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
The Role of Spirituality in Mental Health Counseling and Wellness with Dr. John Harrichand
In this episode Dr. Sharon Givens discusses the role of spirituality in counseling with Dr. John Harrichand, an associate professor at Montclair State University specializing in clinical mental health counseling. Dr. Harrichand defines spirituality as a multifaceted, personal experience that is integral to holistic mental health and wellness. They explore why spirituality is often overlooked in counseling, attributing it to the secular origins of psychology and fear of ethical violations. Dr. Harrichand shares how his cultural and spiritual background informs his counseling practice, integrating spirituality to enhance resilience, coping, and healing in clients, particularly those affected by trauma. Practical strategies like broaching the subject with clients and involving them in the process are discussed. Dr. Harrichand also provides resources and training recommendations for counselors interested in ethically incorporating spirituality into their practice and highlights the work of the Association for Spiritual, Ethical, and Religious Values in Counseling (ASERVIC)
John J. S. Harrichand, Ph.D., LPC (NJ), LMHC (NY), LPC-S (VA, TX), NCC, CCMHC, ACS, CCTP (he/him/his) is an Associate Professor and CSI Co-Chapter Faculty Advisor of Chi Sigma Mu Chapter in the Department of Counseling at Montclair State University. He is also President (2025-2026) for the Association for Spiritual, Ethical, and Religious Values in Counseling (ASERVIC), a division of the American Counseling Association (ACA). Dr. Harrichand is a U.S. resident and Canadian scholar of Chinese and East Indian heritage born in Guyana, South America, he holds an Honors Bachelor of Science in Psychology and Integrative Biology from the University of Toronto at Scarborough, a Master of Arts in Counselling from Providence Theological Seminary, and a CACREP-accredited Ph.D. in Counselor Education and Supervision from Liberty University. With more than a decade of experience in counseling and clinical supervision, Dr. Harrichand is committed to expanding access to affordable mental health services while advocating for minoritized and systemically excluded communities. His scholarship has appeared in leading regional, national, and international counseling journals. His research centers on (1) culturally responsive counseling with minoritized communities—including LGBTQ+, immigrants, refugees, international students, and survivors of sex trafficking; (2) pedagogy, ethics, religion/spirituality, and clinical supervision in counselor education; and (3) leadership and advocacy within the counseling profession, including legislative advocacy and wellness initiatives. Dr. Harrichand’s contributions have been recognized with numerous accolades, among them the Chi Sigma Iota Journal of Counselor Leadership and Advocacy Outstanding Article Award, the ACES Professional Leadership Award, the AMCD Young Emerging Leader Award, the AADA President’s Outstanding Service Award, the SACES Outstanding Pre‑Tenured Counselor Educator Award, and the Texas Counseling Association Professional Writing Award.