Women In Wellness: Shannon Knight Of The Tarot Diagnosis On The Five Lifestyle Tweaks That Will Help Support People’s Journey Towards Better Wellbeing
An Interview With Wanda Malhotra
You don’t have to have an answer for everything because that’s impossible.
Today, more than ever, wellness is at the forefront of societal discussions. From mental health to physical well-being, women are making significant strides in bringing about change, introducing innovative solutions, and setting new standards. Despite facing unique challenges, they break barriers, inspire communities, and are reshaping the very definition of health and wellness. In this series called women in wellness we are talking to women doctors, nurses, nutritionists, therapists, fitness trainers, researchers, health experts, coaches, and other wellness professionals to share their stories and insights. As a part of this series, we had the pleasure of interviewing Shannon Knight.
Shannon Knight is a Johns Hopkins-trained psychotherapist who offers new and enlightening perspectives on tarot, mental health, personal growth, and the human experience on her podcast The Tarot Diagnosis. Shannon seeks to find the intersection of tarot, mental health, and self-inquiry in order to help folks better understand themselves and the world around them.
Thank you so much for joining us in this interview series! Our readers would love to “get to know you” better. Can you share your “backstory” with us?
Of course! I’m a licensed psychotherapist with a private practice in both Florida and Arizona where I work with adults and couples navigating life transitions and relationship dynamics. In 2021 I started The Tarot Diagnosis podcast when I realized there was a significant connection between the images and meanings behind tarot and the work I was doing in therapy. I found the cards to be an avenue to explore and discuss the human experience in a creative and novel way.
Can you share the most interesting story that happened to you since you started your career? What were the main lessons or takeaways from that story?
As a therapist, I hear and experience stories all day every day. The human narrative is one of the most profound components of our existence, which makes it difficult to pinpoint one specific interesting story. I feel incredibly grateful each day that my clients invite me into their lives so bravely and vulnerably and allow me to bear witness to some of their darkest and lightest moments. That’s been the highlight of my career.
There is this misconception that therapists have all the answers and have it all figured out. But the reality is, yeah — we have experience and knowledge, but life is still actively happening to us at the same time it’s happening to our clients. And I feel like I’ve learned so much from my clients over the years in ways they will never know. For that, I am eternally grateful.
It has been said that our mistakes can be our greatest teachers. Can you share a story about a mistake you made when you were first starting? Can you tell us what lesson you learned from that?
Of, these memories always make me cringe a bit. I have many — as we all do. One I can share that doesn’t divulge sensitive information is accidentally double booking a family and two individual clients. I still don’t know how it happened, but I was in session with one client, and I had another client, and a family of 3 all waiting for me in the lobby. I was mortified. So, I brought the family in first — spoke to them for a few minutes. Then spoke with the individual client privately and explained my oversight and took responsibility for what happened. I ended up rescheduling the individual client and then not charging them or the family for their next session because I felt that was the appropriate thing to do. I learned that it’s best to own up to your mistakes, don’t make excuses, and do what you can to make it right and let folks know you respect them and their time. Also, triple check your calendars.
Let’s jump to our main focus. When it comes to health and wellness, how is the work you are doing helping to make a bigger impact in the world?
Because I work with just a few people at a time, it can be difficult to feel like you’re making a bigger impact on the world. But, sometimes clients will come to me and say things like, “I shared your insight with my team at work and they all found it really valuable.” It’s moments like that which help me realize the trickle down effect that therapists have on the world.
In regards to The Tarot Diagnosis podcast, it’s been wild seeing how many people tune in each week from all over the world. I’ve had people from Africa, Australia, New Zealand, China…the list goes on, all reach out to me to share how meaningful and impactful my work has been for them.
Can you share your top five “lifestyle tweaks” that you believe will help support people’s journey towards better wellbeing?
1 . Getting clear on your values. Understanding your core values is like having a compass that guides your decisions and actions in life. Take the time to reflect on what truly matters to you and what you stand for. Are you driven by compassion, honesty, integrity, or perhaps creativity and adventure? Clarifying your values helps you align your life with what’s most important to you, leading to a greater sense of purpose and fulfillment.
2 . Defining, setting, and maintaining boundaries with friends, family, and colleagues. Boundaries are like fences that protect your mental, emotional, and physical space. When you define your boundaries, you establish guidelines for how you expect to be treated by others and how you’ll interact with them. Setting boundaries with friends, family, and colleagues is crucial for preserving your wellbeing and preventing burnout. Remember, it’s not selfish to prioritize your needs and assert your boundaries — it’s an essential act of self-care.
3 . Getting creative with your personal growth journey. Personal growth isn’t a one-size-fits-all journey; it’s about discovering what works best for you and embracing your unique path to self-improvement. Get creative with how you approach your personal growth journey. Explore different methods and practices, such as journaling, tarot, art therapy, dance, or even adventure activities like hiking or travel. Allow yourself to experiment, take risks, and step outside your comfort zone — it’s through exploration and creativity that you’ll uncover new insights and experiences that contribute to your growth and development.
4 . Finding value in curiosity. Cultivating curiosity is like opening the door to endless possibilities and opportunities for learning and growth. Approach life with a curious mindset, asking questions, seeking new experiences, and staying open to different perspectives. Curiosity sparks innovation, creativity, and deeper connections with the world around you. Embrace curiosity as a driving force in your life, and you’ll continuously expand your horizons, broaden your knowledge, and enrich your overall wellbeing.
5 . Unapologetically expressing yourself. By honoring your thoughts, feelings, and experiences, you cultivate self-acceptance and self-love. Remember, your authenticity is your greatest strength, and when you express yourself honestly, you invite deeper connections with others and create a life that reflects your true essence.
If you could start a movement that would bring the most amount of wellness to the most amount of people, what would that be?
It would be exactly what I’m doing now — highlighting the intersection of tarot and mental health on The Tarot Diagnosis podcast and continuing to facilitate The Tarot Diagnosis membership community — The Symposium where I get to host workshops and meet ups that help folks on their healing journey.
What are your “5 Things I Wish Someone Told Me Before I Started” and why?
- You don’t have to do everything, because if you try you will burn out.
- It’s okay if what you do isn’t perfect because it’s the intention behind it that matters.
- You don’t have to have an answer for everything because that’s impossible.
- Asking for help is vital because you won’t be able to grow without it.
- Get a good accountant, you’ll need it.
Sustainability, veganism, mental health, and environmental changes are big topics at the moment. Which one of these causes is dearest to you, and why?
Mental health is the dearest to me as a psychotherapist and someone who advocates for the wellbeing of others. It’s been refreshing to see it move from a taboo topic, to a necessary topic.
What is the best way for our readers to further follow your work online?
By following me on Instagram @TheTarotDiagnosis and listening to The Tarot Diagnosis podcast wherever folks get their podcasts.
Thank you for these fantastic insights! We wish you continued success and good health.
About the Interviewer: Wanda Malhotra is a wellness entrepreneur, lifestyle journalist, and the CEO of Crunchy Mama Box, a mission-driven platform promoting conscious living. CMB empowers individuals with educational resources and vetted products to help them make informed choices. Passionate about social causes like environmental preservation and animal welfare, Wanda writes about clean beauty, wellness, nutrition, social impact and sustainability, simplifying wellness with curated resources. Join Wanda and the Crunchy Mama Box community in embracing a healthier, more sustainable lifestyle at CrunchyMamaBox.com .
