Today we’d like to introduce you to Dr. Josephine Harris.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
Dr. Josephine Harris is a distinguished mental health professional, international bestselling author, and philanthropist. Born and raised in Savannah, Georgia, she has lived in various regions across the United States, including Colorado, Hawaii, California, Florida, South Carolina, and Mississippi, owing to her role as a military spouse. She is currently based in Tacoma, Washington.
Dr. Harris’s academic journey is extensive and impressive. She earned her Ph.D. in Psychology from Walden University, a Master’s degree in General Psychology, and a Bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice Administration from the University of Phoenix. Additionally, she holds a Post-Master Online Teaching Psychology Certificate and a Master of Philosophy in Psychology. Her commitment to education is further demonstrated by certifications in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) and Teaching English as a Foreign Language (TEFL).
With over 15 years of experience in the mental health field, Dr. Harris has empowered numerous individuals and families to overcome personal obstacles, improve communication, and strengthen relationships. She employs an integrative approach centered on cognitive-behavior therapy (CBT), addressing issues such as child and adult ADHD, workplace performance, substance abuse, addiction, domestic violence, and depression.
Beyond her clinical practice, Dr. Harris is the CEO and Founder of Calming Minds LLC, a multidimensional coaching practice that helps clients connect with their mind, body, and soul through inspiration, facilitation, and coaching. She is also a Psychology Professor at Bates Technical College and has served as an Internationally Licensed Psychotherapist at the Seoul Counseling Center in South Korea since 2018.
Dr. Harris’s dedication to mental health advocacy extends to her role as a member of the Board of Directors at SafePlace Olympia, where she supports survivors of sexual assault and domestic violence. She is affiliated with several professional organizations, including Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Psi Chi, the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), and the American Psychological Association.
As an author, Dr. Harris has achieved international acclaim, becoming a multiple-time #1 Amazon bestselling author. Her writings and professional endeavors are driven by a commitment to encourage, motivate, and empower women of all cultures, particularly military spouses, facilitating opportunities for hope and growth.
Dr. Harris’s journey reflects her unwavering dedication to mental health, education, and the empowerment of individuals across diverse communities.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Dr. Josephine Harris’s journey has been marked by resilience, determination, and an unwavering commitment to helping others. Let’s take a closer look at how she overcame some of the significant challenges in her path.
Being a military spouse meant frequent relocations, which disrupted her career progress multiple times. Every time she moved, she had to rebuild her professional network, gain new credentials in different states, and start over in unfamiliar communities.
Dr. Harris embraced adaptability as a strength. Instead of seeing relocation as a setback, she used it as an opportunity to gain diverse experiences in different cultural and professional environments. She sought online education to continue advancing her degrees without interruption and pursued certifications that would allow her to work across different regions. Eventually, she established a virtual coaching and counseling practice, Calming Minds LLC, which enabled her to serve clients no matter where she lived.
Juggling multiple degrees—including a Ph.D.—while raising a family and working was incredibly demanding. The pressure to perform well academically, maintain a household, and contribute financially was overwhelming at times.
Dr. Harris focused on time management, discipline, and setting clear priorities. She relied on strong support systems, including family and friends, to help balance responsibilities. She also practiced self-care and mental resilience, understanding that taking care of herself was just as important as helping others. Her ability to push through these challenges allowed her to complete her education and advance in her career.
As a Black woman in psychology, Dr. Harris faced biases and systemic barriers in the field. Mental health professions have historically lacked diversity, and she often found herself in spaces where she had to prove her expertise and credibility more than her peers.
Instead of letting these barriers deter her, Dr. Harris used them as motivation. She joined professional organizations, networked with other mental health professionals, and became an advocate for diversity in psychology. She actively mentors young professionals from underrepresented backgrounds and uses her platform to elevate conversations about inclusivity in mental health care.
Working with clients who have experienced trauma, domestic violence, addiction, and other severe challenges can be emotionally draining. The risk of burnout in the mental health field is high, and maintaining emotional resilience is critical.
Dr. Harris prioritizes self-care and professional boundaries. She practices what she teaches her clients—meditation, stress management techniques, and seeking support when needed. She also built a strong community of mental health professionals for peer support and continuously educates herself on ways to manage secondary trauma.
Mental health stigma remains prevalent, especially in minority communities. Many individuals still fear seeking help due to cultural misconceptions, lack of resources, or societal judgment.
Dr. Harris took an active role in education and advocacy. She speaks at conferences, writes books, and shares her expertise through media channels. She also founded and supports initiatives that provide accessible mental health services, particularly for women, military families, and underserved communities. Through these efforts, she has successfully created safe spaces for people to seek help without shame or fear.
Despite the difficulties, Dr. Harris has transformed every challenge into an opportunity to uplift others. Her journey is not just about personal success—it’s about paving the way for others to find healing, growth, and empowerment. She continues to use her experiences to inspire, teach, and lead in the mental health field.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
Calming Minds LLC is a comprehensive mental health practice dedicated to empowering individuals and families to overcome personal obstacles, enhance communication, and strengthen relationships. Founded by Dr. Josephine Harris, a seasoned psychotherapist and Certified Master Mental Health Life & Wellness Coach, the organization offers a wide array of services tailored to meet diverse mental health needs.
Services Offered:
Therapy for Depression and Anxiety: Addressing mood disorders through evidence-based therapeutic approaches.
Child and Adult ADHD Management: Providing strategies and support for individuals with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder.
Couples and Family Counseling: Facilitating improved communication and resolving conflicts within relationships and family units.
Parenting Support: Offering guidance to parents navigating the challenges of raising children.
Work and Career Issues: Assisting clients in managing workplace stress and career transitions.
Stress Management: Equipping individuals with tools to handle stress effectively.
Addiction and Recovery: Supporting individuals through the recovery process from various addictions.
Conflict Resolution: Helping clients develop skills to manage and resolve conflicts in personal and professional settings.
In addition to traditional therapy, Calming Minds LLC offers life coaching services, including mental health wellness coaching, ADHD coaching, empowerment speaking engagements, and specialized support for military spouses. This holistic approach ensures that clients receive comprehensive care tailored to their unique circumstances.
What Sets Calming Minds LLC Apart:
Integrative Therapeutic Approach: Dr. Harris employs an integrative method centered on Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), addressing the interconnectedness of mind, body, and spirit to promote overall well-being.
Telehealth Services: Recognizing the barriers that can prevent individuals from accessing in-person therapy, Calming Minds LLC provides telehealth appointments, ensuring that support is accessible regardless of location.
Cultural Competence: With a diverse background and extensive experience across various regions and cultures, Dr. Harris brings a culturally sensitive perspective to her practice, fostering an inclusive environment for all clients.
Brand Pride:
Calming Minds LLC takes pride in its commitment to making mental health care accessible and personalized. The brand is known for its compassionate approach, professional expertise, and dedication to client empowerment. The emphasis on telehealth services reflects a forward-thinking attitude, adapting to the evolving needs of clients in a digital age.
Message to Readers:
At Calming Minds LLC, the belief is that mental health matters. The organization is dedicated to providing confidential, professional, and personalized therapeutic services to help clients navigate life’s challenges and achieve their goals. Whether you’re dealing with depression, anxiety, relationship issues, or seeking personal growth, Calming Minds LLC is here to support you on your journey to greater happiness and success.
For more information or to schedule an appointment, please visit the Calming Minds LLC website or contact them at 253-693-8767.
What was your favorite childhood memory?
Dr. Josephine Harris fondly recalls her time as a Girl Scout, where she developed a passion for camping, earned various leadership badges, and honed her social skills. These formative experiences played a significant role in shaping her into the accomplished individual she is today.
During her Girl Scout years, Dr. Harris eagerly participated in camping trips, immersing herself in nature and learning essential outdoor skills. These adventures not only instilled in her a love for the environment but also taught her the importance of teamwork and self-reliance.
Earning leadership badges was a pivotal aspect of Dr. Harris’s Girl Scout journey. Each badge represented a milestone in her personal development, fostering qualities such as responsibility, initiative, and effective communication. These attributes have been instrumental in her professional life, particularly in her role as a mental health expert and international bestselling author.
Moreover, the social interactions within the Girl Scout community allowed Dr. Harris to build lasting friendships and enhance her interpersonal skills. Engaging with peers from diverse backgrounds broadened her perspective and deepened her empathy—traits that are evident in her dedication to helping others overcome personal obstacles and improve their lives.
Reflecting on her Girl Scout experiences, Dr. Harris acknowledges the profound impact they had on her personal and professional growth. The lessons learned and skills acquired during those early years continue to influence her approach to leadership and her commitment to empowering individuals across diverse communities.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.calmingmindsllc,com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stories/drjoharris/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DrJoHarris
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-josephine-harris/
- Twitter: https://x.com/DrJoharris5
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@dr.josephineharris1563
- Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/pretty-eyes-385145753
- Other: https://www.drjosephineharris.com
Image Credits
images by: DeAngelo Rose
Makeup by Derricius Breon