Today we’d like to introduce you to Shameca Ricks.
Hi Shameca, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
I started Well-Life Counseling & Spiritual Center in 2016. I was inspired to start a private practice by experiencing my own struggles with and triumphs over mental health. Several years ago, I was at the lowest point of my life. At that time I was not in the mental health field and had no knowledge of what mental health was all about.
During that time, I was feeling sad and was tired all of the time. I could not sleep, had no energy, or motivation to do much of anything. It took all the strength that I had to simply go to work and make it back home. I knew something was not right. I looked in the yellow pages and found help.
The yellow pages are showing my age lol. But I found someone and I entered into my own counseling for a whole year. During counseling, I got better and my whole life began to change. It was through counseling I was able to find my purpose and become the person I am today.
Alright, 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?
It has not been a smooth road. After starting my practice, I went through employee changes who had essential roles and it caused me to shut my practice down for a few years. I felt as if I was a failure and did not believe that I had the strength to start all over again.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and a Licensed Clinical Addiction Specialist Associate. I currently provide therapy services to individuals, teenagers, and couples.
I provide general therapeutic services and specialize in the treatment of the LGBTQ+ community working with all identities across this spectrum. Working with marginalized populations is the work that I am most proud of.
What sets me apart from others is that I am a holistic practitioner. I provide treatment from the perspective that man is compromised of the mind, body, and spirit. I acknowledge that there is more than one way to heal.
I often recommend alternatives to non-pharmaceutical treatments to support mental health.
Do you have recommendations for books, apps, blogs, etc?
Yes! I listen to the Journey With Me Podcast Hosted by Holly Harris from the spiritual perspective. I also listen to the Love Peace Art Turtles Radio Show Hosted By The PurpleAquarian Tortoise and JenJiva from a creative perspective. Both of these shows provide me with tremendous encouragement through hard times.
I also follow the Black Women of Arizona Facebook page and website at www.blackwomenofarizona.com to participate in events when I travel to the west coast and need to decompress and network with other professional women.
Pricing:
- Most Major Insurances Accepted
- Private Pay Ranging from $120.00 to 150.00
- Sliding Scale fee available for uninsured
Contact Info:
- Email: info@well-lifecounseling.com
- Website: www.well-lifecounseling.com
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/welllifecounseling
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/WelllifeCounseling
- Other: https://linktr.ee/WellLifeCounseling.
Image Credits
Aleatheia Photography
