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Empowering Connections

162 episodes - English - Latest episode: about 2 years ago -

Welcome to Empowering Connections, a podcast by Connie Akins, a Licensed Professional Counselor with a Private Practice, here to help you heal your personal and professional relationships through counseling advice, tips and ideas. Empowering Connections will focus on healthy ways to improve these relationships, help you manage your stress and attain self fulfillment.

Relationships Society & Culture Education Self-Improvement relationships counseling self-improvement mental health stress management
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Episodes

Chemistry or Compatibility in Relationships

March 08, 2021 14:00 - 47 minutes - 32.9 MB

In episode 57 my guest is Dr. Ryeal Simms, PsyD a neuropsychologist and the_relationship_ scientist  who shares his insight into the topic " Chemistry or Compatibility in Relationships".  He provides us with the science of attraction and how our DNA is seeking compatibility. If you have ever wondered which is more important chemistry or compatibility listen to this episode.  You can find Dr. Simms at, @ drsimms.com or the_relationship_scientist on Instagram.  Are you in need of coaching or ...

Chemistry or Compatibility in Relationships

March 08, 2021 14:00 - 47 minutes - 32.9 MB

In episode 57 my guest is Dr. Ryeal Simms, PsyD a neuropsychologist and the_relationship_ scientist  who shares his insight into the topic " Chemistry or Compatibility in Relationships".  He provides us with the science of attraction and how our DNA is seeking compatibility. If you have ever wondered which is more important chemistry or compatibility listen to this episode.  You can find Dr. Simms at, @ drsimms.com or the_relationship_scientist on Instagram.  Are you in need of coaching or ...

Millennial Dating

March 01, 2021 13:00 - 22 minutes - 15.2 MB

In the 56th episode my guest is Marquita Johnson, Licensed Professional Counselor from Atlanta, Georgia and she is the Millennial Dating Coach.  Marquita shares her knowledge of how millennials approach the  dating world.  Marquita helps to empower millennials to have the relationship of their dreams. She has developed some affirmation cards for millennials to empower them in the dating process.   Are you in need of coaching or counseling for anxiety, depression or having relationship probl...

Millennial Dating

March 01, 2021 13:00 - 22 minutes - 15.2 MB

In the 56th episode my guest is Marquita Johnson, Licensed Professional Counselor from Atlanta, Georgia and she is the Millennial Dating Coach.  Marquita shares her knowledge of how millennials approach the  dating world.  Marquita helps to empower millennials to have the relationship of their dreams. She has developed some affirmation cards for millennials to empower them in the dating process.   Are you in need of coaching or counseling for anxiety, depression or having relationship probl...

Pre.Marital Counseling

February 22, 2021 11:00 - 43 minutes - 29.8 MB

Have you ever wondered what happens  when couples go to counseling before the wedding  ? In the 55th episode my guest are Nathalie and Marcus, who allow us to  peek  inside their  relationship and what it was like to participate in " Premarital Counseling",  Most couples plan for the wedding, but often don't plan for their marriage. If you want to know about this topic and know others who are about to get married listen and share.  Are you in need of coaching or counseling for anxiety, depr...

Pre.Marital Counseling

February 22, 2021 11:00 - 43 minutes - 29.8 MB

Have you ever wondered what happens  when couples go to counseling before the wedding  ? In the 55th episode my guest are Nathalie and Marcus, who allow us to  peek  inside their  relationship and what it was like to participate in " Premarital Counseling",  Most couples plan for the wedding, but often don't plan for their marriage. If you want to know about this topic and know others who are about to get married listen and share.  Are you in need of coaching or counseling for anxiety, depr...

The Male Mind in the Dating Relationship

February 15, 2021 13:00 - 34 minutes - 23.8 MB

In episode 54 my guest is Kelvin Troy Johnson , better known as the Love Coach Atlanta who is sharing his thoughts about The Male Mind in the Dating Relationship. He says men are looking for two things . One of the things he shares is women have to be very feminine in their ways. If you want to find out more listen to this podcast . He talks about high value women and what they bring to relationships.  Are you in need of coaching or counseling for anxiety, depression or having relationship ...

The Male Mind in the Dating Relationship

February 15, 2021 13:00 - 34 minutes - 23.8 MB

In episode 54 my guest is Kelvin Troy Johnson , better known as the Love Coach Atlanta who is sharing his thoughts about The Male Mind in the Dating Relationship. He says men are looking for two things . One of the things he shares is women have to be very feminine in their ways. If you want to find out more listen to this podcast . He talks about high value women and what they bring to relationships.  Are you in need of coaching or counseling for anxiety, depression or having relationship ...

What is Imposter Syndrome?

February 08, 2021 11:00 - 28 minutes - 19.4 MB

In episode 53 my featured guest is  Carmen Caldwell , owner of Life  Fulfilled Coaching & Consulting . Carmen is a  Relationship Coach from Georgia,  who share her expertise on What is Imposter Syndrome ? " and how to get rid of feeling like a fraud. Carmen shares her insight and knowledge  about the different types of imposters ; superwoman, perfectionist  and a few more.  Carmen also has a Master Class on the Imposter Syndrome.  Carmen says the Imposter Syndrome is the real you trying to c...

What is Imposter Syndrome?

February 08, 2021 11:00 - 28 minutes - 19.4 MB

In episode 53 my featured guest is  Carmen Caldwell , owner of Life  Fulfilled Coaching & Consulting . Carmen is a  Relationship Coach from Georgia,  who share her expertise on What is Imposter Syndrome ? " and how to get rid of feeling like a fraud. Carmen shares her insight and knowledge  about the different types of imposters ; superwoman, perfectionist  and a few more.  Carmen also has a Master Class on the Imposter Syndrome.  Carmen says the Imposter Syndrome is the real you trying to c...

How Imago Therapy heals Relationships

February 01, 2021 05:00 - 21 minutes - 14.5 MB

In todays episode my guest is Dr. Tanya Martin, PsyD , Clinical Therapist and certified  Imago Therapist . Dr. Martin shares her expertise about relationships and how Imago Therapy helps to heal relationships. She shares how  relationship choices are based on our attractions to earlier relationships with our caregivers. If you want to learn how to communicate more effectively listen as Dr, Martin shares examples of how couples can learn to communicate better.  Are you in need of coaching or...

How Imago Therapy heals Relationships

February 01, 2021 05:00 - 21 minutes - 14.5 MB

In todays episode my guest is Dr. Tanya Martin, PsyD , Clinical Therapist and certified  Imago Therapist . Dr. Martin shares her expertise about relationships and how Imago Therapy helps to heal relationships. She shares how  relationship choices are based on our attractions to earlier relationships with our caregivers. If you want to learn how to communicate more effectively listen as Dr, Martin shares examples of how couples can learn to communicate better.  Are you in need of coaching or...

Women and Sex

January 25, 2021 14:00 - 23 minutes - 16.3 MB

In the 51st  episode my guest is Dr. Melanie Ricaurte, PsyD, Clinical Psychologist and AASECT Certified Sex Therapist and AASECT Certified Sex Therapy Supervisor.  Dr. Ricaurte is the Clinical Director of Harmony Holistic in Bethesda Maryland.  In this episode we explore the topic "Women and Sex " and she once again shares her expertise on this topic.   Dr. Ricaurte recommends that women express their sexual needs,  desires and have conversations about sex.  This podcast is for men to learn ...

Women and Sex

January 25, 2021 14:00 - 23 minutes - 16.3 MB

In the 51st  episode my guest is Dr. Melanie Ricaurte, PsyD, Clinical Psychologist and AASECT Certified Sex Therapist and AASECT Certified Sex Therapy Supervisor.  Dr. Ricaurte is the Clinical Director of Harmony Holistic in Bethesda Maryland.  In this episode we explore the topic "Women and Sex " and she once again shares her expertise on this topic.   Dr. Ricaurte recommends that women express their sexual needs,  desires and have conversations about sex.  This podcast is for men to learn ...

What is Sex Therapy ???

January 18, 2021 12:00 - 26 minutes - 18.2 MB

In episode 50 my guest is Dr. Melanie Ricaurte a certified ASSECT Sex Therapist and ASSECT Certified Sex Therapy Supervisor. In this episode Dr. Ricaurte shares her expertise about What is Sex Therapy and how it benefits couples. Dr. Ricaurte is the Director of Harmony Holistic in Bethesda Maryland and has a passion fo r working to improve the lives of couples and individuals who may encounter issues related to the relationship or human sexuality.  Are you in need of coaching or counseling ...

Conscious Spending

January 11, 2021 11:00 - 31 minutes - 21.6 MB

In episode 49 my guest is Nathalie Lowther Flores, a MBA  graduate from the University of Michigan - Ross School of Business  who is joining me again to talk about money and "Conscious Spending" a concept from the book " I Will Teach You to Be Rich "by Ramit Sethi a finance guru. Nathalie shares her thoughts and ideas about the book along teaching us about conscious spending.  Do you want to learn effective  ways to spend your money ? Are you looking for ideas to help you tame your spending ...

Conscious Spending

January 11, 2021 11:00 - 31 minutes - 21.6 MB

In episode 49 my guest is Nathalie Lowther Flores, a MBA  graduate from the University of Michigan - Ross School of Business  who is joining me again to talk about money and "Conscious Spending" a concept from the book " I Will Teach You to Be Rich "by Ramit Sethi a finance guru. Nathalie shares her thoughts and ideas about the book along teaching us about conscious spending.  Do you want to learn effective  ways to spend your money ? Are you looking for ideas to help you tame your spending ...

The Empty Nest Syndrome

January 04, 2021 15:00 - 31 minutes - 21.8 MB

In this episode number 48 my guest is Nicole Bell, Licensed Professional Counselor and Adjunct Counselor for OCC. She is sharing how parents can deal with the transitional period of when their child leaves home for college or career. Nicole shares her insight and how when your child leaves home it completely changes you. She shares some strategies on how to deal with your empty nest.  Are you in need of coaching or counseling for anxiety, depression or having relationship problems? You can ...

The Empty Nest Syndrome

January 04, 2021 15:00 - 31 minutes - 21.8 MB

In this episode number 48 my guest is Nicole Bell, Licensed Professional Counselor and Adjunct Counselor for OCC. She is sharing how parents can deal with the transitional period of when their child leaves home for college or career. Nicole shares her insight and how when your child leaves home it completely changes you. She shares some strategies on how to deal with your empty nest.  Are you in need of coaching or counseling for anxiety, depression or having relationship problems? You can ...

Happy Single Holidays

December 23, 2020 03:00 - 7 minutes - 5.21 MB

In episode 48 the last one  of this season join me as I share some tips for those of you who are single to enjoy the Holiday Season. Being single does not mean you can't have joy or are doomed to be lonely . Here are some practical tips on how to have a joyous season.  

Happy Single Holidays

December 23, 2020 03:00 - 7 minutes - 5.21 MB

In episode 48 the last one  of this season join me as I share some tips for those of you who are single to enjoy the Holiday Season. Being single does not mean you can't have joy or are doomed to be lonely . Here are some practical tips on how to have a joyous season.  

Handling Holiday Grief

December 14, 2020 13:00 - 21 minutes - 14.5 MB

In episode #47 my guest is Mia Reid, LLPC a local Limited Licensed Professional Counselor and the Founder of Change Happens Today therapy practice  in Southfield Michigan. Mia is also the founder of  The Charles W Reid Community Help Center.  Mia 's therapy practice and niche is helping other to overcome grief and trauma.  She is also an advocate for moms who have encountered grief via gun violence. She shares some expert advice on how to get through the holidays when struggling with grief. ...

Handling Holiday Grief

December 14, 2020 13:00 - 21 minutes - 14.5 MB

In episode #47 my guest is Mia Reid, LLPC a local Limited Licensed Professional Counselor and the Founder of Change Happens Today therapy practice  in Southfield Michigan. Mia is also the founder of  The Charles W Reid Community Help Center.  Mia 's therapy practice and niche is helping other to overcome grief and trauma.  She is also an advocate for moms who have encountered grief via gun violence. She shares some expert advice on how to get through the holidays when struggling with grief. ...

Situationship or Relationship

December 07, 2020 16:00 - 33 minutes - 22.8 MB

In episode 46 my guest is Raynard Meridith a local Licesed Professional Counselor with a private practice in Southfield, Michigan . Raynard and I are sharing information about Situationships. Raynard says this is how you know you are in a situationship, " you have a relationship but you have no title and can't expect anything from the person you are in the situationship with and you are confused about roles" . If you want to know about this type of relationship please tune into the "Empoweri...

Situationship or Relationship

December 07, 2020 16:00 - 33 minutes - 22.8 MB

In episode 46 my guest is Raynard Meridith a local Licesed Professional Counselor with a private practice in Southfield, Michigan . Raynard and I are sharing information about Situationships. Raynard says this is how you know you are in a situationship, " you have a relationship but you have no title and can't expect anything from the person you are in the situationship with and you are confused about roles" . If you want to know about this type of relationship please tune into the "Empoweri...

Effective Co-parenting Relationships

November 30, 2020 15:00 - 11 minutes - 8.27 MB

In episode #45 I help you understand some of the challenges involved in the co-parenting relationship. I will also educate you on ways to improve your co-parent relationships to help your children thrive physically, emotionally , mentally and socially. Are you in need of coaching or counseling for anxiety, depression or your relationship? You can find me at  my website, (www.empoweringserenity.net ) or follow me on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/connieakinslpc/and  join my Facebook...

Effective Co-parenting Relationships

November 30, 2020 15:00 - 11 minutes - 8.27 MB

In episode #45 I help you understand some of the challenges involved in the co-parenting relationship. I will also educate you on ways to improve your co-parent relationships to help your children thrive physically, emotionally , mentally and socially. Are you in need of coaching or counseling for anxiety, depression or your relationship? You can find me at  my website, (www.empoweringserenity.net ) or follow me on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/connieakinslpc/and  join my Facebook...

The Power of Forgiveness

November 23, 2020 15:00 - 35 minutes - 24.3 MB

In episode 44 my guest is Nick DeNault, a local educator who shares his thoughts on Forgiveness. We explore ways to forgive and how forgiveness benefits your emotional, social and physical health.  We don't forgive to please others , we forgive to save ourselves. If you want to know more about forgiveness listen to this podcast. Are you in need of coaching or counseling for anxiety, depression or your relationship? You can find me at  my website, (www.empoweringserenity.net ) or follow me ...

The Power of Forgiveness

November 23, 2020 15:00 - 35 minutes - 24.3 MB

In episode 44 my guest is Nick DeNault, a local educator who shares his thoughts on Forgiveness. We explore ways to forgive and how forgiveness benefits your emotional, social and physical health.  We don't forgive to please others , we forgive to save ourselves. If you want to know more about forgiveness listen to this podcast. Are you in need of coaching or counseling for anxiety, depression or your relationship? You can find me at  my website, (www.empoweringserenity.net ) or follow me ...

Faithful Business Mindset

November 16, 2020 03:00 - 23 minutes - 15.9 MB

In  episode #43 my guest is Latresa Rice, Director of Student Support Services at University of Michigan-Dearborn, Author, Licensed Master Social Worker, Speaker  and founder of It's Time Enterprises. Latresa Rice is the author of  "Gate to Life: You Choose the Life You Shall Experience and recent article  Faith, Failure. Success " which examines  how faith plays a role in business. Your brand in business is a representation of God and "money is a seed ". If you want to learn more about incr...

Faithful Business Mindset

November 16, 2020 03:00 - 23 minutes - 15.9 MB

In  episode #43 my guest is Latresa Rice, Director of Student Support Services at University of Michigan-Dearborn, Author, Licensed Master Social Worker, Speaker  and founder of It's Time Enterprises. Latresa Rice is the author of  "Gate to Life: You Choose the Life You Shall Experience and recent article  Faith, Failure. Success " which examines  how faith plays a role in business. Your brand in business is a representation of God and "money is a seed ". If you want to learn more about incr...

Single Parenting

November 09, 2020 04:00 - 26 minutes - 18.3 MB

In  episode #42 my guest is local educator and author Diana Felton who shares her journey of being a single mother.  In America roughly 25 to 30 percent of children under the age of 18 grow up in  a single parent household. Diana shares  her  personal journey and insight in hopes that  it helps other single parents. Diana is the author of " Live Through It" a journey from fear to faith and the owner of Hands on Education Learning a tutoring company to support students in K-12 and college.  Y...

Single Parenting

November 09, 2020 04:00 - 26 minutes - 18.3 MB

In  episode #42 my guest is local educator and author Diana Felton who shares her journey of being a single mother.  In America roughly 25 to 30 percent of children under the age of 18 grow up in  a single parent household. Diana shares  her  personal journey and insight in hopes that  it helps other single parents. Diana is the author of " Live Through It" a journey from fear to faith and the owner of Hands on Education Learning a tutoring company to support students in K-12 and college.  Y...

How Stress Can Effect Women's Health

November 02, 2020 05:00 - 30 minutes - 21.3 MB

In episode #41 my guest is Dr. Rushia Slaton , MD, OB-GYN , from the metropolitian Atlanta area talking candidly about the stress that women face and how it impacts their health. Dr. Slaton is a practicing physican who gives insight into how hormones impact stress, anxiety, depression and talks about some of the ways doctors encounter patients and how to help women deal with stress. Dr. Slaton also suggested that physicians and therapist can work together to provide resources for women.  A...

How Stress Can Effect Women's Health

November 02, 2020 05:00 - 30 minutes - 21.3 MB

In episode #41 my guest is Dr. Rushia Slaton , MD, OB-GYN , from the metropolitian Atlanta area talking candidly about the stress that women face and how it impacts their health. Dr. Slaton is a practicing physican who gives insight into how hormones impact stress, anxiety, depression and talks about some of the ways doctors encounter patients and how to help women deal with stress. Dr. Slaton also suggested that physicians and therapist can work together to provide resources for women.  A...

Narcissistic Personality

October 26, 2020 13:00 - 46 minutes - 31.8 MB

In episode 40 my guest is Raynard Meridith a local therapist in Southfield Michigan . Raynard and I are dicussing  " Narcissistic Personality Disorder".  We tell you how to deal with this personality type and how to heal from a relationship when one of the partners is a narcissist. Learn about the narcissistic personality traits and red flags to help you avoid getting caught in this type of relationship.

Narcissistic Personality

October 26, 2020 13:00 - 46 minutes - 31.8 MB

In episode 40 my guest is Raynard Meridith a local therapist in Southfield Michigan . Raynard and I are dicussing  " Narcissistic Personality Disorder".  We tell you how to deal with this personality type and how to heal from a relationship when one of the partners is a narcissist. Learn about the narcissistic personality traits and red flags to help you avoid getting caught in this type of relationship.

Words, Relationships, Feelings

October 19, 2020 11:00 - 14 minutes - 10.1 MB

In the 39th epsiode I share my thoughts on the Power of Words to influence life. There is no magic, but evidence that our cognitions influence our emotions/feelings and behavior.  In the book of Proverbs there is a scripture that says " Your words are so powerful that they will kill or give life, and the talkative person will reap the consequences." Listen to the examples I share and think carefully about your communication with other. Practice having a positve mindset. 

Words, Relationships, Feelings

October 19, 2020 11:00 - 14 minutes - 10.1 MB

In the 39th epsiode I share my thoughts on the Power of Words to influence life. There is no magic, but evidence that our cognitions influence our emotions/feelings and behavior.  In the book of Proverbs there is a scripture that says " Your words are so powerful that they will kill or give life, and the talkative person will reap the consequences." Listen to the examples I share and think carefully about your communication with other. Practice having a positve mindset. 

" The Social Dilemma "

October 12, 2020 14:00 - 26 minutes - 18.2 MB

The 38th podcast is a special joint podcast , where I am a guest on the Dr. Jeff Lip podcast and we talk about " The Social Dilemma" documentary. This documentary demonstrates  how social media impacts us as individuals and a society. If you want to know more about my thoughts on how people are addicted to social media please listen to this topic. You can listen to the podcast on Apple or Google Podcasts and Spotify. Please rate and share the podcast . 

" The Social Dilemma "

October 12, 2020 14:00 - 26 minutes - 18.2 MB

The 38th podcast is a special joint podcast , where I am a guest on the Dr. Jeff Lip podcast and we talk about " The Social Dilemma" documentary. This documentary demonstrates  how social media impacts us as individuals and a society. If you want to know more about my thoughts on how people are addicted to social media please listen to this topic. You can listen to the podcast on Apple or Google Podcasts and Spotify. Please rate and share the podcast . 

Overcoming Domestic Violence

October 05, 2020 14:00 - 13 minutes - 9.6 MB

This podcast is dedicated to helping you to overcome domestic violence.  Did you know that 20 people per minute are physically abused by an intimate partner or that 1 in 3 women and 1 in 4 men have been victims of domestice violence. We can stop domestic violence by helping the victims to understand they don't have to be a victim. If you are in a relationship where you are being abused by an intimate partner you have choices. Domestic violence is a crime and 19 percent of domestic abuse invo...

Overcoming Domestic Violence

October 05, 2020 14:00 - 13 minutes - 9.6 MB

This podcast is dedicated to helping you to overcome domestic violence.  Did you know that 20 people per minute are physically abused by an intimate partner or that 1 in 3 women and 1 in 4 men have been victims of domestice violence. We can stop domestic violence by helping the victims to understand they don't have to be a victim. If you are in a relationship where you are being abused by an intimate partner you have choices. Domestic violence is a crime and 19 percent of domestic abuse invo...

Faith Over Fear

September 28, 2020 12:00 - 49 minutes - 33.9 MB

In  episode #37, my special guest is Edward Cribbs, minister for the Oakland Church of Christ in Southfield Michigan. Edward Cribbs shares some beneficial advice about having faith and how our faith helps us to prevail in times of crisis.  According to Edward "Faith is an engine to get you going. Our beliefs about faith are often wrong according to Edward and he breaks down the meaning of faith which has several meanings including trust and reliance in a relationship with God. 

Faith Over Fear

September 28, 2020 12:00 - 49 minutes - 33.9 MB

In  episode #37, my special guest is Edward Cribbs, minister for the Oakland Church of Christ in Southfield Michigan. Edward Cribbs shares some beneficial advice about having faith and how our faith helps us to prevail in times of crisis.  According to Edward "Faith is an engine to get you going. Our beliefs about faith are often wrong according to Edward and he breaks down the meaning of faith which has several meanings including trust and reliance in a relationship with God. 

Work-life Balance

September 22, 2020 02:00 - 13 minutes - 9.31 MB

In the 36th episode I share tips and information about " Work-life Balance " during the panedmic. I help you explore why work-life balance is important. Learn some practical  ways to get more aligned, spend more time doing the things you love,  reduce stress and overload while balancing your priorities. 

Work-life Balance

September 22, 2020 02:00 - 13 minutes - 9.31 MB

In the 36th episode I share tips and information about " Work-life Balance " during the panedmic. I help you explore why work-life balance is important. Learn some practical  ways to get more aligned, spend more time doing the things you love,  reduce stress and overload while balancing your priorities. 

Detaching From Outcomes

September 14, 2020 14:00 - 32 minutes - 22.4 MB

In the 35th episode my guest is Dr. V Shawn Trent a medical doctor who specialzes in pathology . He is an alumni of Wayne State University, School of Medicine and speaks five languages. Dr. Trent has a love for music and has his own jazz ensemble - The Dr. V Shawn Jazz Ensemble. We explore ways to detach from outcomes and learn to be mindful of the here and now. Once you learn how to detach from set outcomes you will experience the freedom to live a life of reduced stress .                  ...

Detaching From Outcomes

September 14, 2020 14:00 - 32 minutes - 22.4 MB

In the 35th episode my guest is Dr. V Shawn Trent a medical doctor who specialzes in pathology . He is an alumni of Wayne State University, School of Medicine and speaks five languages. Dr. Trent has a love for music and has his own jazz ensemble - The Dr. V Shawn Jazz Ensemble. We explore ways to detach from outcomes and learn to be mindful of the here and now. Once you learn how to detach from set outcomes you will experience the freedom to live a life of reduced stress .                  ...

How Mindfulness Helps

September 07, 2020 14:00 - 11 minutes - 7.95 MB

In the 34 episode I want to help you learn ways to stay in the moment, release your stress and anxiety and live a life of gratitude.  Focus on the present moment and leave all your cares and worries behind. Take a moment each day to breathe, relax and find joy in any circumstance.