Author Spotlight: Sasha Johnson

Sasha Johnson is a licensed counselor,  who’s been working in the mental health field for many years. She is also a nationally certified counselor and has impacted communities in Alabama and Georgia, by providing counseling, advocacy, and support. She’s an educator at Capella University, where she teaches introduction to psychology. 

Ms. Johnson also founded a nonprofit organization called Sister’s 2nd Chance that helps to empower and support struggling women. She has co-authored a book that focuses on mental illness and decreasing its stigma. Additionally, she hosts a podcast and YouTube channel that focuses on motivation, mental health, and relationships. She strives to inspire and empower women that have dealt with abuse, molestation, suicide, and various other issues that come about in life.

AllisonJanel: How would you describe your SwagHer? What makes Sasha, Sasha?

Sasha: My SwagHer is that I strive to work hard to support women in the community while maintaining my lifestyle as a single mother and helping to reduce stigma as a licensed counselor.

AllisonJanel: Are there any organizations that you are affiliated with?

Sasha: Yes, I am the founder of Sister’s 2nd Chance, which is a nonprofit organization that focuses on providing support for women.

AllisonJanel: What has been your greatest accomplishment whilst on your journey to helping others.

Sasha: Being able to establish a nonprofit organization and help so many women.

AllisonJanel: What advice would you give to an individual aspiring to get into the mental health field? 

Sasha: Make sure that it is your purpose and that you truly feel connected to it. Do not do it for the money.

AllisonJanel: What sparked your interest in counseling?

Sasha:  I had a family member that was suffering from mental illnesses and I wanted to understand what was happening, but as I was growing up people just said things like they are “off or crazy”.

AllisonJanel: What are the names of the books that you have authored?

Sasha: I co-authored, “Dealing with Loved Ones Suffering with Mental Illness”.

AllisonJanel: So tell us more about Sister’s 2nd Chance? What led you to start a Non-for-profit?

Sasha: I was a single mother and I felt like I didn’t have support, so I want to ensure that I helped women that were going through similar scenarios.

AllisonJanel: Tell us what was your experience opening up your Non-for-profit?

Sasha: Opening up a nonprofit is very challenging. You have to be careful about every decision that is made. I started off completely wrong but over time, it was learned.

AllisonJanel: Who would you say that you looked up to and aspired to be like? Did that individual have any impact on you choosing to work in mental health?

Sasha: Honestly, nowadays, I look up to people like Michelle Obama, but what I aspired to be was better than what people said I would be and happy with my unique self. My parents all inspired me in their own unique way well. My mother’s strength, my bonus mother’s patience, My dad’s self-motivation, and my bonus dad’s hard work.

AllisonJanel: What is the name of your podcast?

Sasha: It is called “Keepin it Authentic.

AllisonJanel: What continues to keep you motivated and moving forward?

Sasha: My two sons are my motivation.

AllisonJanel: How do you practice self-care?

Sasha: I force myself to take a break daily, even if it’s a short one and I strive to force a weekly “me day”

AllisonJanel: Do you have any upcoming events or projects that you care to share?

Sasha: My next event is called Relationships That We Need on March 14th, I am starting an online radio show with my partner called The G Spot on Power 108.9 and I have need book coming out soon called “It’s a Losing Battle, I Won”

AllisonJanel: Have you ever dealt with dark times in your past? If so how did you get past them?

Sasha: Yes, the darkest times, were when I was molested, when I was in an abusive marriage and when I allowed depression to take over.

AllisonJanel: Is there anything additional that you would like our readers to know?

Sasha: I strive to continue to motivate every person that I come in contact with.

Connect with Sasha Johnson below: 

Business Website: www.therealsasha.com

Instagram: www.instagram.com/counselorsasha

Facebook: www.facebook.com/therealsashaj

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sasha-johnson-ms-lpc-ncc-929658101/

YouTube: www.youtube.com/mssashabrand