Description: Dr. Branch welcomed his guest, Dr. Michael Brooks, a former professor and current Mentor and Colleague to the podcast. Dr. Brooks discussed his journey into the counseling profession, starting with his upbringing in a single-parent household in Orlando, Florida. He talked about his education at Morehouse College and the first black male teachers and professors he encountered. Dr. Brooks described his initial struggles with imposter syndrome in the PhD program, but eventually found his stride, especially after transitioning to work at North Carolina A&T. When discussing navigating predominantly white academic spaces as a black male, Dr. Brooks acknowledged the lack of black men in education and advised finding support and understanding outside of the immediate profession. He also stressed the importance of setting goals and being comfortable working alone when necessary. Dr. Brooks shared his personal experiences with compassion fatigue and burnout, emphasizing the need for firm boundaries, self-care practices, and the ability to let go of emotional weight. Lifework: Work towards establishing more meaningful relationshipPractice Slowing Down: Dr. Brooks emphasized the importance of slowing down, reading more, and engaging in deeper reflection. The assignment is for listeners to set aside dedicated time each day or week to read a book or article, and then journal or discuss their reflections with others.Develop Firm Boundaries: Dr. Brooks shared the importance of having firm boundaries to manage burnout and compassion fatigue. The assignment is for listeners to identify areas in their personal or professional life where they need to establish stronger boundaries, and then implement a plan to uphold those boundaries.Explore New Interests: Dr. Brooks shared his interest in pipe smoking as a way to slow down and reflect. The assignment is for listeners to identify a new hobby or interest they would like to explore, and then take steps to incorporate it into their routine, even if it's just for a few minutes each day.Connect With Our Guest:Dr. Michael Brooks is a Professor of Counselor Education at North Carolina A&T State University (NCAT) in Greensboro, North Carolina. Dr. Brooks holds the distinction of leading the only HBCU Counselor Education doctoral program that is CACREP-accredited, and the outstanding graduates of his program are transforming communities across the United States. Dr. Brooks is dedicated to advancing professional opportunities for graduates of HBCUs, and his mentorship of exemplary doctoral students and support for their launch into academic and administrative positions is strengthening the network of mental health resources and advancing equitable access to vitally important mental health care.  Website: http://navigatingcouragecac.comInstagram: @itsdrjkeithSponsors:This episode is brought to you by our amazing sponsors:J Branch & Associates: Schedule your free 15 minute consultation by going to www.drjbranch.com; call or text (404) 436-2540 Gator Scales Journal It’s Game Time! Here we go.  The 3 Parallels Podcast is now equipped with a resource to add to your toolbox to assist you on the journey of becoming the best version of you.  As you dive into the podcast you now have access to the Gator Scales Journal to assist you in your development of becoming a Gator! Click the link to order your copy today!https://www.amazon.com/Gator-Scales-Journal-Jason-Branch/dp/B0DPXLXZWCConnect with The 3 Parallels Podcast:Instagram: www.instagram.com/3parallelspodcastDownload the 3 Parallels Music Playlist: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/2DCvaDp1wWypO59l1kearH?si=sy0X9tMcSNumk4ym-VZ9LQDon't forget to subscribe, rate, and review the show on Spotify, Iheart, Apple Podcast, and Youtube. Your feedback helps us inspire more listeners like you!

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