Today we’d like to introduce you to Brittany A. Daniel.
Brittany, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
As a child, I aspired to be a pediatrician. However after quickly learning that biology was not my friend I figured it would be best for me to make other plans. Although my desire to practice medicine had become a thing of the past my desire to help people was still very present; and after an intro, to psychology class, I knew exactly how I could do that.
I went on to obtain a Bachelors of Arts degree in psychology from the University of Houston. Shortly after I received my Masters in clinical psychology, and then my license as a professional counselor. Through countless hours of education, practicums, and internships I discovered an unmet need in my community, and I believed that I could be the difference.
I wanted to make mental health a priority in the lives of those I encountered. I wanted to help children and families overcome mental, emotional, and social obstacles. I wanted to give hope by empowering those around me. So, in 2015 I started my private practice with the intentions of doing just that.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
Smooth, yea right! Oh did I forget to mention that I got pregnant my freshman year of college?! That’s right I was the girl whose only desire was to help others and I found myself in a situation where I didn’t know how to help myself. I felt vulnerable and alone as I constantly doubted myself because of my situation. Support was limited and so were my resources. So smooth, not so much. Hard is even an understatement, however, throughout my struggle, I never quit. Despite financial hardships and emotional breakdowns, I refused to allow my circumstances to determine my destiny. I didn’t necessarily get it at the time, but I know now that God was preparing me for my purpose.
After obtaining two degrees you would think I would count my blessings, however, I couldn’t stop there. I decided to open my own practice which was one of the scariest things ever. I literally started with $800 and a prayer. No investors or partners just me and my passion for wanting to help others. Of course, there were fears and anxiety but not enough to deter me. It was not easy, however, I am grateful for the uphill battle because it has taught me to remain steadfast, and to believe in myself.
So, as you know, we’re impressed with Voice Counseling and Life Skills – tell our readers more, for example what you’re most proud of as a company and what sets you apart from others.
Voice Counseling and Life Skills is a privately owned company that strives to promote mental wellness by providing efficient counseling services to children, adolescence, and adults. Through innovative counseling techniques, we target various areas of concern including, depression, anxiety, anger management, abandonment, abuse, teen pregnancy, self-injury, adjustment disorders, conduct disturbances, and the list goes on. We aim to maximize the potential of our client by providing alternative ways of thinking, behaving, and coping.
What really sets us apart is our commitment to taking our passion for people beyond the office. We do this by using a percentage of our earnings every year to host community outreach events that promote mental health awareness. One event that we are known for is our “Wear the Crown Retreat.” This is an event designed to promote mental, emotional, and social wellness in girls ages 11-17. This retreat is one that empowers and encourages our youth to live beyond their circumstance. This retreat consists of workshops on self-esteem, social awareness, self-image, bullying, social media etiquette, entrepreneurship, and more!
As advocates for mental health awareness, we are proud of our involvement on a community level. We often participate in wellness fairs and have been a part of several speaking engagements all in an effort to convey the importance of mental wellness. Mental health is health, and it is our goal to make that clear.
So, what’s next? Any big plans?
Of course, we want to continue to grow as a practice, however, we are definitely looking forward to having more community outreach events. We understand that we are in the business of people, therefore, it’s important to go out into the world. In doing this we have the opportunity to reach those who may not know the importance of mental health or have access to adequate care. Also, this helps in our work to remove mental health stigma. A lot of people are just unaware and it’s our job to educate those around us.
Also, I want to continue to share my book with the world. My book, “Love, Happiness, and all that other Sh*t,” is a book that encourages self-assessment. It is intended to help readers remove mental barriers and to uncover their potential. Ultimately it is one that helps you to get out of your own way and live the life that you desire. I often use this book as an aid in therapy however it is amazing for personal use. Not to be fooled by the title it is suitable for ages 13 and up.
Pricing:
- Book Price- $9.99 (available on Amazon)
Contact Info:
- Website: www.voicecounseling.org
- Email: bdaniel.lpc@gmail.com
- Instagram: @b.daniel_lpc
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/4voicecounseling/
Image Credit:
Dontae Kinney (T-walk Photography)
Getting in touch: VoyageHouston is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
