Meet Hedi Docking of Marietta, GA

Today we’d like to introduce you to Hedi Docking.

Hi Hedi, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
My entire life I thought I was going to become a doctor, that’s what I told everyone from the time I was 10 up until I graduate undergrad. I graduated a year after covid (2021) and the world looked different. The moment I received my diploma I knew medical school was not my next step; I was being called for something greater. I was on a self discovery journey for 2 years before applying and getting into graduate school for Mental Health Counseling. How did I come to that conclusion? I have been an athlete (s0ccer) my whole life and have felt the pressures that come with it, I have had coaches that diminished me and my confident; (“you’ll never play in college” “you just don’t have skills” “you will never be a good player, just average”). When getting the opportunity to play collegiately I was met with an even more demoralizing coach. One who would pit teammates against each other, body shame every player, and laugh/joke at our injuries (“it is all in your head”). Fast forward to my self discovery in 2021, I realized there was a need to help and a need to help student athletes. Sure, they are helped academically and nutritionally, but not mentally. This discover is what sparked my desire to become a mental health counselor, now I get the privilege to work with adolescents and young adults with other mental health concerns such as anxiety and depression. My niche is helping student athletes with struggles on and off the field/court.

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?
Yes and no! I was originally planning on going to medical school to become an orthopedic surgeon. My undergrad is in Cell Biology which made getting into graduate school for Clinical Mental Health Counseling a bit more unique. I did take a 2 year gap post undergrade to figure out my next steps, since my original plan was no longer where I saw my life going. I did get rejected from a couple graduate programs before getting accepted into Auburn University.

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I am a Pre-Licensed Counselor at Elevate Counseling + Coaching! I work with adolescents, young adults, and adults struggling with anxiety, depression, life transitions, and sports related concerns. Elevate is known for helping all those that struggle with mental health concerns; it is a warm and inviting environment that cultivates growth and self discovery. I am so proud to be a part of such a wonderful and vibrant team willing to support each other and the community.

Is there any advice you’d like to share with our readers who might just be starting out?
Just keep going! The beginning is incredibly overwhelming and the imposter syndrome hits hard, but you wouldn’t be here now if you were not meant to be. Set time aside for yourself to find what truly fills your cup back up, because burnout is real in this profession.

Pricing:

• $150- individual session (my rate)

Contact Info:

• Website: https://elevatecounselingco.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/elevatecounselingco/?hl=en