Today we’d like to introduce you to Shanice Stephenson.
Hi Shanice, We’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today.
Moving from Highland Park, New Jersey, to a rural eastern area of North Carolina was an adjustment. I was able to work with African American children as a mentor after a volunteer experience that eventually led to employment, offering safe and structured activities to a community while serving as an example of positive and healthy behaviors. After I earned a bachelor’s degree in psychology from Elizabeth City State University, the local training and community center where I had previously worked had to permanently close due to a lack of funding. This motivated me to complete my master’s degree and later become a Licensed Clinical Addictions Specialist Associate (LCAS-A) and a Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor (LCMHC).
With disparities in access to mental health persisting within communities over time, the pandemic revealed additional challenges, such as a global prevalence of stress due to social isolation and exhaustion within the mental health field. As a result, this created an influx of concerns and a shortage of mental health counselors. Pivotal Breakthrough Counseling Services, a mental health outpatient practice for women experiencing anxiety, depression, life transitions, relationship issues, stress, substance use, and trauma/PTSD, opened in July 2020.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way? Looking back, would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Nothing worthwhile is ever easy to establish. Starting a business while also working for another mental health agency was one of the most difficult challenges, as was avoiding burnout while remaining present with my clients. I struggled to provide clients with affordable service pricing because starting in private practice as an associate-level therapist limits a client’s ability to use their insurance to pay copays rather than self-pay rates. Another challenge was differentiating myself as the sole proprietor in a mental health field that could set me apart from others.
We’ve been impressed with Pivotal Breakthrough Counseling Services, PLLC, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
I often say that if I could do my job as a therapist for free every day, I would, but I know that is not sustainable. Our mission is to assist women in achieving their goals by facilitating their journey through strength, support, connectedness, and change. Rather than giving women advice, my goal is to empower each of them to experience holistic wellness rather than just treating them.
When life’s uncertainties arise, our mission is to help women experience transformation and breakthroughs. With the help of Pivotal Breakthrough, they will be able to uncover challenges, obstacles, and situations by rediscovering their sense of value, worth, and desire for their lives.
At Pivotal Breakthrough, I strive to provide counseling services that are tailored to each client’s specific needs. The goal is to foster growth by identifying pivotal moments in treatment that represent a shift in one’s thoughts, feelings, and behaviors.
I’d like readers to understand that Pivotal Breakthrough Counseling Services is more than just a company; it’s a brand that is strengthened by the clients who continue to trust me with their needs. We have a few exciting offerings coming up, so keep an eye on our website at www.
Can you tell us more about what you were like growing up?
As the youngest of twelve children, I had the opportunity to observe my siblings’ behavior. I consider myself an empath, always caring and listening to others. As cliche as it may sound, I remember wanting to be a psychologist when I was four years old. Despite the fact that I am not a psychologist, my opportunities to assist clients with mental health and behavioral issues far exceed my expectations. I’m grateful for the opportunities my upbringing has provided me because, without it, I’m not sure I would be in the position I am in today.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.pivotalbreakthroughcounseling.com
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/
pivotalbreakthrough.counseling
