Today we’d like to introduce you to Dr. Josephine Harris

Hi Dr. Josephine, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?

I started my journey as a psychotherapist with a strong fascination for human behavior and a desire to support individuals in overcoming their emotional and psychological struggles. After completing my undergraduate degree in psychology, I pursued a master’s degree in counseling psychology. During my graduate studies, I gained practical experience through internships at mental health clinics and counseling centers, where I worked under the supervision of experienced therapists.

Upon graduation, I undertook a supervised clinical internship, which was crucial in honing my therapeutic skills and deepening my understanding of various mental health issues. This period allowed me to work with diverse populations, including children, adolescents, and adults, and address a wide range of concerns such as anxiety, depression, trauma, and relationship difficulties.

After earning my licensure, I continued to seek specialized training in evidence-based therapies like cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), trauma informed, and mindfulness-based approaches. I also participated in continuous professional development through workshops, conferences, and peer supervision groups to stay updated with the latest advancements in the field.

Throughout my career, I have worked in various settings, including community mental health centers, private practice, and educational institutions. Each role has provided unique insights and experiences, shaping my therapeutic approach to be empathetic, client-centered, and adaptable to individual needs.
Today, I ran a successful private practice, where I offer individual, couples, and group therapy. I also dedicate time to mentoring new therapists and engaging in community outreach to promote mental health awareness. My journey as a psychotherapist has been driven by a lifelong commitment to personal growth, professional excellence, and a passion for helping others achieve emotional well-being.

I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?

The road to becoming a psychotherapist has not always been smooth. One of the significant challenges was the emotional toll of working with clients facing severe trauma and mental health issues. Early in my career, I struggled with maintaining a healthy work-life balance, often feeling overwhelmed by the intensity of my clients’ experiences.

Another hurdle was the financial strain during my training and early practice years. Balancing internships, additional training, and building a client base while managing student loans and personal expenses required perseverance and careful planning.

Navigating the complexities of licensure and the bureaucratic aspects of setting up a private practice also posed challenges. Ensuring compliance with regulations, securing adequate supervision, and managing administrative tasks were all steep learning curves.

Additionally, I faced moments of self-doubt and imposter syndrome, questioning my capabilities and effectiveness as a therapist. It took time and experience to build confidence and trust in my professional skills.

Despite these struggles, each challenge contributed to my growth and resilience. They taught me the importance of self-care, continuous learning, and seeking support from mentors and colleagues. These experiences have ultimately strengthened my practice and deepened my empathy and effectiveness as a psychotherapist.

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?

At Calming Minds LLC, we work to empower individuals and families to overcome personal obstacles to improving their communication and relationships.

Dr. Harris is a native of Savannah, GA. She is currently located in Tacoma, WA. She is a military spouse, who lived in different regions of American including Colorado, Hawaii, California, South Carolina, Mississippi, and South Korea. She has over 10 years of experience with counseling and psychotherapy. Although Dr. Harris is a psychotherapist, she is passional about advocating for mental health, which led her to become a Certified Master Mental Coach and Advocate. She is a graduated of Walden University, earned her Ph.D. in Psychology. She has a Master of Philosophy in Psychology from Walden University and Master of Science in Psychology, Post-Master of Teaching Psychology, and Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice Administration from University of Phoenix. She is registered and licensed in the State of Colorado and soon will be licensed in Washington State.

She also facilitates groups in multiple areas and encourages individuals to find their own solutions to their problems with her guidance. Using clinically tested and evidenced-based interventions, Dr. Harris has worked with over 150 individuals and families since 2002 in the mental health field. She is a member of various mental health organizations and has particular expertise in child/adult ADHD and workplace performance, substance abuse and addiction, domestic violence training, trauma informed as well as depression/anxiety. She offers an integrative approach that centers on cognitive-behavior therapy (CBT). She participates in numerous community service and outreach programs.

Are there any apps, books, podcasts, blogs or other resources you think our readers should check out?

Absolutely, there are several resources that have been invaluable in helping me perform my best both professionally and personally:

Apps

1. Headspace and Calm – These mindfulness and meditation apps help manage stress and promote mental well-being.
2. Trello – For organizing tasks and managing projects, both at work and in personal life.
3. TheraNest – A practice management app specifically for mental health professionals, helping with scheduling, notes, and billing.

Books

1. “The Body Keeps the Score” by Bessel van der Kolk – An essential read on trauma and its impact on the body and mind.
2. “Man’s Search for Meaning” by Viktor Frankl – Offers profound insights into resilience and finding purpose.
3. “Mindfulness in Plain English” by Bhante Henepola Gunaratana – A practical guide to developing a mindfulness practice.

Podcasts

1. “The Mental Illness Happy Hour” – Hosted by comedian Paul Gilmartin, this podcast features in-depth conversations about mental health.
2. “Unlocking Us” by Brené Brown – Explores human connection, vulnerability, and resilience.
3. “Therapist Uncensored” – Provides insights into the latest research and practical advice on attachment and relational neuroscience.

Blogs

1. Psych Central – Offers a wealth of information on mental health conditions, treatments, and wellness tips.
2. Mindful.org – Focuses on mindfulness and its applications in daily life.
3. The Gottman Institute Blog – Provides valuable resources on relationships and couples therapy.

Other Resources

1. Professional Organizations – Membership in organizations like the American Psychological Association (APA) and attending their conferences helps stay updated with the latest research and networking with peers.
2. Supervision and Peer Consultation Groups – Regularly meeting with other therapists for supervision and peer consultation to discuss cases and receive feedback.
3. Continuing Education Workshops – Participating in workshops and courses to continually update my skills and knowledge.

These resources support my professional growth, enhance my therapeutic skills, and contribute to my overall well-being.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.calmingmindsllc.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drjoharris/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DrJoHarris
• Twitter: https://x.com/drjoharris5
• Youtube: https://bit.ly/drjoharris_youtube
• Other: https://www.drjosephineharris.com

Image Credits

Barbara Upshawn-Mayers – graphic designer

De Angelo Rose – photographer