Two-time Emmy and Three-time NAACP Image Award-winning, television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed Moniek Garside.

A licensed clinical social worker and founder of Fit Life Wellness. Here's a comprehensive summary of the episode:

🎙️ Guest: Moniek Garside

Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) practicing in Georgia, Colorado, Illinois, South Carolina, and Minnesota.
Founder of Fit Life Wellness, a private mental health and wellness practice.
Author of the guided journal I Can, I Will.

🧠 Key Topics Discussed 🧘‍♀️ What Therapy Really Is

Therapy is not just “talking on a couch”—it’s a safe space for vulnerability, healing, and personal growth.
It involves unpacking emotional challenges, not just surface-level advice.

🔄 Life Transitions

Includes shifts like:
- Moving from corporate to entrepreneurship
- Divorce or children leaving home
- Personal reinvention
Therapy helps individuals navigate uncertainty and redefine stability.

🧑‍💼 Mental Health for Entrepreneurs

Entrepreneurs often neglect self-care in pursuit of success.
Therapy helps them prioritize balance, manage burnout, and maintain mental clarity.
Monique emphasizes the importance of processing emotions and having a support system.

📘 About the Book: I Can, I Will

A 30-day guided journal with weekly themes and daily prompts.
Designed to help individuals:
- Reflect on their emotions
- Reset their mindset
- Overcome depression, anxiety, and life transitions
Available on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and MoniqueGarside.com

🧩 Common Mental Health Misconceptions

🧍‍♀️ Monique’s Personal Journey

Originally a nursing major, she transitioned to social work after realizing her passion was emotional care.
She created Fit Life Wellness to have autonomy in how she supports clients.
She is both a therapist and a therapy client—emphasizing the importance of self-work.

🧠 Mental Health Red Flags

Depression: Irritability, isolation, loss of interest, low motivation.
Anxiety: Racing thoughts, physical symptoms (e.g., heart palpitations), constant worry.

🧰 Therapy vs. Technology

Apps and AI tools can supplement mental health care (e.g., affirmations, breathing exercises).
But they cannot replace the human connection and insight of a trained therapist.

🌐 Connect with Moniek Garside

#SHMS #STRAW #BEST

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