Today we’d like to introduce you to Mandii Brown.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
If you’ve followed my professional journey, I was originally featured in the Nashville Voyager as a Rising Star back in 2021. At that time, I was heavily into my modeling career and truly living by my motto/mantra, “Mother. Model. Mental Health Advocate.”
I was vulnerable with you all about my journey in becoming an advocate for mental health by opening up about my experience growing up dealing with trauma, racial identity issues, colorism within a family and social environment, and even succumbing to my intrusive thoughts and almost leaving this Earth.
I was also newly enrolled in graduate school to become a mental health counselor, and destined to evolve into the image of the one thing I know our community needs; a relatable counselor.
Early 2023, I was introduced to SHOUTOUT ATL local stories, speaking on my current venture with my SAFE mental health platform “Well What Had Happened Was..”.com, myself as a brand and business as “The Relatable Counselor”, giving recognition to my amazing village that helped me become more resilient and confident in my journey, and more into what I do for the (previously and current) incarcerated population and those currently in recovery.
Today, you’ll find me coming more into my own, personally and professionally. That the journey less traveled was well worth the spiritual warfare and trials.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Is any road smooth? Even on the smoothest highway, you’re bound to hit a rock or a pothole. The question is, will you keep driving to your destination knowing what awaits you? I’ve encountered numerous events in my personal life that hit back to back and it took a toll on me, but I continued to pour into myself as much as possible. And my village was gentle and loving as always; I began to find my way. They always reminded me Proverbs 3:5-6 and Matthew 17:20; and I believed it so.
And my daily reminder from Pastor T.D. Jake’s that “God knows just where to cut (prune) you; you don’t get to choose where he cuts. Pruning is not punishment. God doesn’t cut to kill us. He cuts to heal us..” That ensured that I must continue to trust God despite all Hell breaking loose.
We’ve been impressed with The Relatable Counselor LLC, 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?
During graduate school, I went by the name “The Relatable LPC Intern”. I was a non-traditional student and one of the few women of color in my program. I never experienced having a black therapist UNTIL I joined my program and I felt so seen. Mrs. Shervetta Porter (LPC-MHSP) met my needs on a professional, personal, and spiritual level. I wanted to be just like THAT for others but in my own way.
My business and brand is “The Relatable Counselor”; TRC LLC.
It began as me stating who I was. A “relatable” mental health advocate and professional that would be willing to work with a diverse population wanting to help them on their journeys… I want my clients to heal from their past, forgive themselves and others who should’ve protected them or advocated for them and create healthy goals and outlets. I started off doing small speaking engagements, podcasts, and of course my website “Well What Had Happened Was” played a HUGE role in it all. It caught so many people’s attention that we were asked to join and collaborate with several coalitions, non-profits, and to help facilitate events/programs.
And one amazing woman by the name of Catherine (Cat) Buccello, who is the creator of “Black Men Cry Too” and co-owner of “The Bodega Lounge” based in New York, plays a huge part in the professional I am now. Her platform alone is amazing and broke barriers to finally showcase that it is okay for men, mostly black men, to show emotions; specifically cry. That there is no judgement behind being vulnerable and human. Her pouring into that population, while managing two phenomenal black male therapists/counselors, and numerous ventures, she always encourage me to be a voice and just be true to myself. That there is no blueprint to life or what a counselor/advocate looks like; just do it.
What am I most proud of? I’m proud of it ALL: the good, bad, and ugly. Because at the end of the day, it’s all beautiful. I’m proud of the well-rounded and diverse professionals that I work with, this mental health counselors that continue to not only serve as mentors on the lock but friends off the clock. This alone helps me continue to be myself at all times without feeling overwhelmed and helps with the occasional imposter syndrome.
So here I am, being what Mrs. Porter installed in me to be and who Cat encourages me to remain as.
As “The Relatable Counselor”, I am committed to helping individuals make meaningful connections and positive changes in their lives. I am here to provide guidance and support tailored to each individual’s unique journey, fostering growth and self-awareness.
I will ALWAYS continue to create an environment of trust, understanding, and comfort. I believe that everyone has the potential to find their purpose and to live a more fulfilling life. Whether we have our one-on-one sessions, group sessions or speaking engagements/workshops, I will help you reach your goals.
What sets me apart from others is not only wanting to pour into my people from a counseling perspective but also a Life Coach perspective. A lot of people aren’t ready for therapy but wants help getting there, and through coaching, I can meet people where they are.
I also work with the incarcerated population AND as they are released. I love pouring into “Second Chance Citizens” because despite their background, they deserve resources and redemption too.
We offer free life coach consultations for those with a background. We have coaching packages, laser coaching sessions, and more. We also do offer individual counseling sessions starting this Fall, 2023.
Feel free to reach out to info@therelatablecounselor.
For mental health resources, please check out www.wellwhhw.com.
Do you have any advice for those looking to network or find a mentor?
You need a mentor? For us MHP, utilize PsychologyToday, utilize social media, join organizations that align with your purpose and passion, and go to conferences. Not only will you learn more but you’ll meet others just like you. Looked for seasoned professionals but also those with diverse backgrounds and making the field their own. Those are the true mentors.
Networking? Go everywhere! You’ll find someone just like you, even at the bar. You’d be surprised who I bump into at a sports game, a gala, a lounge, or even the grocery store. Keep your business cards on you wherever you go, and just start talking. Your voice is the most important tool needed to network. Use it.
Pricing:
- FREE Consultations for Second Chance Citizens
- $75 Initial Coach Consultations
- Laser Coaching Sessions start off at $125. Packages range from 3-9 month unlimited sessions for $575 and up
- Life Coaching packages for 12 weeks start off at $2,000
- For speaking engagement and panel discussion facilitation, please email me your inquiries
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.
therelatablecounselor.com/ https://www.wellwhhw.com/ - Instagram: instagram.com/the_
relatable_counselor - Facebook: Facebook.com/
wellwhhw
