“As a Haitian American woman, I felt it was my destiny to encourage engagement in positive mental health treatment for my community and other diverse populations who still undervalue the need for mental health services.”
What was your path to becoming a therapist?
I have always had one main goal to complete: Make an impact on someone's life and encourage them to grow. I started off as a science major in college but throughout my courses, I realized that I had a love/hate relationship with science. However, I still had a goal to fulfill and by doing some research as well as having support from my family, I decided to study psychology and complete my master’s in mental health counseling. The new path I created for myself was the best decision I made. I learned that when things get tough regardless of goal, sometimes you have to change the direction but not the destination. As a Haitian American woman, I felt it was my destiny to encourage engagement in positive mental health treatment for my community and other diverse populations who still undervalue the need for mental health services. It is time to end the stigma placed on mental health and begin challenging ourselves to learn, be inspired, and grow.
What should someone know about working with you?
I like to congratulate people on taking the first step in coming to therapy. It is not always easy to take that step and it can be a process! I like to learn about each individual so that we can develop a healthy rapport. What are your likes and dislikes? If you had services before, what worked for you and what didn't? (And the winning question) What outcome would you like to see? I am interested in walking with the client and meeting them where they are so they can become the best version of themselves.
What are you most excited about within the evolving mental health landscape?
I love that the need for mental health services is being more recognized now; as a society, we are learning that we not only have to do check-ins for our physical health but our mental health as well. There has always been a negative stigma about mental health, especially in the black and Caribbean community. I am happy that we have shed some light on the need to help people address our personal challenges to heal and to grow. I believe telehealth makes it even more possible for people to receive services because it is more accessible and flexible.
“It is time to end the stigma placed on mental health and begin challenging ourselves to learn, be inspired, and grow.”