Community Highlights: Meet Justin Murray of Serenity Seekers Counseling & Wellness

Today we’d like to introduce you to Justin Murray.

Hi Justin , 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?
I grew up in Summerhill, Atlanta, in the ’80s and ’90s, where street life was the loudest influence. Despite growing up in a two parent loving household, I gravitated to the allure of the trap. At 21, getting shot forced me to rethink everything. However, PTSD from getting shot and grief from a close friends murder led me spiraling deep down the hole of addiction. The breaking point was when a woman I loved was willing to leave me because of the destructive path my addiction was keeping me on. Instead of losing her, I got sober. Sobriety showed me my calling: helping others break free from addiction felt so purpose-filled for me. I also learned that drugs and alcohol use were just how I was escaping the symptoms of my PTSD, depression, and grief. I knew that I had to help other people who looked like me on their journey towards healing. This is when I realized my work wasn’t just about therapy, but about liberation, access, and generational healing.

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?
The road ahead wasn’t smooth. While in the streets I amassed a criminal record that included a felony drug conviction. As a result, I experienced many rejections when trying to get my life together. This led to me working very menial jobs while earning my master’s. But I persisted. My mother died while I was in school. But I kept going. One thing people don’t talk about enough when building something meaningful is sacrifice. You can’t get somewhere you’ve never been by doing what you’ve always done.

I knew if I gave up, there was going to be one less Black male therapist in an industry where we’re only 1% of the U.S. psychology workforce. I met my mentor (Dr. Gerald Rhett), who’s also a Black male therapist. He taught me the business side of therapy that schools don’t teach. Now, I always encourage people to get a mentor in whatever profession their in. No one is going to hold your hand every step of the way, but you can avoid a lot of mistakes by asking people to point you in the right direction. Now, as a private practice owner, I’ve created opportunities once closed to me.

As you know, we’re big fans of Serenity Seekers Counseling & Wellness. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
Serenity Seekers Counseling & Wellness is a sanctuary for Black individuals seeking peace in a chaotic world. What makes it unique? Clinicians with lived experiences, real stories. We not only have degrees, we have testimonies. We’re here because we know healing from someone who understands your lived experience is transformative. What sets us apart is our self-disclosure, our shared stories show you that growth is possible. The difference is palpable: when you enter our space or website, you see US. I’m proud of the Black team we’ve built. Mental health stigma in our community is fading, and I encourage therapy with people who get you. If one therapist doesn’t fit, keep looking. And if you’re unsure, we’re here to guide you.

The brand is synonymous with inner peace. Serenity isn’t finding peace after the storm. Serenity is finding peace during the storm. We’ve been taught to escape, numb, and avoid difficult emotions and thoughts. Rather it’s childhood trauma, societal oppression, being the one in our family that makes it out. We’ve adapted into being “Silent Strivers”. I’m most proud of those breakthroughs when I witness clients, once burdened, transform into who they’re meant to be.

How do you define success?
As I matured, my definition of success evolved. In my youth, it was about cash, cars, and clothes. Now, success is freedom. Freedom to own your time, whether through abundance or minimalism. It’s also legacy, what people remember you by. I want them to recall that I left them with an improved sense of self-love and self-respect. Success isn’t mere productivity, it’s living aligned with your values. For my clients and community, success is steady progress, overcoming self-sabotage to become their authentic selves. In the end, success means I helped others reclaim who they truly are.

Pricing:

• Individual Session: $130
• Couples Session: $130
• Insurance Accepted: Cigna, Aetna, Anthem BCBS
• 3 session package: $340

Contact Info:

• Website: https://serenityseekerscounseling.com/
• Instagram: @serenityseekers404
• Other: @serenityseekers_atl