Professional Couples Counseling & Mental Health Services in Pensacola, FL

Before working with a practitioner, it is often helpful to know something about them. I want you to know me professionally, because this information will be helpful in deciding if I am the right practitioner for you. I have also included some information about me personally to further assist you in consenting to work with me.

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Professionally, I am a Licensed Mental Health Counselor in the State of Florida. I am a Story-Informed Trauma Therapist, Emotionally and Emotion-Focused (Couples, Family, and Individual) Therapist and Supervisor, as well as a Psychedelic-Assisted Psychotherapist. Additionally, I am a Qualified Mental Health Counselor Supervisor and a Qualified Marriage and Family Therapy Supervisor. I see a wide range of clients, which includes very conservative Christians; Black, Indigenous, People of Color (BIPOC) also known as the People of the Global Majority; Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans, Queer/Questioning (LGBTQ+); and people with various religious and spiritual beliefs. 

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In addition to understanding your practitioner/clinician professionally, sometimes learning about their social location can be helpful. The American Psychological Association defines social location as "one's social position or place in a given society in relation to race, ethnicity, and other statuses (e.g., age, gender, gender identity and expression, religion, national origin, immigration status, language, disability, sexual orientation, socioeconomic status) within systems of power and oppression." Regarding my social location, I am a cisgendered, African American woman with Creole ancestors. My people come from Nigeria, Ghana, Italy, as well as the Chickasaw and Blackfoot nation. I have neuro differences and am primarily able-bodied, middle classed (raised in a lower middle class family), and have beyond a post-secondary education. I am a military brat and was raised Church of God in Christ (COGIC). I believe in the importance of spirituality (or connection with something bigger than you) and value the wisdom of my plant-teachers and teachers from nature. I realize that some of my identities may align with yours, while other identities may not align. Alignment is not necessary for us to work together, but it is important for me to understand how identities affect our work. It is my responsibility to acknowledge and own how I show up in our work as well as to do what I can to co-create with you an environment that will be safe enough for you to do the work that you are hiring me to guide you through.

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Why is my business called Moon Rising?

Backstory warning: (lol) When I was a little girl, we moved a lot, because one of my parents was an active duty service member. I became acquainted with the cycle of grief, loss, and rebirth. As a little kid, I felt excited about moving but at times felt sad and alone during these transitions. One thing that gave me comfort was that regardless of where we lived or what was going on, I would see the moon. What amazed me was that the moon was always there and moved through consistent and predictable phases, while still remaining consistent for me. 

One of my core memories was when I was 8 years old, my family was moving again, and we had a long drive to the airport. I was leaving everything that I knew and trying to find the energy and wherewithal to start again. I was crying in the back seat trying to make sense of it all when I noticed my friend, the moon. With tears in my eyes, I watched the moon. To my surprise, the moon started following me! My tears of loneliness and pain turned into tears of relief and connection. I was not alone. My friend, the moon came with me and has been consistent ever since.

I am grateful for the simple, powerful lesson that I learned that day in the back of my parents’ van. I was able to watch my friend, the moon, gracefully move through a beautiful process of transition and move in connection with the Earth, while still finding a way to remain in connection with me. This lesson was the first of many to notice the grace in transition as well as the strength of connection.

As I was observing signs of transition within me and within my career, I felt similar to being my younger self in the backseat of my parents van, so I slowed myself down and began to listen deeply. I recently came across a moon-related tribal story. The story praised the moon for her beauty and dedication to humanity. Listening to this tribal story reminded me of the aforementioned early life lesson. Inside of me, I could hear the lyrics to the song by Andra Day “I’ll rise up. And I'll do it a thousand times again.” For me, the connection was made, and Moon Rising, LLC was born. 

My desire is to help you in your growth process. I believe that you and yours can “rise” even from the darkest of situations. My job is to help you find your flow and move towards greater levels of empowerment and connection with yourself, others, and the world.