Celebrating Counseling Awareness Month: Empowering Thriving Leaders

Erica Kesse

As we celebrate Counseling Awareness Month, I want to take a moment to acknowledge the incredible work you do every day. As a therapist and author of "Honey, You Need Counseling Skills," I understand the unique challenges you face, particularly when it comes to imposter syndrome and burnout. This blog is dedicated to empowering you with the tools and insights you need to not only survive but thrive in your roles.


Overcoming Imposter Syndrome

Imposter syndrome can be a silent saboteur, making you question your abilities and second-guess your decisions. Here are a few strategies to help you overcome these feelings:


  • Practice Self-Compassion: Treat yourself with the same kindness and understanding you offer to others. Acknowledge that everyone makes mistakes and that it's okay not to have all the answers.
  • Reframe Negative Thoughts: Challenge those pesky inner voices by reframing negative self-talk into positive affirmations. You are capable and deserving of your success.
  • Celebrate Your Wins: Take time to reflect on your accomplishments and celebrate your successes, no matter how small they may seem.



Managing Burnout


Burnout is a real and pressing issue for many leaders. Here are some tips to help you manage your time and energy more effectively:


  • Prioritize Self-Care: Make time for activities that nourish your mind, body, and soul. This includes exercise, meditation, and spending time with loved ones.
  • Set Boundaries: Learn to say "no" without guilt or apology. Your well-being is crucial to your success.
  • Delegate Effectively: Identify tasks that can be delegated to others, freeing up your time and energy for more strategic and high-impact activities.



Counseling Skills for Thriving Leaders


In my book, "Honey, You Need Counseling Skills," I share five imperative counseling skills that can help you thrive as a leader. These skills include:


  • Vision Casting: Clearly define your vision and goals, and communicate them effectively to your team.
  • Mission Creation: Develop a mission statement that aligns with your values and inspires your team.
  • Time and Energy Management: Prioritize tasks, manage your time effectively, and maintain a healthy work-life balance.
  • Communication Skills: Develop active listening skills, ask open-ended questions, and communicate clearly and empathetically.
  • Thrive Planning: Create a plan that focuses on growth, development, and sustainability.



Resources and Support


  • Book Giveaway: To celebrate Counseling Awareness Month, I'm giving away a few copies of "Honey, You Need Counseling Skills." Simply reply to this email with your name and a brief message on how you're working to overcome imposter syndrome or burnout.
  • Free Consultation: Schedule a free consultation with me to discuss your specific challenges and receive personalized guidance.
  • Community Support: Join our community of thriving leaders in the Thrive Oasis: www.thriveoasis.life/thrive-community 



As a thriving leader, you have the power to create positive change in your organization and beyond. Remember, you are not alone in your struggles, and seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness. Keep pushing forward, and know that you have the support of this community.



Wishing you continued success and well-being,



Erica Kesse, LPC, CPQC


P.S. Don't forget to take care of yourself this month. You are worth it.

Wellbeing at Work: Why Purpose (Mission) is the Ultimate Buffer Against Burnout

By Erica Kesse • January 23, 2026
Why can a CEO work 80 hours a week on a passion project and feel energized, but 40 hours on a meaningless task feels draining? The answer lies in Purpose . Research shows that connecting work to a higher Mission is one of the strongest buffers against burnout. If you are worried about the mental health of your leadership team, look at your Mission statement first. The "Why" Matters More Than the "What" "Quiet quitting" and executive burnout often stem from a sense of futility. Weak Mission: "We want to increase Q3 profits." (High stress, low fulfillment). Strong Mission: "We exist to save our home planet." (Patagonia). (High effort, high fulfillment).  Leadership Resilience For a CEO, the Mission is the fuel tank. When times get tough, profit goals won't keep you warm. Only a deep belief in why you exist can sustain your wellbeing through a crisis.

Mental Health in the C-Suite: Why Shared Vision Creates Safer Workplaces

By Erica Kesse • January 16, 2026
A toxic work environment is rarely intentional. It usually grows in the vacuum of a clear Vision. When people don't know where the company is going, they become territorial, political, and anxious. For leadership, solving this isn't just about HR policies; it's about painting a clear picture of the future. A shared Vision is a cornerstone of psychological safety. Uncertainty vs. Wellbeing Human beings crave certainty. In the absence of a clear Vision: Employees worry about their job security. Managers hoard information. CEOs feel isolated. This environment destroys wellbeing. However, when the Vision ("The Summit") is clear, the team focuses on the climb rather than fighting each other. The "Mars Group" Therapy Running a visioning exercise (like the "Mars Group" framework) is surprisingly therapeutic. It allows the team to detach from daily stressors and reconnect with why they do the work. It shifts the collective mindset from "survival mode" to "creation mode." A clear Vision doesn't just drive profit; it lowers cortisol. It unifies the tribe and makes the workplace a safer space to be.

The CEO Wellbeing Hack: How a Clear Mission Cures Decision Fatigue Introduction

By Erica Kesse • January 9, 2026
The average CEO makes thousands of decisions a week. By 3:00 PM, "decision fatigue" sets in, leading to poor judgment, irritability, and declining wellbeing. The most effective way to protect your mental health isn't a vacation; it's a decision-making filter. That is exactly what a strong Mission statement provides. The Mission as a Filter A well-crafted Mission statement allows you to automate decisions. Does this opportunity fit our Mission? No? Discard it immediately. (Zero mental energy used). Yes? Explore it. Without this filter, every decision—big or small—requires deep cognitive processing. This leads to brain fog and the feeling of being "always on." Protecting Your "Head Space" Leadership is about allocating resources, and your most precious resource is your attention. A clear Mission empowers your team to make decisions without you. Before: "Boss, should we do this?" (Stress on you). After: "I declined this because it didn't fit our Mission." (Peace for you).
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