Nationwide - July 19, 2024 (USANews.com) - Sharise Nance, a distinguished Licensed Clinical Social Worker, Trauma Specialist, Workshop Facilitator, Global Speaker, Award-Winning Author, and Entrepreneur, is the co-owner and founder of HandinHand Counseling Services, LLC. With over two decades of experience, Sharise is dedicated to addressing mental health disparities within the Black community and advocating for fair pay for mental health therapists and social workers. Her work has transformed the lives of countless individuals, couples, and families, guiding them from places of energy depletion, hopelessness, panic, guilt, and overwhelm to states of peace, joy, clarity, and satisfaction.
HandinHand Counseling Services, LLC was born from Sharise's commitment to tackle mental health disparities head-on. The practice addresses the unique challenges faced by Black individuals and offers support to those experiencing compassion fatigue and burnout. This initiative was partly inspired by Sharise's personal experiences with these issues, making her advocacy and services both empathetic and effective.
Beyond her counseling practice, Sharise also founded Vitamin C Healing, LLC, an organization that aims to prevent leadership burnout and compassion fatigue in the workplace. By employing a trauma-sensitive and systems approach, Vitamin C Healing helps companies foster a supportive work culture that emphasizes work-life harmony. Known as the Compassion Fatigue Lady and Compassion Stress Coach, Sharise is a pioneer in the field of compassion fatigue in Western Pennsylvania. She is a sought-after keynote speaker, workshop leader, and seminar facilitator for helping professionals, mental health leaders, and entrepreneurs worldwide.
Sharise’s dedication to her field is evident in her numerous accolades and her creation of the S.W.A.G. Awards: Social Worker Appreciation of Greatness Awards. This initiative honors the "heart work" of local social workers in the Greater Pittsburgh area, recognizing their often-overlooked contributions.
Sharise's personal journey is as inspiring as her professional achievements. A shy child who experienced bullying, she found her calling in advocacy for those afraid to use their voice. Her perseverance through academic challenges in college, spurred by her late father's encouragement, led her to earn two degrees, become a licensed therapist, and eventually own two businesses. Her journey is a testament to pushing the limits of one’s potential.
The pandemic marked another pivotal point in Sharise’s life. The loss of her father to COVID-19 in December 2020 led her to start running as a means of coping with grief. This newfound passion for running not only helped her manage her sorrow but also underscored the importance of physical and mental health in her life.
In a field where the grind and hustle culture often dominates, Sharise stands out by prioritizing well-being and advocating for breaks and self-care. Her approach to developing authentic relationships with clients, combined with her unwavering integrity, has built trust and reliability. Her innovation and willingness to collaborate with peers ensure that she delivers high-quality services tailored to her clients' needs.
Workplace mental health is a focal point of Sharise’s mission. She believes that workplaces have a moral and ethical duty to provide safe environments and support the mental health of their employees. Her work emphasizes that helping professionals are at significant risk for compassion fatigue, a condition she refers to as "the common cold of helping professionals." Sharise's message is clear: "Helping doesn't have to hurt, and empathy doesn't have to be exhausting."
Through her efforts, Sharise Nance is redefining how workplaces address mental health and burnout. Her commitment to helping professionals and her innovative approaches to mental health care are paving the way for healthier, more supportive work environments. Sharise’s story and work serve as a powerful reminder that success and well-being can coexist, and that empathy, when managed properly, can be a sustainable and rewarding aspect of the helping professions.
For more information on Sharise Nance and her initiatives, visit Sharise Nance's LinkedIn and Facebook.
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