Today we’d like to introduce you to Kelvin Durant
Hi Kelvin, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
Each journey of life has a starting point, some are easy and filled with promise, versus others the pain propels us into our purpose.
I was not the typical college student as I did not attend colleges until I was 32 years old. I was petrified to be in the midst of teenagers seemed to be ahead of me in life, and on track starting their college career. I was working tirelessly a dead end job and decided that I deserved better. I had absolutely no plans of going any further after completing my BA degree but I remember my advisor saying, ” the pay for a Bachelor level job is going to be shitty”. In that moment I was still hesitant, but sealed the deal to pursue my MA degree the semester before graduating. After completing my MA degree I was more motivated that normal and decided to take my Licensure exam at 35 years old. All the excitement faded when I did not pass the first take. Needless to say, I was embarrassed and wanted to give up. I had to still provide as I married fresh out of grad school, no savings but our mortgage and bills piled up. I needed money, so I decided to take a job in Addictions. I did not feel complete so I took another stab at the licensure exam and passed finally. It was such a relief when I officially became a Licensed Professional Counselor at the age of 36 years old. I eventually started working for a private practice for two years and the owner and I were not on the same page as it relates to compensation. I was eventually asked to leave her practice without having a plan in place. My nerves were shattered, especially being new in the mental health field. My back was against the wall as I was not credentialed with any insurance companies, no office space, limited funds and very little clientele. I remember getting in my car and driving while talking to God and remember hearing his voice saying, “you can do it”. I immediately felt encouraged and opened A New You Counseling Center, LLC on January 14 , 2019. I have since added numerous credentials to my services as I am also a Licensed Addictions Counselor, National Certified Counselor and a Board Certified Hypnotherapist. Diversifying my portfolio, I also formed A New You Speaks, LLC in which I provide speaking engagements nationally and locally as it pertains to mental health services. Currently South Carolina is my home location but I also have a Satellite location in Atlanta Georgia, travel nationally for celebrity and executive clients, as well as offer virtual services providing mental health counseling and speaking engagements.
Alright, 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?
Smooth sailing is a term I have not been fortunate to boast of. I grew up in an abusive household around many addictions in extreme poverty. I remember not having much hope about my future as I just wanted to live to see another day. I witnessed daily physical abuse by my father to my mother, and I was also a victim by his hands. My mother had it extremely hard, which affected the way that she encouraged and parented us. Graduating high school I remember having a 1.65 GPA due to my depression, anxiety and the despair in my home. The one thing I knew I could do was sing which helped me on days when I felt discouraged and lonely. Not being supported by my mother and eventually not having a father due to him fleeing from his responsibilities, created a very self conscious person with broken dreams. As I entered adulthood I was not confident in my ability to achieve goals until I recognized that I did not want to live in poverty as an adult or be the drug addicted parent that created me. I can confidently say that God has always been my supporter, encourager, motivator, mentor because coming from a past that consisted of drug addicts, molesters, murderers and more, I unfortunately did not have positive people in my life that impressed upon me to achieve my goals and be successful. When I eventually made the decision to open my practice, I remember not being supported or congratulated by family due to them never being there. Nonetheless, positive affirmations assisted me with thinking highly of myself despite the circumstances.
Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
A New You Counseling Center and New You Speaks both are geared towards improving individuals mental health whether through individual counseling or attending a speaking engagement. I specialize in the areas of depression, anxiety, trauma, addictions, couples and marriage counseling and most recently Hypnosis. I am now considered the Southern Supreme Hypnotherapist and specialize in weight loss, pain management, and smoking cessation. My authenticity sets me apart from my peers and my ability to meet my clients where they are at. Also being an African American Male providing counseling in this century is a rarity. I take great pride in being a male of color assisting individuals with therapy and breaking the stereotype surrounding it. Currently I am interested in working with the entertainment industry in Atlanta to provide much needed mental health services to the population. It can be suggested as entertainers, many fans may think that they their life is great due to the success therefore their mental health being overlooked until they spiral and media outlets make it public. I want to bring mental health awareness to the entertainment industry which will hopefully assist them improving their craft and becoming the best version of themselves authentically.
If you had to, what characteristic of yours would you give the most credit to?
Authenticity and Transparency
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.anewyoucouselingcenter.com
- Instagram: anewyoucounselingcenter.
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/15kQGmXenR/?mibextid=wwXIfr
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kelvin-durant-4
Image Credits
Leroy Gibson with Study Hall 7am Art and Media -Photographer/Videographer
Talentt Smith- Barber/Hair Care Stylist
