What drives us to excel, and when does that drive become destructive? Join us as we dissect the factors influencing competitive behavior, such as self-esteem, social comparison, and the quest for recognition. You'll learn to identify the fine line between healthy striving and toxic competition, gaining insights that are vital for personal and professional growth. Get in touch with Dr. Shemena · Tweet me at @ShemenaJohnson · Follow me on IG at @DrShemenaJohnson · Email me at info@shemenajohnson.c...
Oct 26, 2024•13 min•Season 3Ep. 16
What if you could turn the chaos of your emotions into a powerful tool for personal growth? Join me, Dr. Shemena, in this episode of Dark Matters as we explore the transformative potential of deeply understanding and making meaning of our feelings and thoughts. Listen as we dissect the effects of disavowing our emotions whether influenced by family dynamics, cultural expectations, and/or societal norms, and why acknowledging our emotions is crucial for personal empowerment. This episode offers i...
Sep 23, 2024•15 min•Season 3Ep. 15
On this episode of Dark Matters, we'll uncover how childhood experiences, from deep-seated trauma to family dynamics, cast long shadows over our adult lives. Our conversation will examine how unspoken pain can distort our life's compass and how recognizing the "unnamed pain" can illuminate the path to self-awareness and growth. So, grab yourself a pen and paper, and let's navigate the path to healing and self-discovery together on Dark Matters. Get in touch with Dr. Shemena · Tweet me at @Shemen...
Apr 03, 2024•11 min•Season 3Ep. 14
This is the introduction to a new series, "Breaking Through." In this series, Dr. Shemena will discuss the intricate patterns that shape our emotional landscape and help guide you toward breakthroughs for a more authentic self. Stay tuned ... Get in touch with Dr. Shemena · Tweet me at @ShemenaJohnson · Follow me on IG at @DrShemenaJohnson · Email me at info@shemenajohnson.com Thank you for listening!...
Mar 20, 2024•5 min•Season 3Ep. 13
I'm back, not just to apologize, but to take you along this path of enhanced self-awareness. This new year, I'm thrilled to announce a lineup of discussions designed to liberate us from the unhealthy cycles that hold us back. A special series dedicated to men and masculinity will also be featured, where we'll explore the complexities of male psychology and patterns that define—and sometimes confine—their lives. Join me in this new year as we continue to foster wellness within. Get in touch with ...
Jan 01, 2024•3 min•Season 3Ep. 12
Ever wondered why joy, the most precious emotion, often seems so elusive? Join me as I discuss the emotion of joy, its core essence, and how we can cultivate more of this beautiful emotion in our lives. Drawing from my personal experience and insights from my practice, I'll guide you with practical tips, compassionate understanding, and a healthy dose of empowerment to inspire you to take the first step towards a more joyous life. Get in touch with Dr. Shemena · Tweet me at @ShemenaJohnson · Fol...
Oct 08, 2023•12 min•Season 3Ep. 11
What if your idea of love is actually an addiction? Dr. Shemena helps us understand how individuals with deep-seated insecurities and fears of intimacy can fall into a pattern of seeking perfection and adulation in their partners, becoming addicted to the euphoria of love rather than experiencing its genuine depth. This episode is for anyone seeking to transform their relationship dynamics and gain deeper insight into their own behavior. Tune in! Get in touch with Dr. Shemena · Tweet me at @Shem...
Sep 25, 2023•12 min•Season 3Ep. 10
Have you ever caught yourself overeating or talking excessively to keep uncomfortable feelings at bay? What if there's a way to confront these defense mechanisms head on and reclaim your psychological freedom? Let's traverse the labyrinth of the mind together in this episode where Dr. Shemena takes you through the fascinating concepts of repression and resistance. We'll decode these defenses, from excessive talking to overeating, and explore how they can act as barriers to our self-awareness, gr...
Sep 13, 2023•12 min•Season 3Ep. 9
Imagine you walked into McDonald's and asked for a lobster, only to be disappointed when they served you a hamburger. Sounds absurd, right? But what if I told you that's exactly how some of us approach our relationships? Listen in as Dr. Shemena shares an illuminating perspective on expectations in relationships. Get in touch with Dr. Shemena · Tweet me at @ShemenaJohnson · Follow me on IG at @DrShemenaJohnson · Email me at info@shemenajohnson.com Thank you for listening!...
Jul 16, 2023•5 min•Season 3Ep. 8
Ever feel like you're drowning in your own emotions? That's where we're heading today on Dark Matters. I'm your host, Dr. Shemena Johnson, ready to guide you showing you that it's okay, even essential, to acknowledge and express what's churning inside. We'll tackle how our mental health is often linked to our ability to process and articulate our emotions. We'll also discuss how expressing our feelings is not a sign of weakness but a trait that makes us truly human. Get in touch with Dr. Shemena...
Jul 08, 2023•18 min•Season 3Ep. 7
Have you ever felt that relentless hurricane of thoughts and emotions during a panic attack or intense anxiety? Join me, Dr. Shemena, in this episode of Dark Matters, where we dive into the world of anxiety and the power of mindfulness. Discover how childhood fears can follow us into adulthood and how taking a moment to reflect on our responses can lead to growth and freedom. Get in touch with Dr. Shemena · Tweet me at @ShemenaJohnson · Follow me on IG at @DrShemenaJohnson · Email me at info@she...
Jun 24, 2023•15 min•Season 3Ep. 6
What does it truly mean to love, and how do we express this complex emotion in our lives? Join me in this thought-provoking episode as we explore the various ways we experience love -- from the simple enjoyment of pizza to the deep emotional connections we have with our romantic partners and family members. Dr. Shemena challenges you to think deeply about your own experiences with love and how your upbringing has influenced the way you express it. Are you still longing for something you never re...
Jun 10, 2023•11 min•Season 3Ep. 5
One of the cornerstones of psychological health is the ability to separate-individuate from our parents. It's a difficult journey, but an empowering one in accepting one's own Self, with a capital S. Listen in to Dr. Shemena discuss this important phase of development and share her personal experience. Get in touch with Dr. Shemena · Tweet me at @ShemenaJohnson · Follow me on IG at @DrShemenaJohnson · Email me at info@shemenajohnson.com Thank you for listening!...
Apr 22, 2023•15 min•Season 3Ep. 4
Understanding impostor syndrome is the first step toward overcoming it. Listen in to Dr. Shemena discuss the why behind this nagging -- but untrue -- belief and how to take steps forward to overcome it. Get in touch with Dr. Shemena · Tweet me at @ShemenaJohnson · Follow me on IG at @DrShemenaJohnson · Email me at info@shemenajohnson.com Thank you for listening!...
Mar 29, 2023•15 min•Season 3Ep. 3
Building trust in a relationship requires taking risks. Taking risks can show you that your partner is not the same as those from your past who hurt you. It can also help you grow into a better partner. Listen to Dr. Shemena discuss how taking risks helps build trust in your relationship. Get in touch with Dr. Shemena · Tweet me at @ShemenaJohnson · Follow me on IG at @DrShemenaJohnson · Email me at info@shemenajohnson.com Thank you for listening!...
Mar 20, 2023•13 min•Season 3Ep. 2
A new year brings a desire for change, growth, more structure – overall, new beginnings. And, in the first month, we aim to get a handle on the remaining months that will follow. But, a more practical new year's idea is about finding the balance between the two structures that ground and motivate you. Listen in as Dr. Shemena discusses her ideas on finding balance in the new year. Get in touch with Dr. Shemena · Tweet me at @ShemenaJohnson · Follow me on IG at @DrShemenaJohnson · Email me at inf...
Jan 14, 2023•13 min•Season 3Ep. 1
Have you ever felt depressed? Did you know that unprocessed and unexpressed anger can lead to depression? Depression can be understood as a verb, to depress one's feelings. Listen to Dr. Shemena discuss the variations of depression and how emotional expression can be the cure. Get in touch with Dr. Shemena · Tweet me at @ShemenaJohnson · Follow me on IG at @DrShemenaJohnson · Email me at info@shemenajohnson.com Thank you for listening!...
Oct 19, 2022•18 min•Season 2Ep. 13
What's happening with men these days? The central conundrum is simply this, women across the board want more emotional intimacy from their men than most boys and men have been raised to deliver. Men are struggling. Listen to Dr. Shemena discuss how men can start to think about themselves and vulnerability. Get in touch with Dr. Shemena · Tweet me at @ShemenaJohnson · Follow me on IG at @DrShemenaJohnson · Email me at info@shemenajohnson.com Thank you for listening!...
Sep 18, 2022•16 min•Season 2Ep. 12
The best way to be heard is to learn how to listen well. When partners feel understood it changes the tenor of conflict and relaxes the conversation. Listen in to Dr. Shemena discuss a few techniques on how to listen well in relationships. Get in touch with Dr. Shemena · Tweet me at @ShemenaJohnson · Follow me on IG at @DrShemenaJohnson · Email me at info@shemenajohnson.com Thank you for listening!...
Sep 03, 2022•9 min•Season 2Ep. 11
Learning how to communicate well in relationships is a skill because how we think in this regard is a window into our psychology. There is an upset, complaint, a grievance and you want to convey that to the other person. And yet, often times these kinds of communications become difficult. Listen to Dr. Shemena discuss how your own psychology can play an important role and what to do about it. Get in touch with Dr. Shemena · Tweet me at @ShemenaJohnson · Follow me on IG at @DrShemenaJohnson · Ema...
Aug 06, 2022•18 min•Season 2Ep. 10
These last two years, even the last two weeks have been a lot! From pandemic stress and grief to the overturning of Roe v. Wade. The range of emotions that you may be feeling can seem stressful and overwhelming. That's why I want to symbolically create some space for you to breathe. Don't deny yourself the ability to feel and self-soothe. Get in touch with Dr. Shemena · Tweet me at @ShemenaJohnson · Follow me on IG at @DrShemenaJohnson · Email me at info@shemenajohnson.com Thank you for listenin...
Jun 29, 2022•8 min•Season 2Ep. 9
Do you and your partner get into the same arguments, time and again? Often, this type of conflict takes on a life of its own where you end up arguing within minutes. This doesn't just happen with couples, but unwanted arguments happen with family members and friends. With a simple strategy of being non-defensive, you can learn to think about the issue and work towards a deeper understanding. Listen to Dr. Shemena discuss this strategy which is the basis of good communication. Get in touch with D...
Jun 06, 2022•15 min•Season 2Ep. 8
Relational ambivalence is those contradictory thoughts and feelings that make us wonder should I stay or should I go? The reality is that relational ambivalence is a fact of life. Listen to Dr. Shemena discuss the challenges and how to navigate the complexity of making a decision. Get in touch with Dr. Shemena · Tweet me at @ShemenaJohnson · Follow me on IG at @DrShemenaJohnson · Email me at info@shemenajohnson.com Thank you for listening!...
May 05, 2022•7 min•Season 2Ep. 7
Anxiety pretty much lies at the heart of many people’s difficulties. What lies at the root of anxiety is an extreme sense of tension and fear. But, many people try to cope with their anxiety by avoiding what causes their anxiety. Listen to Dr. Shemena discuss one of the ways that anxiety can manifest itself -- control. Get in touch with Dr. Shemena · Tweet me at @ShemenaJohnson · Follow me on IG at @DrShemenaJohnson · Email me at info@shemenajohnson.com Thank you for listening!...
Apr 22, 2022•8 min•Season 2Ep. 6
For this episode, I was joined by Jennifer Archie of Junie Bees Buttas. We discuss some of the challenges that come with being an entrepreneur that can have an impact on mental health and the importance of having a support system. Learn more about Junie Bees Buttas ... Website: https://www.juniebeesbutta.com Instagram: www.Instagram.com/juniebeesbutta Get in touch with Dr. Shemena · Tweet me at @ShemenaJohnson · Follow me on IG at @DrShemenaJohnson · Email me at info@shemenajohnson.com Thank you...
Apr 07, 2022•43 min•Season 2Ep. 5
Friendships are critical in understanding how positive and negative peer relationships shape you. Many times the depiction of friendships through television is usually infused with conflict or on social media, it depicts quantity over quality of friendships. What's your idea of a good friend? Listen in to Dr. Shemena share her idea of friendship and what a friend is. Get in touch with Dr. Shemena · Tweet me at @ShemenaJohnson · Follow me on IG at @DrShemenaJohnson · Email me at info@shemenajohns...
Mar 26, 2022•9 min•Season 2Ep. 4
We all bear the invisible wounds from our childhood and when these invisible wounds go unnoticed or unnamed, they can wreak havoc on our relationships. It becomes the heavy bag that you carry with you through life. But, why do you give away or put so many parts of yourself away in the bag? Listen to Dr. Shemena discuss how the power of our past can shape your relationships if you're not conscious or self-aware. Get in touch with Dr. Shemena · Tweet me at @ShemenaJohnson · Follow me on IG at @DrS...
Feb 21, 2022•11 min•Season 2Ep. 3
Everything changes, nothing stays the same. Even though we intellectually understand this concept, many individuals fear change. It's an interesting paradox of wanting to live a happy, fulfilling life and, on the other hand, engaging in behaviors that keep you in the same place. Listen to Dr. Shemena delve deeper into this interesting paradox. Get in touch with Dr. Shemena · Tweet me at @ShemenaJohnson · Follow me on IG at @DrShemenaJohnson · Email me at info@shemenajohnson.com Thank you for lis...
Jan 30, 2022•10 min•Season 2Ep. 2
Relationships are a part of life. And so are endings. But, it's not just about loss. Listen to Dr. Shemena turn the lens on understanding the nature of how relationships begin, end and can last forever after. Get in touch with Dr. Shemena · Tweet me at @ShemenaJohnson · Follow me on IG at @DrShemenaJohnson · Email me at info@shemenajohnson.com Thank you for listening!...
Jan 16, 2022•11 min•Season 2Ep. 1
Shame is a powerful and painful emotion that is about self-experience. It can have a cultural component or exist at a core level. But, understanding the nature and circumstances of shame, fear, and humiliation can place you on a path towards healing. Listen to Dr. Shemena discuss her "secret shame" and the underpinnings of shame. Get in touch with Dr. Shemena · Tweet me at @ShemenaJohnson · Follow me on IG at @DrShemenaJohnson · Email me at info@shemenajohnson.com Thank you for listening!...
Oct 10, 2021•8 min•Season 1Ep. 18
