Today we’d like to introduce you to Curlisha Creighton.
Hi Curlisha, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
My love for helping others began during childhood. I was always helping, volunteering, and participating in organizations that promote giving back to society in some way. This ingrained in me a sense of compassion and empathy that pushed me into the social work profession.
I consider my upbringing a major factor in my story. My family is originally from the rural south, but I was born and raised in Flint, Michigan, which is widely known as a blue-collar worker town. We would often travel back South during the summer months to spend time with my grandparents, which is where I began noticing the difference in social classes. I recall one house we would visit had a hole in the middle of the living room floor, and if you looked, you could see the bare ground. In addition, to seeing extreme poverty we were also exposed to those who had acquired wealth. Galas, debutante balls, and encouragement to pursue higher education were frequently discussed.
My diverse upbringing afforded me to see families across different socioeconomic statuses, cultures, and lifestyles; and no matter where I was it always led me to the same conclusion. Women are undoubtedly responsible for balancing a lot! We’re managing the household, maintaining intimate relationships, child rearing, juggling careers, fulfilling dreams, and maintaining personal peace; it seems the world is always requesting something of us. When I founded Counseling 360 I imagined a safe space where women could connect and find much-needed support to navigate everyday life stresses and challenges.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
They say difficult roads can lead you to beautiful destinations, and I believe every success story has some struggles and challenges. During the first few years of founding Counseling 360, life challenges posed significant struggles. I experienced the end of a relationship, the loss of a parent, my childhood bestfriend, and several other losses. After processing my tries, I found myself in a holding pattern. Additionally, the COVID pandemic began, and the demand increased for online therapy. I had to restructure the entire practice to keep up with the industry’s growth.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I’m a Clinical Social Worker and Psychotherapist with 20 years of experience in mental health and addictions. I take pride in helping with those dealing with women’s issues, depression, anxiety, and trauma. I’m known for my compassionate yet straightforward, conversational approach to assisting those addressing life issues and being resourceful.
I am licensed in the states of Alabama and Georgia and certified as a Masters Addiction Counselor by the National Association of Alcohol and Drug Counselors (NAADAC)” after the sentence “I’m a Clinical Social Worker and Psychotherapist with 20 years of experience in mental health and addictions.
Being a family-oriented, I’m most proud of my family. I enjoy spending quality time with my husband and children. It’s equally as important to me to not only be a good clinician but to also be a good wife, mother, family member, and friend.
What sets me apart from others is my relatability and ability to connect on a human level. We’ve all gone through hard times and difficulty and experienced times of hardship, and by cultivating our inner strength, we can move past defeats and negative experiences.
Do you have any advice for those looking to network or find a mentor?
I’ve been fortunate enough to come across mentors I’ve kept throughout my entire journey. My most trusted mentor was my undergraduate internship supervisor I’ve known since the beginning of my career. My advice for finding a mentor is to form good relationships from the start. Find someone you feel is a superstar in your profession and always remain teachable. There’s so many avenues to meet people and network these days, even still I can be fairly introverted. I challenge myself to meet at least one new person so it’s not as intimidating, but let your presence be known.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.counseling360.org
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/counseling_360
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/counseling360
Image Credits
Kimazing Photography
