How it all Began....
My passion for helping individuals and families was recognized early in life as I was led by my parents to become involved with volunteer and church-related activities that supported homeless people and underserved populations in our community. As I grew older, through middle and high school, I jumped into volunteer opportunities with the Girl Scouts, The American Red Cross and later in my college years I became involved with ‘Angel Flight’ (a service-focused fraternity organization backed by the US Air Force). I was also a State level athlete in high school and collegiate athlete, so to say I am an over-achiever and have always believed in the personal gains and rewards of hard work and tenacity, is by far and understatement! Without a doubt, I was passionate about living life to the fullest and this passion has continued to be my inspiration to make a difference in the lives of others.
During my third year in college I chose to major in Social Work. This choice, I hoped, would afford me career opportunities in which I could more directly and effectively touch, heal, nurture and support other people's lives in ways that would be truly beneficial .
This career path was sealed upon graduating from the University of Georgia with my Bachelor’s in Social Work in 1998 and then nine years later (while being a wife and mom, working full time and in just 18 months!) achieving my Masters of Social Work, also from the University of Georgia, in 12/2008.
Never Stop Learning, Never Stop Growing.
Moving forward, from June 1998 through the next 15 years, I began a full-on dedication of myself to working for the Department of Family and Children Services. During these 15 years I was immersed into the worlds and lives of countless families and children and diverse populations riddled with neglect, abuse, poor parenting, addiction, trauma, disabilities, domestic violence, co-occurring mental illnesses, pending legal issues and just about anything else possible that could hinder a person from thriving - rather than just (barely) surviving- in their life
Having earned my LMSW in 2006, in 2015 I transitioned from DFCS to the clinical world to pursue more direct client involvement in the substance abuse recovery / addictions field. Through this transitional time, I narrowed down my passion to help others by directing my work to focus on the underlying problems which inevitably were related to mental health illnesses. It was with this refined understanding that I shifted my career to focus on offering clinical support that directly addressed a person's mental health. It was also during this time that I earned my LCSW in 2016 and in 2018 earned my CAADC (certification as advanced substance abuse counselor).
Advancing ahead to January 2018, I took a huge leap of faith and opened my own private practice, Minding You, in Danielsville, GA. With consideration to the "journey" of my life, I often take a moment to appreciate that every challenge and struggle (personally and professionally) that I somehow survived / overcame, led me to be who I am and where I am today. Looking back, I am grateful for the experiences I learned and grew from over the past 25 years.
“Strive not to be a success, but rather to be of value.”
— Albert Einstein
From overcoming my own personal demons and life challenges to the benefits of having a well-rounded lifetime of experiences working with diverse and vulnerable populations, as well as donning a solid educational background, I find it very easy and rewarding to connect with everyone who walks through my office door. I attribute this warm, welcoming attitude directly to my awareness and acceptance of others' cultures, beliefs, and values.
I first handed know the “journey” can be very difficult, even feel defeating at times. However, I am a testament to the efficacy of hard work and perseverance. I am confident that at some point in each of our lives, we all face obstacles to finding happiness and living a life we can feel proud of. This awareness also recognizes that everyone is unique and faces their own set of variables and obstacles that makes their journey to healing and growth that much more individualized. I also believe wholeheartedly that I am no better or worse than anyone else and God has grown and pruned me in this beautiful life to serve everyone I can individually and without bias or judgement.
I fully recognize that it takes courage to live authentically, to live genuinely, and to live a life that you love and feel proud of – and I am here to help you do just that. I feel privileged you are considering 'Minding You' services and proud for you that you are making a conscious choice to manage and overcome your most vulnerable mental health needs.
My license, my credentials and my role as a psychotherapist are not achievements I take lightly. I have worked hard through my lifetime to be able to now professionally dedicate my career to the betterment of others' lives.
I know I am blessed to be able to touch lives with knowledge, compassion & effective clinical skills that nurture mental and emotional healing. and growth.
I do look forward to meeting you and discovering together all that life has in store for you.
My warmest regards to living the happiest and most productive life possible,
~Stephanie
Copyright © 2018: Minding You, Lotus Flower, Mental Health Healing | Life Transformation- All Rights Reserved..
Powered by GoDaddy