Between Sessions with Dr. Sharon
Welcome to the “Between Sessions with Dr. Sharon” podcast, hosted by Dr. Sharon Givens. This podcast provides listeners with expert advice and practical strategies to improve their overall well-being and career satisfaction.
Dr. Sharon Givens is a licensed professional counselor and certified career counselor with 20 years of experience helping individuals overcome personal and professional obstacles.
In each episode, Dr. Sharon provides thoughtful reflection and engaging conversations with experts in the fields of psychology, mental health, and career development. Together they explore a variety of topics, such as managing grief, finding your path, and appreciating your value. Listeners can expect to gain valuable insights and practical strategies to help them improve their lives and careers.
Whether you are struggling with anxiety, depression, or career satisfaction, this podcast has something for you. Tune in to “Between Sessions with Dr. Sharon” to start your journey to more satisfying and fulfilling life and work today.
Disclaimer: Dr. Sharon Givens provides advice and information that are not intended to replace professional therapy or counseling. Listeners are encouraged to seek assistance in addressing their mental and physical health needs.
Between Sessions with Dr. Sharon
Breaking the Silence: Understanding Suicide and Supporting Prevention Across Communities with Dr. Michael P. Chaney
In this episode Dr. Sharon hosts Dr. Michael Chaney, a licensed counselor and professor at Oakland University, to discuss suicide in America. Dr. Chaney shares statistics from the World Health Organization, noting a significant increase in suicide rates post-pandemic. He discusses trends, risk factors, and protective factors related to suicide across various demographics, including cultural implications in different communities. The conversation emphasizes the importance of direct dialogue, culturally responsive care, and the roles of both community and professional gatekeepers in suicide prevention. They also highlight the significance of having trusted support systems and mentors, particularly within BIPOC and LGBTQ+ communities.
Dr. Michael P. Chaney (he/him) is a Professor and Doctoral Program Coordinator in the Department of Counseling at Oakland University in Rochester, MI. He holds licenses as a Professional Counselor in both Michigan and Georgia and serves as an Approved Clinical Supervisor. He received his Ph.D. in Counseling in 2004 from Georgia State University. His counseling experiences include providing individual and group counseling to LGBTQ+ clients with co-occurring disorders in a variety of settings. He has demonstrated competencies working in residential inpatient substance abuse treatment facilities, community mental health and substance abuse agencies, and transitional recovery housing. His research expertise lies at the intersections of substance use disorders and process addictions, affirmative counseling, suicide prevention and wellness among LGBTQ+ populations. Dr. Chaney has published extensively in peer‑reviewed journals, delivered national and international presentations, and contributes to the profession through service roles. Dr. Chaney has held numerous leadership roles within the American Counseling Association (ACA), including Past-President of the Society for Sexual, Affectional, Intersex, and Gender Expansive Identities and, a current member of ACA’s Governing Council. He also serves on the ACA Ethics Revision Task Force. In 2023, he was honored as an ACA Fellow for his contributions to the counseling profession, advocacy, and human rights, particularly for LGBTQ+ communities. Look for Mike’s book, LGBTQ+ Affirmative Addiction Counseling: In Their Own Words to be published in November 2025 by Cognella. Outside of his professional life, Dr. Chaney is an avid runner and CrossFit enthusiast—and a proud “dog-dad” to Georgia and Luna, two rescue dogs from Hurricane Harvey.