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Dr. Cashuna (Shun) Huddleston is a licensed psychologist in Houston, Texas. She specializes in evidence-based treatments for co-morbid physical and psychological disorders, with a particular focus on the mental health of Black women. She owns two private practices, serving clients of all ages and backgrounds, and has extensive experience in hospitals, outpatient therapy, and forensic settings. Dr. Huddleston holds a Ph.D. in counseling psychology from the University of Houston, with advanced training from Vanderbilt University Medical Center and Baylor College of Medicine.
Her accolades include co-authoring a grant from the American Psychological Association to support women of color’s career development, receiving the MLK Dream Award from the 40 Acre Conference, and being named one of Houston’s Top Influential Women. As the Past President of the Psychology of Black Women, she organized the influential “100 Black Women in Psychology” event at the APA conference. Additionally, Dr. Huddleston mentors Black female high school students interested in psychology and serves as a mental health expert in the Suits for Success program, guiding young male athletes.
What was the inspiration behind becoming a mental health professional?

Dr. Cashuna: I am driven by a combination of personal experiences, my passion for helping others, and my interest in human behavior. My inspiration comes from observing mental health challenges in the communities I have had the privilege to work with and my personal encounters with the stigma surrounding mental health. I am profoundly motivated by a desire to make mental health care more accessible, especially for marginalized populations.

Do you believe in work-life balance? If so, how do you maintain it?

Dr. Cashuna: Yes, I believe in work-life balance! It is essential to my capacity to work effectively and efficiently. Over the years of being a psychologist, I have learned that self-care is non-negotiable. As mental health professionals, we often prioritize the well-being of our clients, but I have come to understand the importance of not neglecting my self-care. Practicing self-care techniques, setting boundaries, and seeking support when needed have been essential for preventing burnout and creating work-life balance.

Who is your business role model, and why?

Dr. Cashuna: My business role model is Oprah Winfrey. She is a powerful figure known for her remarkable journey from adversity to becoming one of the most successful and influential media moguls in the world. Her career offers many lessons in leadership, resilience, and innovation, making her an inspiring figure for entrepreneurs and business professionals. Oprah’s story of rising from poverty and a challenging childhood to becoming one of the wealthiest women globally is a testament to perseverance. She overcame numerous personal and professional obstacles, demonstrating the importance of resilience in both business and life. Oprah’s success is deeply tied to her authenticity. She brings emotional intelligence to her work, cultivating empathy and genuine connections with her audience and business partners. This emphasis on authenticity in leadership encourages others to build businesses based on trust and personal values.

How do you manage stress?

Dr. Cashuna: I manage stress primarily through travel and exercise. I enjoy hiking in places like Arizona and Mexico, exploring new cities, and visiting museums. Travel provides mental relaxation and a fresh perspective, while exercise helps release tension and boosts my mood. Together, these activities allow me to recharge and return to daily life feeling balanced and rejuvenated.

What’s next for you?

Dr. Cashuna: I am excited about the future of my business. I am continuing to build my brand and private practice through lifestyle media outlets like Good Housekeeping (e.g., article about dopamine) and Voyage Houston, podcasts (e.g., Culturally Distinct, Beauty Unveiled, Entrepreneur.Bada++), and an interview with BlackDoctors.org. Future plans also include providing more training opportunities for clinicians, creating a grief app (e.g., Thrive365Therapy), growing my private practice consulting, and starting a mental health podcast (Shrinks with a Drink).

How can readers connect with you online?

Dr. Cashuna: Instagram- https://www.instagram.com/iam_dr.shunh?igsh=bHM0eXd0MTNrbDBv

Website- https://www.newwaypsych.com/

 

Photo Credits: Photo Provided by Dr. Cashuna Huddleston