Dr. Shamarah J. Hutchins was sure what she wanted to be, even in her youth. Determined not to let the generational curses she saw growing up determine her path in life, she set out to make her dreams a reality and now helps others do the same. Let’s meet her…
You knew at an early age that you wanted to be a doctor but what experience lead you into counseling with a focus in the mental health?
My parents both suffer from drug addiction and they became my motivation to not be a statistic and to do my best to make a change. I first wanted to be a medical doctor and then I found the avenue of psychology and fell in love. Then I decided to go into the mental health field.
You are a former athlete yourself and currently serve as a high school assistant basketball coach. Did you ever have any hopes to play professionally? How does your experience as an athlete, help you when dealing with not only the youth you coach but with clients?
Yes, I thought about going professional even setup a time to tryout to go overseas but my mental health of believing in myself and my self-motivation at that time was not enough for me to continue to pursue the sport. As a previous athlete and now a current coach with dealing with athletes as clients I know from lived experience what they are going through with their mental health. Having the skills and schooling for mental health helps me assist them better.
When did you start Serene Counseling and Wellness? Was this after working for others in your field or did you immediately form your own firm?
I’ve always had the vision of owning my own facility but Serene Counseling and Wellness was started on 04/19/2022 on my uncle’s birthday. It was my tribute to him as he passed in 2018.
Tell our readers what is Mindset Awareness Training and how it helps entrepreneurs.
Teaches entrepreneurs mind strength, self-awareness and a mission to continue to stay focus on their why in their business.
You also have a focus on women’s self-esteem. Was this something you struggled with personally in the past and how did you overcome those valleys in your journey?
Yes, growing up I struggled with self-esteem and self-confidence issues of not feeling good enough, pretty enough or skilled enough. I started to focus on my strengths, I did and do affirmations daily and I believe in myself more now than ever. I started to focus on the positive in life and now I understand I can only control things that are in my control and what others believe or think is their opinion.
How did the name THE Mindologist come to be?
Friends, family and coworkers would tell me I’m really good at changing people’s train of thinking. I ology means the study and mind is the brain so TheMindologist came about.
Tell us about The Serene Foundation (TSF) and its mission.
- Mission: The Serene Foundation provides support to the community to promote education, wellness and social skills for families, women, and children in underserved populations.
- Vision: Focusing on The Serene Standards
- Serving the community through giving back
- Educating the community through training and workshops
- Redefining the community through promoting mental health wellness
- Empowering the community with resources
- Nurturing the community by rebuilding relationships within families
- Enhancing the community through collaboration
With The Serene Institute (TSI) you assist corporations and organizations in developing their mental health needs. Can you give us an example of a course offered and are they available online?
Currently we offering a mental health series, The Serene Institute Presents Mental Health Series, a 4-part series on understanding mental health and how to be an advocate within your home and the community.
The Serene Institute is a partnership with The Serene Foundation. TSF is a local nonprofit that provides support to the community to promote education, wellness and social skills for families, women, and children in underserved populations.
The Serene Goal is to focus on The Serene Standards through Serving, Educating, Redefining, Empowering, Nurturing and Enhancing the community.
Series Title: Mental Health 101; Understanding Family Trauma, Grief Management Tips & Resources and Advocating: How, What, When & Why.
Tell us about the Serene Athlete Program?
The Serene Athlete (TSA) mission is to provide athletes the ability to master the mental aspect of sports. TSA help athletes dive into their mental health deeper, rather than suffer in silence, all while creating a safe space to talk about the stigma. TSA provide many options for ALL athletes and EVERY sport. TSA is a true believer that each athlete is different and deals with various obstacles when it comes to their unique capabilities. We deliver a person-centered approach, to make every athlete comfortable while receiving our services.
Now, share with us what your home life looks like for a busy Doctor, Coach, Wife and Mother and how you make time to take care of yourself.
I believe in making sure I have self-care days and days fully focused on the nurturing of my family. I usually make sure that’s scheduled before anything else because one of my biggest values is family and quality time. I intentionally make time for what most important to me.
For more information on Dr. Hutchins, please visit www.serenecounselingandwellness.com/themindologist
