In this episode of Healing Mindset, host Nazish sits down with Dr. Crystal T. Harrell, who shares how she moved from public housing in Alabama and the loss of her father to earning a PhD from Yale and reclaiming her inner wholeness. This is not a hustle story. It is a reality check on what happens when achievement is driven by an unhealed nervous system. Crystal unpacks how living through the lens of a traumatized child can show up as overachievement, burnout, and constant survival mode. She explains how holistic health, self-awareness, journaling, and spiritual alignment help us stop outsourcing safety and start building inner peace. If you are stuck in survival, high performance, or perfectionism yet still feel empty, this conversation will help you reframe healing as a non-negotiable part of success.
About the Guest:
Dr. Crystal T. Harrell is a public health researcher, author, and spiritual teacher who grew up in public housing in Alabama and went on to earn her PhD from Yale. She blends data driven public health insights with deep spiritual wisdom to help people move from survival mode into inner safety and wholeness. Through her work, she guides others to reconnect with their true essence, integrate trauma, and create lives rooted in peace, resilience, and purpose.
Key Takeaways:
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Achievement cannot heal unresolved trauma. Crystal realized she was still operating as a traumatized child, using success to cope rather than to feel safe
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True transformation starts with honest awareness. The first shift is recognizing when your choices are driven by fear, survival, or the need to prove yourself
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Science and spirituality are not opposites. Fields like stress research, epigenetics and quantum physics mirror what spiritual traditions have said about energy, the nervous system and mind body health
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Self-awareness is the light, introspection is the tool. Crystal describes self-awareness as a flashlight that illuminates our inner shadows so we can meet them with compassion rather than shame
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Journaling is a powerful first step. Putting thoughts and emotions on paper creates distance from the internal storm and helps you see what is really happening inside
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Resilience and courage fuel inner work. Healing is not comfortable, yet resilience helps you keep returning to the vision of who you want to become, not just what you want to achieve
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Wholeness feels like inner peace. It is the lived knowing that nothing external can give lasting safety. Peace is an inside job that we keep coming back to
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Discomfort is not the enemy. Instead of dissociating, Crystal encourages sitting with discomfort, grounding in the body, and using presence to move through old patterns
How To Connect With Dr. Crystal T. Harrell :
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Dr. Crystal T. Harrell: Website: https://crystaltharrell.com/
YouTube and resources are linked on her site. Join her email list there for updates.
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Instagram
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TikTok: (recently launched) search for Crystal T. Harrell PhD
All social links are also available via her website navigation.
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Disclaimer. This video is for educational and informational purposes only. The views expressed are the personal opinions of the guest and do not reflect the views of the host or Healthy Mind By Avik™️. We do not intend to harm, defame or discredit any person, organization, brand, product, country or profession mentioned. All third party media used remain the property of their respective owners and are used under fair use for informational purposes. By watching, you acknowledge and accept this disclaimer.
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