Today we’d like to introduce you to Jamie Miles Haynes.
Hi Jamie, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
My journey into the mental health field started in 2009 when I started mentoring high school-aged females. I was in love with the feeling of making an impact in others’ lives, so I went back to school to obtain a Master’s degree in Professional Counseling. I wanted a formal backing in the science of people and why they think/feel/act the way they do. Fast forward a decade plus, and I’m absolutely in love with the work that I do. I am a Licensed Professional Counselor in the state of Georgia, I also co-host a podcast with my dear colleague Brittany Hardy called The Melanin Perspective.
I firmly believe that the work goes beyond the therapy room. My approach to therapy is a bit of textbook and therapeutic application and a lot of holistic approach and life application. I have bigger goals and dreams one day to speak on stage to larger audiences about mindsets, perspectives and how we govern ourselves and our lives with our thoughts, behaviors and actions. A motivational and encouragement speaker of sorts. There are two things that I am certain of – that God gave me a gift with words and a gift with people. My future goals continue to combine both aspects to reach more and more people with encouraging words and leave impactful footprints wherever I go.
Recently, I’ve added lifestyle influencer to my repertoire. I love finding lifestyle hacks, products and things that add ease or value to our everyday lives. I’ve been able to pair with a few companies for some ambassadorships and I hope to be able to bring my audience more and more value over time.
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey have been a fairly smooth road?
In the words of Andrew Carnegie, “Anything in life worth having is worth working for.” I do believe that seeking those things that drive and fuel us with passion come with some obstacles and challenges along the way. But life’s adversities are what build up our character and teach us perseverance.
One of the biggest internal battles that I’ve had to work to quiet and overcome along the way is Imposter Syndrome. Loosely, Imposter Syndrome can be thought of as doubting one’s abilities and feeling like a fraud. I struggled with this most when I returned to the therapy field after taking 3.5 years off. I was worried that clients wouldn’t think I was qualified enough or good enough as a therapist. I even questioned was I good enough to dive back into this field and help guide clients towards growth and healing. Those voices of doubt can be so loud, but we have to learn to continually work to quiet them and debunk the lies they hold. I had to remind myself that I had worked years to be here and to believe in my craft and abilities. One of my favorite mantras that I tell myself often is, “Trust your dopeness.”
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
Mental health matters and expressing the importance of taking care of our emotional well-being is my jam. I am known for being the person that keeps a positive perspective and challenges my clients and those around me to do the same. Life is just too short to stay focused on all the negative. I specialize in helping others learn to see their value and worth and work to change patterns of thoughts and behaviors that no longer serve them. I like to say I have a ‘license to heal,” LOL!
I am most proud of being able to act as an assistant in the facilitation of change in other people’s lives. I don’t take it lightly that people trust me with their most fragile thoughts and feelings. It’s been a true blessing over the last thirteen years watching people grow and blossom and find new depths, boundaries and facets of themselves. Being a part of those moments makes me feel I’m truly walking in the plan God has for me.
My perspective and vigor for personal growth are what sets me apart from others. Life is going to do its thing; it’s going to hand us whatever. The way we continue to press forward is all in how we approach the way we handle and respond to life. I live by this mindset and I impart that to my clients and others as well.
We’d love to hear about how you think about risk taking?
I am all about taking the risks! There is no reward without stepping out there and taking a chance. Many of us are afraid of the unknown and it keeps us stuck in the discomfort of our comfort zone. Nothing happens in our comfort zone and we don’t grow there. I like to refer to the comfort zone as a very uncomfortable security blanket – one that is made of burlap or wool. We cling to it tightly because it’s familiar but it’s very uncomfortable. What if you let go of that blanket and find a better option? The only way to know is to take the risk and find out. Sometimes the unknown leap and risk-taking lead us to opportunities and places far greater than we could have ever imagined.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: @jamichmiles
- SoundCloud: https://soundcloud.com/user-2927560?utm_source=clipboard&utm_medium=text&utm_campaign=social_sharing
