The Altar Experience w/ Chenia Hughes
Manage episode 507989632 series 3687212
What happens when a crisis counselor confronts her own trauma? Chenia Hughes brings raw honesty and professional insight to this powerful conversation about healing, helping others, and finding your true worth.
As a licensed master social worker responding to mental health emergencies in homes, schools, jails, and on the streets, Chenia shares how crisis work "chose her" after discovering her natural ability to connect with people in distress. With a calm spirit and personal understanding of pain, she navigates the challenging world of crisis intervention, primarily dealing with suicidal ideation, substance abuse issues, and youth struggling with identity and bullying.
The conversation takes a deeply personal turn when Chenia reveals how her relationship with her biological father shaped her sense of self-worth and accomplishments. Despite being a first-generation college graduate, her father's absence at graduation and apparent disinterest in her achievements left emotional wounds that drove her to constantly seek validation. Through therapy, she learned to recognize these patterns and address them, finding fulfillment in knowing her true identity rather than external approval.
One of the most eye-opening segments addresses misconceptions about crisis management. Contrary to popular belief, it's actually quite difficult to hospitalize someone for mental health reasons. "It's not against the law to be delusional," Chenia points out, highlighting frustrations in a system that often fails to provide adequate intervention until situations escalate to criminal behavior.
This episode beautifully illustrates how confronting our past wounds can free us to live more authentically and help others more effectively. Whether you're in a helping profession, navigating your own healing journey, or supporting someone in crisis, Chenia's wisdom offers practical insights and spiritual encouragement for breaking cycles and becoming unstoppable.
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Chapters
1. The Altar Experience w/ Chenia Hughes (00:00:00)
2. Welcome to the Altar Experience (00:00:10)
3. Meet Shanae: Crisis Counselor (00:01:12)
4. Suicidal Ideation & Substance Abuse (00:05:46)
5. Self-Care in Social Work (00:08:57)
6. Confronting Personal Trauma (00:15:17)
7. Misconceptions About Crisis Management (00:27:29)
20 episodes