Today we’d like to introduce you to Quencina Gardner, also known as Ms. Q.
Hi Ms. Q, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I grew up in a Christian household, where I witnessed my father’s tireless dedication as an overseer, preaching, teaching, and counseling individuals and families across the Caribbean. Through his unwavering commitment to spiritual well-being, I witnessed remarkable transformations in many lives. While mental wellness wasn’t explicitly discussed within the church or community, I recognized the immense value of community, prayer, and selfless service. As time passed, my fascination with spirituality deepened, alongside an emerging interest in psychology. Beyond the confines of religion, culture, country, and community lies the essence of the individual—the person with their own set of life questions and concerns. It is this aspect that drives me each day—the profound purpose of assisting others in navigating the challenges of life. I have faced numerous significant life challenges, such as domestic violence, divorce, single-parenting, and interpersonal conflicts. While navigating these obstacles can be disheartening, they have served as powerful catalysts for personal growth and determination.
I’ve since earned my Master’s in Psychology with a specialization in Clinical Counseling from Capella University and have earned a certificate in Planning and Economic Development from Georgia State University. My years of working as a therapist include various levels of care in the inpatient and partial-hospitalization (PHP) outpatient settings and private practice. I have a passion for promoting trauma healing from interpersonal, structural, and historical violence. I specialize in working with adult clients who struggle with childhood trauma, PTSD, depression & anxiety, addiction, grief, family conflict, domestic violence & existential crises. I’ve learned that I can’t change what happened- I can change the relationship with my trauma.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
I have faced numerous significant life challenges, such as domestic violence, divorce, single-parenting, and interpersonal conflicts. I recall my undergraduate years at the University of West Georgia when I struggled with childcare. Many times I had my children in another classroom waiting for me to take my tests. The average person takes 4-5 years to complete an undergraduate degree. It took me well over ten years due to many personal struggles.
During those years, I cried many tears and felt like quitting. It took a toll on my self-esteem. I recall one day in my minivan at a Lowes parking lot, slumped over the wheel in deep tears. I cried and cried, then concluded that in the midst of my fears and uncertainties, there were two things I promised myself. Number one, I will take care of my children and number two, I will finish my education. I’ve since completed my Master from Capella University, a Master’s certificate from GSU, and multiple certifications toward my counseling career.
We’ve been impressed with Quriosity Counseling Services, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
A licensed professional counselor, a Certified Clinical Trauma Professional, a life coach, and a global humanitarian. Most of my work has been in other countries. I recently made a conscious decision to serve my local community, considering the great need for mental health services. At Quriosity Counseling Services, we provide a private, safe, and supportive environment for adults seeking help with their mental health concerns. We are compassionate and experienced and dedicated to helping adults navigate through life’s challenges. Our approach to therapy is client-centered, meaning that we prioritize the client’s needs and goals in therapy. We provide a range of evidence-based therapies, including cognitive-behavioral therapy, mindfulness-based therapy, and trauma-focused therapy, among others, to help adults overcome anxiety, depression, trauma, relationship issues, and other mental health concerns. We champion mental wellness by helping communities remove the stigma and shame about mental health.
I harness my creative ability to utilize a variety of approaches according to the needs of the client and incorporate my intuition using projective techniques such as process maps and affirmation cards to help clients gain insight to their experience. I maintain a trauma-informed, strength-based view of therapy with Existential and Humanistic approaches and offer faith-based counseling for religious and spiritual clients. I provide a supportive environment using trauma-informed and culturally sensitive practices. I’m also a Master Level Reiki Practitioner and is certified in Clinical Telemental Health.
I adhere to the principles of Health At Every Size® which is Committed to Size Inclusivity in Health.
How do you define success?
My understanding about success is one’s ability to create a sustaining vision while nurturing an unwavering curiosity throughout the journey. Some of us tend to get excited about a project or an idea yet find it challenging to maintain momentum to its completion. Success is when we lack the motivation, yet it is counterbalanced by something intrinsically that keeps awakening us to begin again and not to give up. My motto is “Curiosity Leads to Insight”.
Pricing:
- Private Individual Session $140
- Relationship Consulting $100
- Couples Therapy $165
- Initial Intake Session $165
- Life Coaching $100 USD
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.qcs.care/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/QuriosityCounseling?mibextid=ZbWKwL
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/quencinagardner
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mPGbaL6Puak
- Other: https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/therapists/quencina-gardner-douglasville-ga/935609
Image Credits
Chris Evans was the photographer.
