Our Wonder Woman this week is Dr. Michelle Harris, who is a therapist, entrepreneur, motivational speaker, and author who enjoys compelling others into walking toward their purpose.  She has over 13 years of experience in providing clinical services to adults, children, couples and families in a wide variety of settings such as partial hospitalization programs, emergency crisis setting, outpatient agencies, and other enhanced services organizations.   She received her Master of Social Work degree from the University of South Carolina and a Doctorate of Behavioral Health degree that focused on development and management of integrated healthcare organizations from Arizona State University.  She is also a Licensed Clinical Social Worker who has a prior certification as a Certified Fitness Trainer.
In addition, Dr. Harris received a Six Sigma Black Belt Professional certification from the Management and Strategy Institute that further enhanced her skills in project development, and quality improvement project oversight. Â Her clinical specialties include anxiety, depression, stress management, and Christian counseling all of which focus on whole person clinical interventions. Â Â She also has further professional experience with conducting clinical reviews, providing oversight in the audit/accreditation process, and organizing and facilitating trainings. Â Dr. Michelle Harris is also the author of Healing from Invisible Wounds, an educational guide for individuals, families, and churches to develop strategies to overcome invisible wounds that are faced in our society today. Learn more about Dr. Harris below.
Fancy: How would you describe your swagher? What makes Michelle, Michelle?
Dr. Harris: Michelle is quiet- that is until I really get to know you, and I can’t stop talking! I’m a go-getter, supporter, and motivator for other people. A person who loves this precious thing called life, and who is trying to do her best to live her greatest potential in it.
Fancy: What sparked your interest in social work?
Dr. Harris: I always knew I wanted to help people in some capacity. Social work is an awesome degree because with a social work degree, you are able to help people through various disciplines and avenues such as hospitals, jails, private outpatient therapy practices, insurance companies, military- the possibilities are endless.
Fancy: So you specialize in whole person clinical interventions. Can you elaborate more on what that means and entails?
Dr. Harris: Yes, whole person clinical interventions encompass assessing all aspects of a persons’ life and aid them in identifying personal impediments that may be hindering them to live their lives to their fullest potential. My clinical approach is to provide consultations to individuals who are ready to take their lives to the next level to live healthier and more fulfilled lives emotionally, physically, and spiritually.
Fancy: What topics do you typically speak on?
Dr. Harris: Presentations that I frequently speak on entail education to churches on various mental health issues, stress management, healthy life management, maintaining healthy relationships, developing healthy boundaries, and life goal planning.
Fancy: What do you find most rewarding about your career?
Dr. Harris: Oh, what I love about my career is to see lives transformed! Â I truly love to hear even years later that one thing I that I may have said that was a life changer for them. To see people evolve, grow and expand their minds, and shift from a negative perception to a more positive outlook is very rewarding and drives me to continue to do what I do.
Fancy: While many are tempted to and often do stop at one degree, you have several degrees and certifications. What motivates you to keep going?
Dr. Harris: I come from the motto of, “Always remain in the posture as a student.†I love constructive criticism, feedback, and opportunities to enhance my knowledge. I feel like when you continue to expand your knowledge base, it makes a person more adaptable to the ever-changing market and world.
Fancy: Please share a little about your book, Healing from Invisible Wounds.
Dr. Harris: My book, Healing from Invisible Wounds, is a book that offers insight into various wounds that are presented among the Christian faith. It emphasizes the importance of showing love and meeting people at their point of need, while also providing education on various mental health, substance use issues, and sexual addictions that are often not discussed in the church arena. This book is also a great resource guide to assist an individual, family member, or even a church member/friend in the process of healing from their invisible wounds. Tips and resources are provided to ultimately get healed and remained healed.
Fancy: What inspired you to write it?
Dr. Harris: I think witnessing and reading about the various things that people have experienced, yet, they often suffer in silence due to fear of shame and rejection was an eye opener for me. It also really bothered me how many people were committing suicide due to the shame, guilt, and inability to cope with their personal pain. I wanted to initiate a discussion and platform to say that a person who is struggling is not alone and that whether we want to admit it or not, we all have had some issues we have dealt with in life. Also, to bring to the forefront that yes problems are real, but we can also utilize tools daily to get strong and stay strong.
Fancy: Whether it be personally or professionally, what is one obstacle you overcame?
Dr. Harris: Oh, the main obstacle I had to overcome was to get over myself! I had to overcome the weaknesses I viewed about myself and begin to use them for my strengths. Embracing all of me and to continue to push even when I felt discouraged or wanted to give up was a task and journey to endure. However, to now see the fruit of some of the labor of pushing through has propelled me even further personally and professionally in working towards my goals with patience, faith, and endurance.
Fancy: Do you have any upcoming projects or events that you care to share?
Dr. Harris: Yes I do. I have a book that will be released Spring 2018 on digital format titled, Manage Your Stress Before It Manages You and also I recently began a webisode show titled Begin Anew that airs on Roku, Direct Sales TV, and Apple TV every 1st and 3rd Monday 5pmCST/6pmEST. The show also is on this website as well at http://www.directsales.tv/channel/beginanew. Lastly, my agency, Anew Health Solutions, is able to provide online consultations and also offers online Begin Anew Detox programs that are able to be provided at your pace and a schedule convenient for you.
Fancy: Where can our readers find you online?
Dr.Harris: My company’s website is Anew Health Solutions, www.anewhealthsolutions.com. You can also find my company on Facebook Anew Health Solutions and Instagram anewhealthsolutions.
-Fancy
