Meet Cha’Ke’Sha Spencer, LPC and CPCS of Grace Anthony Counseling in Southwest/South Fulton

Today we’d like to introduce you to Cha’Ke’Sha Spencer, LPC, and CPCS.

So, before we jump into specific questions about what you do, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
I was born and raised in Detroit, MI and came to Atlanta for college in 1995. I graduated with a Bachelors degree in psychology from Morris Brown College and a Masters degree in Counseling Psychology from Clark Atlanta University. I was initially a criminal justice major and later wanted to become a forensic psychologist. Several friends and family mentioned that I was easy to talk to and professors suggested I go into counseling instead. I changed my major and it was the best decision I ever made. After graduation, I started working full time in the mental health field. I have experience working with at-risk youth in a residential facility, inpatient hospitalization, crisis center, and private practice. I realized early in my career that the African American community had a lot of stigma and misconceptions related to mental health and emotional wellness. My focus has been on dispelling those myths and promoting emotional wellness in my community, thus prompting me to open Grace Anthony Counseling in 2016.

Great, 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?
I have been blessed to be able to work in a field that I am passionate about. It has not always been a smooth road though. There is a lot of training required before you can obtain full licensure as a Licensed Professional Counselor. It also required years of supervision. After I was licensed, I struggled with balancing a family and a career. I have a really supportive family and husband but it was hard at times. Being a business owner has been tough and rewarding. I love working for myself and having autonomy.

Please tell us about Grace Anthony Counseling – what should we know?
I am a psychotherapist and mental health advocate. I own Grace Anthony Counseling, a private practice located in Atlanta off Cascade road and I see clients from all over the metro area. I see adults and I specialize in men and women of color who have experienced childhood trauma, as well as clients who don’t realize they’ve experienced trauma. My clients are just like you and I. They struggle with everyday problems and they seem overwhelmed with balancing life, family, and work. I pride myself on creating and fostering a personable, caring, compassionate, nonjudgemental environment to help clients feel comfortable and more at ease. I am my clients biggest cheerleader, even when they forget to cheer for themselves.

I’m also a Certified Supervisor and I provide supervision to those who have completed their Master degrees in counseling and are seeking full licensure. I’m a speaker and have led workshops and training on various topics including Myths and Misconceptions of Mental Health, Healthy Relationship Boundaries among teens, Trauma, Emotional Boundaries, and several others.

Is there a characteristic or quality that you feel is essential to success?
Setting goals and seeing them through despite fear. Providing great customer service to clients and providing referrals when I may not be a good fit has all lead to my success. I also don’t quit. I may slow down but my determination keeps me going.

Contact Info:

• Address: 950 Dannon View
  Suite 4201
  Atlanta, GA 30331
• Website: graceanthonycounseling.com
• Phone: 404.604.1962
• Email: info@graceanthonycounseling.com
• Instagram: @graceanthonycounseling
• Facebook: Grace Anthony Counseling, LLC
• Twitter: @graceacllc, @chakeshaspencer

Image Credit:
Cha’Ke’Sha Spencer

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