Exploring Life & Business with Vanessa Lumpkin of Passion For You Counseling and Therapy

Today we’d like to introduce you to Vanessa Lumpkin.

Hi Vanessa, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
Becoming a licensed therapist definitely began by a prayer of faith. I could feel a pull that I was supposed to do something in my life that was meaningful, purposeful and helpful. There was a role or a duty out there that was specific for Vanessa Lumpkin. I allowed myself to be open and present to what was happening around me. As I waited to know, I remained grateful in my current role as a contract and business analyst. Once it became abundantly clear that my duty was to counsel, that is what I pursued. At the same time, things in my life shifted to make that possible. It felt like the path was plainly laid out for me to quit my job, go back to school and pursue this full-time. As I reflect back on my life, I see all of my experiences, the hurtful and the helpful, as moments that would eventually prepare me for the work I do today. There is a strong sense of clarity and peace that I have being in this position- a position of humility, great responsibility, a tenderness towards others and strength that my belief tells me is from God. Today, I own my own practice and continue to try to care for others in a way that is fruitful and will have generational benefits to people.

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 has been pretty smooth overall. I started out in a well-established private practice in Orlando, FL. There, I got an abundance of experience getting to know all types of people at different stages and varying challenges in their own life. To be honest, becoming a counselor revealed so much more about myself to me! The growth I had allowed me to face any challenges more confidently and proficiently. I also had a wonderful support system and a team of amazing counselors all around me. I eventually moved from Orlando, back to Atlanta and had to pursue another license here. At first, I didn’t know all that was involved in doing that but I learned and the transition was easy. I continue to maintain both state licenses. Again, when I know I’m doing what I’m supposed to do, making decisions that remain in alignment with this purpose, I believe has kept me from many challenges. For that, I am grateful.

Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about Passion For You Counseling and Therapy?
Passion For You Counseling and Therapy is a solo practice located in Kennesaw, GA. I offer telehealth and in-person counseling. I feel offering a variety of methods an individual can meet with me is in alignment with the reality that every person has a unique situation, circumstance and communication style. I let potential clients know what I offer and I allow them to choose what approach to counseling best meets their needs and I remain open if their needs change. This includes offering a sliding scale when financial circumstances may pose a concern. I specialize in the areas of anxiety, depression, ADHD and trauma. I have extra certifications in the treatment of trauma. I did not start out specializing in the treatment of trauma but experiencing and learning about how trauma can “sit” in our bodies and manifest in various ways, I felt so strongly that people deserved freedom from such bondage and I began to pursue more education in this area. Anxiety and depression are so common among people and to know how to work effectively in this area, I felt was an absolute must. ADHD was a personal matter that affected my family’s life. To learn more about it was to understand some individuals that were the closest to me.

What sets me apart from others is likely my time I invest in every client. I try to see people the way they want to be seen, the way they deserve to be seen and heard. We share this world with a lot of people and it is people that can help us and can hurt us. A lot of the pain I come across in counseling people are often greatly influenced or caused by other people. This world needs people that feel safe and emotionally free enough to love, respect, show kindness, and strengthen other people. I’m just one person, but to take the time to listen, respect, honor, learn and pray for the people that I sit across, is my way of caring for this world one person at a time. I invest all of myself into that person I sit with for 50 minutes and beyond as I study their case while maintaining healthy boundaries so that I can remain clear, unbiased and present in their season of need.

Is there anything else you’d like to share with our readers?
I would like your readers to know that it is truly okay to say, “I need support in this area of my life.” I believe we are made for relationships and in healthy relationships, we can thrive. We do not have to stay stuck in painful situations. We do not have to accept evil, abuse, or maltreatment from others. I believe that everyone has a voice and there is power in using their voice to help themselves and to help others. Counseling should no longer be taboo; it should no longer have a negative stigma attached to it, stating that one is weak or “crazy.” The reality is that some people don’t have others in their life that are knowledgable, trustworthy, safe or emotionally sound enough to give a loved one what they are in need of. Finding a good counselor is a personal matter and a healthy choice when you realize you need support outside of yourself. Passion For You Counseling and Therapy is a safe place and if I’m not the counselor for you, I have resources to point you in a good direction.

Contact Info:

• Website: passioncounseling.com 

Image Credits
I attest that Zencare.co has given me the rights to use photos taken by them.