Embracing Wellness and Mental Health: Insights from Christia Rogers
In this enlightening episode, Brianna Jovahn sits down with Christia Rogers, the CEO and Clinical Director of Bridges to Crossroads Counseling and Intensive Care. As we delve into season nine, we continue our exploration of wellness with candid discussions, touching on self-care, mental health awareness, and the importance of genuine conversations.
A Genuine Conversation with Christia Rogers
From the outset, Christia emphasizes the importance of distinguishing between informed mental health insights and the often misleading information circulating on social media platforms. TikTok and Instagram might offer glimpses into mental health topics, but real understanding comes from consulting professionals like Christia and her team.
Brianna kicks off the episode with Christia by highlighting their shared history and enthusiasm for this conversation. The episode is designed not just as an interview but as a genuine interaction aimed at delving deep into mental health myths, realities, and the journeys of those caring for mental well-being.
The Icebreaker: Vision for Emerging Therapists
Brianna introduces an icebreaker that truly sparks the discussion: designing a retreat for emerging therapists from marginalized communities. Christia envisions a retreat centered on self-care, emphasizing the necessity for healers to heal themselves first. The ethos of the retreat would advocate for therapists to replenish their energy, enhancing their ability to support others effectively.
The Importance of Self-Care in Therapeutic Practice
Christia impresses upon the audience that, contrary to popular belief, therapists do not have it all together. They, too, navigate personal challenges and must practice what they preach—self-care. She elaborates on how healing and restoring resilience are critical components of her retreat vision. Such practices nourish therapists, enabling them to sustainably offer their best to clients.
Introducing Bridges to Crossroads
Christia details her multifaceted role at Bridges to Crossroads, located in North Richland Hills, Texas. Her practice offers intensive care, extending from frequent weekly sessions to monthly check-ins, tailored to the diverse needs of clients. With over 15 years in the field, Christia’s journey from education to therapy underpins her mission to provide holistic care.
Developing the Associate Academy
An exciting segment of Christia’s work is the Associate Academy, nurturing new therapists by blending academic learning with practical experience. The academy emphasizes individualized support, allowing therapists to develop their unique approach to client care. Christia also stresses the significance of using AI tools to assist in compliant, ethical content creation for social media—a skill increasingly pertinent to the evolving field of therapy.
Handling Challenges and Celebrating Successes
Christia candidly shares her personal journey, highlighting a pivotal moment when she transitioned from educational work to full-time practice management. This demanding yet fulfilling decision underscores her belief in the power of pursuing one's passion wholeheartedly. Her ability to finally step back and trust her team to manage in her absence marks a significant milestone in her leadership journey, reflecting growth and successful delegation.
Advice and Encouragement
To wrap up, Christia leaves us with a profound challenge: consider what you would do for yourself if money were no object. This exercise invites introspection and aligns with the broader theme of prioritizing personal wellness—encouraging listeners to explore facets of life that bring fulfillment and joy.
Conclusion
This episode concludes with a motivational moment: a reflection on a Bible verse emphasizing the importance of health, both physical and mental. It aligns perfectly with the topics discussed, adding an enriching layer to the conversation.
For those interested in connecting further with Christia, her website and social media platforms offer various ways to engage with her work. Whether you're a fellow therapist seeking guidance or someone invested in enhancing your mental health, this episode is a wellspring of resources and inspiration.
Thank you for joining us for another insightful episode of What's Good Podcast. Until next time, continue to seek wellness and embrace genuine conversation in your pursuit of mental health.