Today we’d like to introduce you to Roshell Hanse.
Hi Roshell, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I have always had a passion for Counseling, even before knowing about the profession. Since a child, I recognize that I’ve had the ability to communicate with people and develop meaningful connections leading to a passion for helping others in distress. After high school, I decided to attend Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University for my undergraduate degree, where I majored in Psychology and minored in Criminal Justice. At the time, I thought I wanted to be a Forensic Psychologist as I did not yet understand that my interest in investigative shows was more focused on trauma than forensics. After graduation, I attended Argosy University in 2012, where I obtained my Master’s in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. Securing my Master’s degree allowed me to work in many clinical settings such as domestic violence residential facilities, community-based agencies, psychiatric centers, the Department for Children and Families Services, and private practices.
In 2017 I went back to school to pursue my Ph.D. in Counselor Education and Supervision. While working in my doctorate program, I felt compelled to start Yestiny, LLC, a virtual practice providing conscious and convenient Counseling services for Black women. While working as an Associate Mental Health Therapist, I recognized the lack of intentions people had when they spoke, which created emotional distress and disconnected them from the goals they were seeking to obtain. Using specific interventions and theoretical frameworks, I help women create awareness of the language that holds them back from their optimal selves leading to increased self-esteem and a better quality of life.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Is there such a thing as a smooth road? Life has definitely provided its share of challenges along the way. During my sophomore year of undergrad, many do not know, but I struggled with depression pretty intensely. One night after partying with friends, I found myself feeling sad, empty, and yet again alone, and I swallowed a bottle of Tylenol. Looking back, I realize that I was 19 years old and almost took my own life because my thoughts and emotions were so intense I honestly believed that was a way out. While taking Psychology classes and being aware of the science behind the brain, I had no idea about the concept of Counseling and the impact my thoughts and emotions have over my behaviors. I also neglected to acknowledge the trauma I witnessed as a child and its impact on my development and depression; again, all would make more sense as I became more fluent in Counseling.
In 2018, Argosy University, where I was currently enrolled, closed down all its campuses leaving me five classes from the dissertation in a doctorate program that no longer existed. Determined not to let the school closure stop me, I started calling and emailing schools that would hear my story and allow me to transfer my credits. The issue with this is that many doctorate programs do not accept more than six transfer credits, and I had thirty-three credits needing to be transferred. Luckily since this was a national crisis, many universities were aware and willing to accept more than six but capping out at eighteen credits. I was blessed and was able to get accepted to Barry University in Miami, Florida, where they transferred thirty of my credits. Getting accepted to Barry presented another issue as now I would have to relocate to Miami and figure out to see my clients virtually (this was pre-COVID). Clients were less enthused about doing virtual Counseling at this time. Imagine having to start over in a sense at a new university, relocate and live back home with your mom, battle with a break-up after being engaged and dating for almost five years, commuting three hours round trip for school, work two jobs, and find time to complete homework assignments. There were definitely some days I struggled to manage it all.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about Yestiny?
Yestiny, LLC, is a virtual practice providing conscious and convenient Counseling services for Black women. While working as an Associate Mental Health Therapist, I recognized the lack of intentions people had when they spoke, which created emotional distress and disconnected them from the goals they were seeking to obtain. Using specific interventions and theoretical frameworks, I help women create awareness of the language that holds them back from their optimal selves leading to increased self-esteem, self-worth, and a better quality of life. As a National Certified Counselor, Certified Clinical Trauma Professional, and Associate Professional Counselor in Georgia, my Counseling approach focuses primarily on awareness and reframing of their unintentional language and distorted meanings.
I show women how they speak impacts how they think, feel, and act, empowering them with strategies and tools to overcome unhealthy thinking patterns, emotionally regulate, and develop healthier life habits. In sessions with clients, I also noticed their struggle to remain accountable outside of session, which prompted me to create Keys To You: A Wellness Self-Guide. Keys To You: A Wellness Self-Guide is the first-ever therapy tracker with journaling and daily wellness components, enabling clients to effectively change the way they change. Yestiny, LLC will officially begin accepting new clients in January 2021, and Keys To You: A Wellness Self- Guide will be available for purchase in March 2021.
Before we go, is there anything else you can share with us?
I do not accept insurance. I do, although accept all major credit cards, Health Saving Account cards (HSA), and offer a sliding scale for clients who may need some financial relief.
Although I do not accept insurance I will provide what is called a superbill for clients seeking to use their insurance. The superbill allows client to be reimbursed by their insurance companies for their out of network counseling services.
Contact Info:
- Email: RH@AskRoshell.com
- Website: https://www.goodtherapy.org/therapists/profile/roshell-hanse-apc-ncc-cctp-hanse-20200713
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/askroshell/
- Other: https://providers.therapyforblackgirls.com/
