Today we’d like to introduce you to Nakia L. Roberson.
Nakia, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
Since I was a little girl, I knew I wanted to be in the helping profession. Therefore, after graduating with my bachelor’s degree in Human Development and Family Studies, I worked for the Harris County Guardianship Program (HCGP). This program is designed to help adults who no longer have the ability to care for themselves and they need a guardian to guide and protect them. These individuals are determined incapacitated due to age or mental and physical disabilities by the Harris County Probate Courts. As a case manager, my job was to help maintain the highest degree of dignity, respect, and independence while protecting them from abuse, neglect, and exploitation. This was my job for a little over a year before I pursued my Master’s degree.
So, I went back to school and completed my Master’s in Education. I taught as a Special Education teacher for five years and later decided to get my counseling certification. As a school counselor, I mentor and counsel students about various concerns such as social, behavioral, emotional and familial issues. Although, working with children and adolescents is tremendously rewarding, I wanted to make a bigger difference by not only reaching the child but the family as a whole.
After several years of working in the public school system school and seeing the importance of how healthy family relationships can positively affect our future generations; I was encouraged to step out on faith and start my own practice.
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?
Being an entrepreneur is not easy, it comes with many obstacles. I learned theories and pretty much all things counseling, in graduate school, however owning a business is a different journey. I am continuously learning about filing insurance claims, and how to market to my ideal client. It’s been a lot of trial and error.
Some months, I’m so busy, I can barely keep up with insurance claims, and phone calls. However, there are times when I call my business line myself just to see if it’s working. Just joking, but to be completely transparent I know talking to a stranger about your personal issues can be scary, so I understand the hesitation, but trust me when I say talking to a therapist can also be a breath of fresh air.
I also want to break the stigmatism in the African American community of therapy meaning “you’re crazy” or “you lack faith in God”. Going to therapy is NOT a sign of weakness and it doesn’t mean you don’t believe God has the ability to heal you or your situation. Therapy is simply a way of gaining clarity and perspective. It empowers you to be challenged… I want people to realize you can do both… talk to God and go to therapy.
Please tell us about Next Stage Counseling & Wellness, PLLC – what should we know?
Next Stage Counseling & Wellness, PLLC’s mission is to provide a trustworthy, safe environment and realistic guidance to inspire individuals, couples and families on their wellness journey. Our vision is to empower clients to make the choice to change their hindering situation, by gaining clarity thorough counseling tools, to help interpret and respond differently to life challenges.
My passion is wellness and relationships. Relationships across all aspects… with self and others. I help people who are struggling with self-love, individuals who want to be in a healthy dating/premarital relationship and couples who are working on rebuilding friendship, communication and managing conflict. It’s not enough to wish for healthy relationships you’ve got to take the steps to make it happen.
My approach to therapy varies based on the need of the client. I work collaboratively with each client to establish goals and celebrate milestones. No two people are alike just as no two situations are alike, therefore I continue to attend training to enhance my therapeutic skills. I truly believe a change can and will take place if a person is willing to put in the work and be honest with themselves.
I offer evening sessions to accommodate work schedules and a free phone consultation that can be scheduled at www.nextstagecounseling.com.
Is there a characteristic or quality that you feel is essential to success?
I believe the most important qualities of my success is striving daily to be an ambassador for Christ, my core values and being true to myself. Success to me is being bold and brave enough to combat the sabotage of negative self-talk and being a lifelong learner.
Contact Info:
- Address: 16151 Cairnway Dr. #206
Houston, TX 77084 - Website: www.nextstagecounseling.com
- Phone: 832-543-7255
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/nextstagecw
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/nextstagecw
- Twitter: www.twitter.com/nextstagecw
Image Credit:
Eric Roberson, Styling, hair and makeup: Karon L Washington
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