Today we’d like to introduce you to Djuana King.
Thanks for sharing your story with us Djuana. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
Making my story “brief” is difficult; my husband says I should write a book about my life but I’ll save you all from that right now. Lol. Well to start off I was born and raised in Southwest Houston, Alief to be exact. I did not have a fairy tale childhood, it was one filled with trauma, violence, and disappointment. However, there was also plenty of love, support, and encouragement. Education was a priority in my household so it wasn’t a big surprise to anyone when I went to college and graduated from Lamar University with my bachelor’s degree. I think what surprised everyone was how much I changed my major! I started off as a pre-dental major, then nursing, and finally I graduated with my Bachelor of Science in Family and Consumer Sciences with an emphasis in Family Studies and minor in Psychology. When going to college, all I really knew was I wanted to help people but I did not know how I wanted to help, just that I wanted to help. When I found my major, I was elated! It required classes I was actually interested in learning about and I was going to be able to help people! I later decided to take my education a step further and I received my Masters of Education in Clinical Mental Health Counseling, also from Lamar University. When I am asked why I decided to become a counselor my answer is always “I want to be the person I needed when I was a kid, for other people.” My childhood had lots of traumatic events that I for sure should have gotten therapy to work through. I didn’t really know what therapy was or that I actually needed to talk to someone about my problems. It wasn’t until I was an adult when I received the help I needed. I want to help end the stigma of therapy and make mental health a priority!
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
Absolutely NOT! Like I’ve previously said, I had 3 different majors before graduating with my first degree. Once I finally achieved that goal, I moved to Dallas to complete my master’s degree. Halfway through my master’s degree I experienced another traumatic event which caused me to drop out of school and move back to Houston. About a year after moving back to Houston, I decided to finish my degree at another school but I ran into some financial aid problems and had to drop out again during my first semester. At this point I was discouraged, disappointed, and just plain unhappy! Then about three years later I got the courage I needed to go back to school and this time I was determined to finish! However, when you are in graduate school your credits do not transfer like they would while in undergrad.
So, the 30 credits I received during my first program would not transfer to my new school. I had to start ALL OVER! Another hurdle I had to jump, but I had made up in my mind I was going to finish and I did! After receiving my master’s degree, I passed my state licensing exam, and completed my 3000 hours of internship to become a Licensed Professional Counselor in the state of Texas. This journey took me 10 years to complete (post undergrad). During these ten year there has been a lot of crying, self-doubting, crying again, cursing, and some more crying but I made it! I finally finished what I started… even though it took way longer than expected.
King’s Counseling Center – what should we know? What do you guys do best? What sets you apart from the competition?
My company is called King’s Counseling Center. I provide individual and family therapy for adults and children/adolescence. I specialize in anxiety, depression, ADHD, and other childhood behavioral issues. I have a wide range of experiences working with children and families in different settings such as foster care, homeless & domestic violence shelters, mental health clinics, and schools. I currently provide telehealth services. Telehealth (online) services have been great especially since the Corona Virus. Telehealth is also great because it allows the client to have their sessions in the comfort of their own home or literally where ever they want. Being home or somewhere familiar gives the clients a sense of calmness and reduces the fear or anxiety of going to counseling.
In the near future I will begin using therapy animals during sessions. I LOVE animals and animals have such a positive effect on humans, especially kids! So why not bring both of my passions together for a great cause! Sn: the animals will not be used with every client only if the client wants this additional service.
What is “success” or “successful” for you?
My definition of success is reaching goals I have set for myself and an internal feeling of happiness. My success can only be defined by ME! It not about what others think or feel about me. Once I reach my goals my ultimate question to myself is “am I happy about this goal?” If not, I need to reset my goal and ensure that my new goal will bring happiness into my life.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.kingscounselingcenter.org
- Phone: 832-910-7505
- Email: d.king@kingscounselingcenter.org
- Instagram: @Kings_Counseling_Center
- Other: https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/therapists/djuana-king-houston-tx/746203
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