care plan that enhances self-awareness and emotional resilience.

4) Utilize social awareness and relationship management skills to improve professional interactions and support networks.

Speaker Bio: 

Charese L. Josie - Leadership Wellness Coach | Consultant | Licensed Clinical Social Worker | Author | Speaker

Founder of CJ Counseling and Consulting Services

"Empowering leaders in mastering self, team, and purpose. We don't waste time over here"

My journey in leadership and emotional intelligence began in case management and supervising therapeutic foster care agencies. Transitioning to work with adults in the military 15 years ago, I continued to apply and expand my leadership and therapeutic skills. This journey led me to a pivotal role in co-founding a federal government agency as the Counseling and Advocacy Program Supervisor. Here, my leadership was instrumental in achieving remarkable staff retention and boosting team morale, establishing a benchmark in organizational wellness.

At CJ Counseling and Consulting Services, my focus extends beyond individual counseling. I partner with businesses, agencies, and corporations to foster environments that prioritize emotional wellness, enhancing staff retention, and promoting a culture of holistic growth, especially among management teams.

A proud alumna of Virginia Commonwealth University with a Bachelor's degree in Social Work and a Master's degree from Norfolk State University, I am currently enhancing my expertise through a Psychology of Leadership certification with Cornell University, set to complete in May 2024.  I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker.

As the author of "Two Witty Girls," I explore the profound wisdom in a child's perspective. My expertise in mental wellness and leadership has been recognized in media outlets like Cosmopolitan, The Lily-The Washington Post, SHAPE, TODAY, and Essence. I have also contributed as a mental wellness expert on programs such as WHRO NPR's 'Another View' 89.5 FM, WTKR News3 and WNSB HOT 91.1 FM.