Chief Administrative Officer (CAO)

Mental health often has a negative connotation. I believe that mental health is just as relevant as physical health. In fact, I often correlate the two when explaining how overall wellness looks. When a person describes their symptoms to a medical professional, they in return receive a diagnosis and a means to work through the physical ailment. In mental health the professionals are tasked similarly as medical professionals.

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 The key to healthy progress and overall mental wellness is in delivering the diagnosis and treatment in a manner that the client can both accept and agree to work through with support. Therapy can look and feel differently- each person has their own experience. Finding someone who you can work with is important.   

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 Once I got into "the business" of mental health it was apparent that theory and application looked very different. In an age where mental health is still taboo and often disregarded,  mental health professionals must be very skilled in their approach to client-specific services. 

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In many communities it is difficult to address concerns with someone who appears relatable. As a black, male, therapist practicing in the greater Charlotte, NC area I am dedicated to working with you on your goals. I am licensed to practice in both North and South Carolina.

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"Am I where I want to be right now? 

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 Am I truly living the life I was destined to live?"  Many of us at some point ask ourselves these questions, and how we can fulfill them.  As a therapist, and more importantly, a human being, I'm here to help, by simply offering a safe place to share, unload, be heard, and to find meaning.  Using a mindfulness-based approach we can learn to manage the range of emotions one may experience while navigating the ups and downs of life.

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My background in mental health ranges from community-based services to individual therapy with people of all ages and backgrounds.  My specialty is working with adults who are experiencing life transition challenges that may create feelings of anxiety, depression, anger, or regret.

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Whether your challenges are inter-relational, career, family oriented or related to self-discovery, a tactful use of DBT (Dialectical Behavioral Therapy), CBT (Cognitive Behavioral therapy), Motivational interviewing, and Solution Focused therapy are integrated within my approach to your individualized journey to wellness.  We will have a heavy focus on your individual strengths as we work towards meeting your goals. 

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Together, we will look at the impacts of your past and the promises of the future, while remaining grounded in the strength of the present.  As I often say, "Everyone is where they need to be, before they get to where they want to go."  

Contact me so we can get started today! Greatness isn't out of reach for ANY of us! 

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  Growing up, we are often told what not to do. Oftentimes, those directions are given with little guidance. Quite naturally, as youth, we choose to rebel from what our elders tell us to avoid in life: “Don’t have kids before marriage!”, “Don’t do drugs!”, or “Choose better company!”.

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 All too often, our elders do not articulate or do not have the patience to explain to us the ”why” behind many of these life lessons. Sometimes, we are the exact outcome of their unheeded lessons, which may make it difficult for the elders to explain or to provide context. In this thing called life, we experience all kinds of trauma, from abandonment, abuse, neglect, broken/blended families, and poverty, just to name a few.
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Our traumas compounded by the absence of guidance, and support, make it difficult to navigate healthy understanding and coping. This creates cyclical trauma which is passed down to our children or loved ones; some may even call it a generational curse.
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In some communities, therapy is taboo. One common misconception is that “Therapy is for someone to FIX you”, as if you were "broken". However, the best therapy is provided when a trained clinician can create a safe space, incorporate active listening from an unbiased ear, and ask the tough questions. Many of these tough questions you may already know the answers to but are unwilling to accept.
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In my 16-year professional career, I have had the pleasure of working with all ages from toddlers to seniors in the family, group or individual setting. In addition to counseling, I am currently a school social worker and see first-hand the many challenges students and families face on a day-to-day basis.
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If you are experiencing trauma, searching for answers, or looking for a trained, unbiased ear, please do not hesitate to contact me. I'm here to be your support. Together we can break generational curses and build a road map to a healthy and functional safe space. Thus, leading to a life of peace and tranquility.

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Seeking support is a major step toward progress. Addressing mental health and substance use concerns can be difficult, confusing, and frustrating. I believe everyone can develop the tools towards improving their life circumstances. Healing is always a process, but you can achieve it.

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As a social worker for over 10 years, I have helped individuals overcome many obstacles including finding housing, starting/finishing substance use treatment, taking the first step towards addressing trauma, reuniting with families; and a host of other individual, family and community hurdles.

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As a therapist, we will work as a team to overcome your obstacles to be the person you were meant to be! While that may look very different for each of us, I am committed to helping you reach your fullest potential. As a co-creator of your healing process, I work alongside you to assist with identifying potential areas for growth be it anxiety, depression, addictions, and/or other stressors that may impact your life. 

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I will be genuine, compassionate, empathetic, encouraging, and direct. I will combine my experience, education, creativity, and my sense of humor to guide you through the process.  

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 In life we will be faced with many forms of adversity. As we seek to obtain our goals we must understand life is about perspective. Mental health and substance abuse can be very uncomfortable topics to discuss. My perspective is that everyone has the potential to reach their goals; given they are willing to address the obstacles that are hindering them. As a therapist, I passionately work with each client to assist them with achieving their goals. I understand every client will have their own set of circumstances, as a result I apply a person centered approach in my style of therapy.

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I have several years of experience working within human services with a primary focus on collaborative team approaches. I have had the opportunity to provide assistance to a diverse population including toddlers, adults, seniors, and families. In addition to engaging in clinical counseling practice, I also hold a position within academia which allows me to directly work with at risk students and families to improve their lives across life domains, including but not limited to, academic success, behavior modification, coursework completion, parent engagement, and social emotional learning. These skills support my clinical work and professional success across the spectrum of client issues.
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Speaking directly to my choice in clinical approaches, I lean towards a cognitive-behavioral therapeutic approach (CBT). CBT allows a two fold approach looking at both, observable behaviors and internal dialogue (observing thoughts and feelings) as a way to assist in understanding an individual's world view. A person's world view is important because it allows the clinical work to be individualized by addressing the differences between what a person says, thinks, and does. Accompanying my experiences and compassion, I have identified a collaborative team of Black male therapists to assist me in my clinical, professional, and personal development. If you are looking for an unbiased and caring therapist that has the energy and responsiveness to support you as client, reach out to me today to start the conversation about your individual needs.
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You have achieved a positive step on a journey of self discovery, congratulations. My question to you is, are you ready to get uncomfortable? “If it makes you nervous- you’re doing it right.” – Donald Glover. My goal is to assist you out of your comfort zone, if you are ready. Therapy is a great way of trying to better ones self, if you are willing.

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I want to meet you where you are. I’ll offer unbiased feedback, challenge unhelpful beliefs, and offer strong recommendations. I use a variety of treatment models as each person is unique and may not benefit from the same approach. Together, we can create a plan specific to your needs and potential goals.

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 You've made a positive step towards your future, I commend you for deciding to improve your mental and emotional health! It is not an easy journey, but you have made a step towards getting better. If you are looking for a therapist; maybe even a specific type of therapist, feel free to give me a call or an email. 

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