What inspired you to write Wounded Healer?

I had spent many years of my life since childhood, helping and healing others.  I was finally ready to share my experiences, the power of healing and overcoming.

Which chapter in the book is your favorite and why?

The final chapter is about my healing process.  As a black woman and healer, I was transparent about the process and vulnerability required to heal.  The chapter focused on healing is most important, because I was able to share my inner thought process while simultaneously teaching how to heal.

What do you feel separates your book from others?

My level of transparency, sharing those “taboo” topics that many are afraid to speak of.  The fact that I am a professional counselor with over a decade of experience writing from a place of expertise and personal transparency/self-disclosure.

What do you hope readers will take away from this story?

My hope is for healing but also empowerment.  When I read the stories of some of the most POWERFUL women (Dr. Maya Angelou, Oprah, etc.) I realized that pain can become power if we own it, heal it and use it to evolve and self-actualize into our best selves.

What’s one of your proudest moments in your career?

Passing licensure exams, acquiring certifications, more training and any opportunity to grow to allow better treatment for my clients.  Any moment that a client has a breakthrough moment, chooses abstinence and begins to love themselves more than they did before we began our work together.

What skill would you like to master?

Letting go of the “disease to please” as Oprah calls it.  I am mastering the art of saying “NO”!

Relaxing vacations or action vacations?

I love my “work” so it doesn’t feel like work, so vacations are very challenging for me.  However, I am mastering self-care so I would say relaxing vacations.

Disney world or the beach?
BEACH me please!

What is something you think everyone should do at least once in their lives?

See a professional counselor.  It’s life-changing! I love my therapist 🙂 .

What was the biggest letdown of your life?

Whew!! Read my book…there are so many to choose from, unfortunately.  I suppose my biggest is repeating the cycle of my parents and becoming a survivor of domestic violence.

What is one thing that brings a smile to your face, no matter the time of day?

My children and the thought of unconditional Black love 🙂 . It’s beautiful and I’m praying for it.

What life events shaped you into who you are?

Becoming a teenage mother, high school dropout and my near-death experience when I was a child/pre-teen.

How can everyone keep in contact with you on social media?

I am the executive producer of a web series: Life with Shamanda on YouTube; I vlog weekly and answer questions on the channel as well.
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCpXb3s-66wQx6Gs8zgSrfLA?view_as=subscriber
Instagram @ShamandaBurston .  My debut book page @Wounded_Healer_Book .
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/ShamandaBurston1 .