Today we’d like to introduce you to Pearl Bryant.
Thanks for sharing your story with us Pearl. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
I was born in Galveston, Texas and graduated from Ball High School in 1999. I went on to attend Texas Woman’s University and was later accepted to Texas Christian University nursing program. One day prior to beginning the nursing program I learned that I was six weeks pregnant. With a heavy heart, I decided to return home at the end of the semester. My plan was to re-enroll in a nursing program in the Houston area but despite my 3.6 GPA I could not find a nursing program to accept me. I was devastated. Heartbroken and disappointed, I began working as a certified nurse assistant. I enjoyed helping my patients and knew God called me to be a helping professional; but also knew He had a bigger plan for my life. After a year of working as a nurse assistant and with a strong support system I decided to return to school. I enrolled in Texas Southern University only to find the transition to full-time mother of three; and a full-time student was a huge task. I failed all 4 of her classes the first semester a TSU. I was embarrassed; she felt inadequate; and, inferior to her peers who had gone on to graduate.
Determined to walk into her destiny I went back to TSU the next semester and connected with the social work department. At the time, I had no idea what God had planned for my life but for the first time school, class, the professors felt ‘right’. I went on to complete internships at Communities in Schools, The Harris County Psychiatric Center where she co-lead Alcohol Anonymous (teen) groups. She was involved in various social projects to include The Association of Black Social Workers, conducted research on The Disproportionality of African American Children in Children’s Protective Services custody. She graduated Texas Southern University in 2007 and went on to work for Change Happens (formerly known as Families Under Urban and Social Attack). There I worked as an Intervention Counselor at Community Education Partners (CEP). As an Intervention Counselor I facilitated guidance groups for at-risk, emotionally disturbed and behavioral challenged teen girls and provided their families with case management services.
In Fall 2007, I entered graduate school at The University of Houston (UH) Graduate School of Social Work. I completed internships at Change Happens and Memorial Hermann Hospital. While at Change Happens I assisted in writing a grant proposal which funded an after school program for at-risk children. The award amount totaled over $62,000. She went on to complete an internship at Memorial Hermann Hospital in The Texas Medical Center. There I provided social work services to patients in the Shock Trauma Intensive Care Unit, The Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, Pediatric Intensive Care Unit, and The Burn Unit. Prior to graduating from UH Graduate School of Social Work in 2009 she was offered a position at Memorial Hermann Hospital.
My love for community and social work did not stop there. As a member of Shiloh AME Church in Galveston Texas. I helped to form a non-profit organization derived out of Shiloh AME Church called The Welcome Center, Inc. There she served as The Interim President of The Board of Directors. The Welcome Center’s programs have included: Becoming A Mom, a partnership with The March of Dimes; The Annual Caring Cradles Event, a partnership with The March of Dimes and ABC 13 NEWS which has raised over $20,000 in baby items; The Community Partner Program, a partnership with Texas Department of Health and Human Services, and The WIZ KIDZ Academic Summer Program a partnership with Nia Cultural Center.
In April 2018, I felt a burning desire to become more involved in the community and decided to venture out into a solo private practice, Pinnacle of Purpose Counseling, PLLC. There I work with teens, millennial women, and adults who suffer with anxiety, depression and difficult life transitions. I also serve as a Clinical Supervisor for master prepared social workers who are seeking to obtain their clinical license. I’ve had over 15 graduate social work students who have studied under me while in their graduate programs from Our Lady of The Lake Univerity, The University of Houston and The Univerity of Texas at Arlington.
Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
My journey has been nothing less than interesting. There have been disappointments, failed plans, missed opportunities and failed relationships that left me feeling ashamed and frustrated. I have learned that each failure served to guide me towards my purpose in life. I no longer rely on others to validate my professional skill set or wait for opportunities to find me. My failures have given me the courage to walk into my purpose, with the understanding that mistakes and re-routing sometimes is all a part of God’s plan. Because of my own personal and professional challenges I choose to believe people are innately good. My belief that people desire to rise above their circumstances fuels my love for community. As an agent of change, I seek new opportunities that will perpetuate paradigm shifts within the lives of others. I enjoy sharing my story with other young women who feel lost or confused about their future. I believe that my vulnerability will help to inspire other single, divorced mothers to look past their circumstances, face their fears and dare to accomplish all that God has created them to be. As I continue the work for Houston, Brazoria and Harris County residents I know that if I make a difference in one life, I have fulfilled God’s purpose for my own.
Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about Pinnacle of Purpose Counseling – what should we know?
Pinnacle of Purpose Counseling, PLLC was created out of a passion for helping, guiding and empowering women and teens. At Pinnacle of Purpose, I specialize in the areas of depression, anxiety, and difficult life transitions.
As a therapist, I have a warm yet real approach that helps clients muddle through their uncertainty and discover their inner strength. When clients enter into my office I work to make them feel relaxed with sharing their truth so they can begin unload the burdens that they carry. I work to hold space for each client until they have the strength and the tools to clear their space, and courageously use their voice.
Is there a characteristic or quality that you feel is essential to success?
I believe the quality that is most important to my success is my courage to be vulnerable and to bring my true, authentic self in any space that I sit in. Many times there is a strong expectation to wear different hats in different spaces. Through trial and error, I have found a way to bring my whole self to the work that I do. I believe that my clients and my colleagues can appreciate the transparency and it inspires them to do the same.
Contact Info:
- Address: 11200 Broadway Street
Suite 2743
Pearland, Texas 77584 - Website: www.pinnacleofpurposecounseling.com
- Phone: (832) 307-3008
- Email: Pearl@pinnacleofpurposecounseling.com
- Instagram: @pinnacleofpurpose
- Facebook: facebook.com/pinnacleofpurpose
Image Credit:
Photos by: Jeff Robinson
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