Meet Shanice Stephenson, LCMHC, LCAS-A, NCC | Founder & Owner of Pivotal Breakthrough Counseling Services, PLLC

We had the good fortune of connecting with Shanice Stephenson, LCMHC, LCAS-A, NCC and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Shanice, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
Because representation is important, I chose to start my own business. As an African-American woman, I realize how important representation is in our readiness or reluctance to start something new. It serves as an inspiration to individuals especially those in marginalized areas who frequently experience barriers to obtaining mental health services due to disparities. Pivotal Breakthrough Counseling Services is a therapeutic space open to individuals of diverse backgrounds that serves the needs of BIPOC clients while also eliminating the stigma associated with seeking treatment in the community. Regardless of the obstacles, we strive for a client’s empowerment over their situation.

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
While I recognize that businesses are constantly developing, I also understand that the nature of company changes as people’s lives change. The people are what make Pivotal Breakthrough Counseling Services what it is. I have an incredible team of women that are committed to providing high-quality services. They recognize each individual’s unique experiences, difficulties, and strengths, all while fostering a culturally aware and inclusive atmosphere. We respect client empowerment as a team, and we strive to reduce stigma and promote well-being via understanding, empathy, and care.

Being here today was not always about feeling “ready.” It was taking a leap of faith and committing myself to a cause greater than myself. Nothing about this process was easy, and it didn’t have to be; otherwise, I wouldn’t have appreciated the growing pains. I overcome problems every day by praying, consulting with my team, and listening to what the clients we serve desire. Throughout this journey, I’ve learnt to be authentic, honest, and tenacious. If I could tell the world one thing about my experience, it would be, “Without them, there is no Pivotal Breakthrough Counseling Services.”

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
My ultimate “shoutout” belongs to God. He situated so many people in my life who assisted me along this journey. When I founded Pivotal Breakthrough, I remember hearing a message in a church service that gave me the necessary push to do something new and uncomfortable. I hesitated for a moment before aligning Pivotal Breakthrough with 1 Peter 5: 10 to remind us as individuals that after we have suffered for a while, God will perfect, establish, strengthen, and settle us.

Website: www.pivotalbreakthroughcounseling.com

Instagram: www.instagram.com/pivotalbreakthrough.counseling

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pivotalbreakthroughcounseling

Image Credits
Photos: Angail Wiley