Today we’d like to introduce you to Tieshekia Fowlks.
Hi Tieshekia, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I’ve always focused my therapeutic energy serving those individuals that have traditionally considered therapy taboo. Youth programs with the Urban League, Domestic Violence shelters, YWCA Teen mom programs, Child Protective Services, State prisons, Accountability Courts Mental, Veterans and Substance abuse, Hospital emergency rooms and most dear to my heart, private practice. MBR Counseling & Mediation Services
For me, Mental health is total health. It’s never been as socially accepted or promoted as it is today, yet it is still a challenge for some to access, pay for air even seek out. More recently, I conducted a few live streams, providing culturally competent Mental health services through social media. In hopes of normalizing therapy, prioritizing Mental health, identifying providers, and addressing fears surrounding Mental health.
Growing up in a large family in a city enriched with urban roots, servicing culturally diverse clients, once married, and now divorced, single mom of three. All of which have groomed me this journey. So there’s not much that sounds or feels like new Information.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Nah, nothing smooth about these roads, but I wouldn’t have had it any other way. Many things contributed to my spaghetti junction., as I laughingly refer to my life.
I wasn’t always the most confident in the room, so it lead to my unasked questions or missed opportunities. I’m the only person with Aldinism in my family and network that has oftentimes posed a different set of jagged edges for me.
I’ve used it to my advantage when I’ve held groups or given seminars. It works.
Lack of resources, stereotypes in mental health, my own character defects, and never enough time in the day.
The struggle to provide affordable therapy and become a millionaire continues 😆
Can you tell us more about what you were like growing up?
Aw man….. I was the empath in a house of seven, sometimes more, I spent invaluable hours with my exceptional grandmother who raised ten children and loved me out loud. It was always a family affair, and we were each other’s night day guests ♥ Community rec centers grew us up, and I still have some of the same friends since I was eight. Even today, I still connect with others. Some resulting in lifelong relationships.
My mom and aunt made sure I knew God, who I was, why I existed and how to embrace my differences proudly. It wasn’t always received that way, so in turn I would oftentimes shy away when entering a room. It’s unnerving and a confidence killer when the whispers, giggles or stares are loud. It took me years to accept it and not allow the ignorance to jeopardize my growth. My black ain’t like yours. My black is gold… That’s it, that’s all.
Growing up, you couldn’t tell me I wouldn’t become a singer/dancer/photographer and rich. I attended camps internationally that helped shape my perspectives of other cultures and expose me to my own family norms, +/-
Therapy was the furthest thing from my mind, especially because I didn’t see any that looked or sounded like anyone I knew.
Contact Info:
- Email: mbrcounselhelp@yahoo.com
- Website: www.mbrcounseling.com
- Instagram: @mbrcounseling
- Youtube: MBR Counseling
