“Choice, not chance, determines human destiny.” – Jean Nidetch

I began my journey into the counseling field by obtaining a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology. I went on to earn a Master of Arts degree in Counseling. I have provided psychotherapy to adults, children and adolescents in a variety of settings since 2003. These settings include non-profit agencies, governmental agencies, community mental health, school systems, corporate settings, and private practice. 

My areas of expertise include: Teletherapy, LGBTQI+ resiliency, sexual/gender identity issues, substance use issues, racial and cultural identity, depression & anxiety, and religious and spiritual abuse. 

Although I have been trained in several counseling theories, I gravitate towards Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and affirmative therapeutic approach. I believe it is important to challenge negative thinking patterns in order to help you respond in a more effective manner and create lasting change. I also strive to provide affirming therapy to LGBTQ+ individuals, which means I respect and regard all sexualities and genders positively and provide an affirming space for all my clients. 

Why I Became a Licensed Counselor?

I’ve had numerous experiences that have led me to answer the calling of being a counselor. As a child, I had several negative experiences with the mental health system. I’ve witnessed family members struggle with addiction and experienced profound grief after my grandfather passed away. Lastly, I’m also a part of the LGBTQ+ community and as a Black, Cisgender, Lesbian, I have experienced first-hand the unfortunate challenges of discrimination, familial rejection, and homophobia. It was through these personal experiences that I experienced and witnessed the healing power of therapy. I learned that healing and change is possible for all individuals given the encouragement, respect, understanding and faith that healing is possible. This solidified my desire to help others and to be an agent for change. 

Credentials

Licensed Professional Counselor – Georgia – #LPC005665

Licensed Mental Health Counselor – Florida – #MH18805

Approved Clinical Supervisor (ACS) – Center for Credentialing & Education

Master Addiction Counselor (MAC) – National Association for Alcoholism & Drug Abuse

Master of Arts in Counseling – Regent University, Virginia Beach, VA

Bachelor of Arts in Psychology – Oral Roberts University, Tulsa, OK

Random ‘Fun Facts’ About Me!

If I could have any superpower, it would be…to read minds. It’s only fitting. 

Before I started my career, would you believe I was a…librarian. I had a job as a librarian assistant while I was in college. 

I know it’s crazy, but I love to eat…cheese on everything. I even put cheese on my chocolate chip cookies. 

The people I grew up with influenced me by…encouraging me to always stand up for the voiceless.

The craziest thing I did during COVID quarantine was….shave my head. The salons were closed so figured why not. 

When I’m not working, I love to spend time exploring the city with my wife, playing with my rambunctious fur babies, binge watching Netflix (or any streaming service) and reading tons of psychological thriller books.