Meet Jamie Miles Haynes

Today we’d like to introduce you to Jamie Miles Haynes.

Jamie, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
Well, this is the story all about how my life… lol, just kidding! I am a Licensed Professional Counselor and health and fitness coach from Decatur, GA. My heart has been rooted in helping others since the 5th grade. I just never knew in what capacity God would use me in. In high school, I was a peer counselor.

As a senior, I was paired up with younger classmates and that was the first time I came face to face with individuals who had either attempted to or desired to harm themselves. I remember going to the bathroom and crying because it was all so heavy. Even in the emotion, I knew that I was exactly where I was supposed to be. A few weeks later, my guidance counselor told me, “you have a calling in counseling.” I remember sucking my teeth and saying, “whatever.” Shout out to you Mr. Little, you were right.

My fitness journey started in 2012 and stemmed from a deep depression. At this point in my life, I was stressed out from grad school, work, my internship and a toxic relationship. In the middle of all my stress, I had lost who Jamie was and pressing play on my workouts each morning was all I could control in the midst of no control. I lost my initial weight from doing an at-home workout called Insanity from Beachbody and the OG, Shaun T. I was completely out of shape and matter of fact, I threw up in the kitchen sink (couldn’t even make it to the bathroom) from trying the fitness test. Not an actual workout, but the eight-minute fitness test to see where your starting point was. Needless to say, I was starting at zero. Over the next 60 days, I did a lot of sweating and a lot, crying… some cursing too. But mostly importantly, I did a lot of growing. This program served as a catalyst for a life change for me, a paradigm shift of the mind. Every part of me changed – the mental, the physical, the emotional and the spiritual. Faith and fitness saved my life.

Fast forward to today and I’m walking in alignment with what I love and what I believe God is asking of me. I am an online therapist for the awesome virtual platform BetterHelp, as well as a health and fitness coach with Beachbody. I am a number one cheerleader for pushing people to dig deep to seek the best versions of themselves, even if it means walking through the mucky, unsexy parts of life that bring about growth. Mental health and physical health tie hand-in-hand and both should receive equal attention. People are my jam but more specifically, I love pouring into women. Moms, sisters, aunties, besties, you name it.

We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
Haaa, smooth, what is that! Depression has been an on and off again the theme in my life; it is what has developed the fighter in me. I am a huge advocate for having the tough conversations centered around depression and other mental aspects because society has created a taboo nature about these topics and many people are misinformed about these struggles as well. I often say that people feel that they have to “suffer silently,” the notion that we think we have to go through things alone or that someone else may not understand. The more we have the conversations centered around depression, common struggles and other like subjects, the less we have to do the hard things alone. I don’t believe God put us on this earth to go down every path on our own. He gives us a community for a reason.

My original fitness journey started right at the end of my grad school program. I was in one of the lowest moments of my life (that common theme of depression) and I needed to feel alive again, whole again. Ironically enough, I borrowed the Insanity program from my ex and it was life-altering. This leads me on the journey of becoming a personal trainer and a Beachbody coach. Thus entered the self-doubt as well. One of my biggest hang-ups was not believing in my abilities to be a leader and source of inspiration to others. Doubt can kill all dreams before they even start. I’ve definitely been a victim of standing in my own way over the years.

Becoming a mom is another part of the road that hasn’t been so smooth. Having my daughter is, hands down, one of the greatest blessings I’ve ever experienced, but no one prepares you for the postpartum journey or the depression that accompanies it. The first 8 – 10 months, nothing about me felt like me. Sure, you hear about the sleepless nights, but the emotional and hormonal roller coaster that you ride on is the toughest part of the battle. There’s a lot of solitude in those moments of learning this mom thing, but the reward is very much so worth it.

We’d love to hear more about your work.
I am an online therapist for the virtual therapy platform, BetterHelp. I am able to see clients via video, phone or live chat. This method of therapy is paramount in today’s changing times, and what do you know, the middle of a worldwide pandemic as well. After moving twice and having the baby, I spent over three years away from my craft. Resuming therapy at the beginning of this year was like coming home after a long trip away. It was seamless and reassuring at best. I specialize in behavioral health (depression, anxiety, etc.), mental health (psychiatric) and I have worked with adults and children. My favorite part about what I do as a therapist is witnessing the growth and stretching of my clients as they seek their best versions of themselves. My approach to therapy is candid. Real-world focused with life application intertwined.

I am also a health and fitness coach with Beachbody. What does that mean? I help folks transform physically but also mentally, emotionally and spiritually as well through the ministry of fitness. I always say that fitness is a metaphor for life and when you consistently show up for yourself, you learn to exercise that discipline in other areas of your life. I utilize a virtual gym platform and accountability groups to help clients stay focused on crushing their goals. There’s strength in numbers! Come join my team. I also have a podcast with a fellow colleague, Brittany, called the Melanin Perspective. We discuss topics and current events from the perspective of two melanated therapy professionals.

So, what’s next? Any big plans?
I plan on helping so many more folks snatch their waists while they snatch their lives as well. I love tying the mental and the physical together so in time, I would love to offer a wellness service that provides clients with both therapeutic and physical fitness aspects as well. One day, this could also become a brick and mortar location that offers holistic approaches through physical, mental, emotional and spiritual work.

One of my biggest goals in life is to become a motivational and encouragement speaker! I know that God has given me a gift with words and sharing with people and I want to take that gift to a bigger stage, a bigger platform. I want to continue pouring into the essence of others. I see seminars and themed conference weekends in the future with empowering women to seek their best lives at the forefront of it all.

Contact Info:

• Phone: 872.221.3350
• Email: [email protected]
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jamichmiles
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jamie.miles.716

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