JENNIE: Poncere Daniels helps address serious issues through humor on The Poncere Show

AUGUSTA, Ga. (WJBF)– A licensed therapist and award-winning comedian, Poncere Daniels understands the importance of mental health –and the joy that laughter can bring. She has over 18 years of experience providing mental heath services to children. And she has a talk show The Poncere Show combines a lively experience for the audience, addressing significant issues and offering solutions.

Poncere Daniels: “One thing in particular that I find so important is humor, because humor really helps us to create an atmosphere in which conversations can be received more openly and in a supportive space. And so additionally, research indicates that when you laugh, your body releases those endorphins that really make you feel good. And research also indicates that laughter reduces stress, depression and anxiety. So I think that as both a comedian and a licensed therapist, humor is a powerful tool in addressing serious conversations such as mental health.”

Jennie: I guess for a lot of people, who might feel like they’re uncomfortable about a counseling session, you can help impart a lot of good suggestions and advice through humor- that’s a big icebreaker for people.

Poncere Daniels: “You hit it spot on. Humor is a way to just break the ice, make that environment feel safe. But you’re also creating an environment in which you can engage in those difficult conversations. And what I have found is, is that when I introduce humor, it makes me feel more humanized. And also the conversation is more normalized as well.

Jennie: You have a big show coming up on July 20th at the Maxwell Performing Arts Theater.

Poncere Daniels: “I am so excited for my upcoming show and our special guest speaker, Michelle Williams. She is a Grammy Award winner and she is an author, and a powerful, powerful mental health advocate. And she’s also a member of the legendary group Destiny’s Child! She has been so transparent about her journey with depression, being in therapy, and also her decision to check herself into a treatment facility. Often times, I think that public figures such as Michelle, they have a way of connecting with their community, connecting with so many of us who often suffer in silence. It empowers us also to say, hey, am I checking in with myself? Am I okay? And when should I seek help? So that’s what I’m hoping that she will impart into our audience.”

Poncere’s next live audience show is coming up Saturday, July 20th at 6:00PM at the Maxwell Performing Arts Theatre on Augusta University’s Summerville campus. Doors open at 5:15PM. Real talk. Real laughs. Real solutions.

Get your tickets at Eventbrite .

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