Today we’d like to introduce you to Lakeba Williams.
Hi Lakeba, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
When I was a little girl, when people asked me what I wanted to be when I grow up, I would say, “I want to be a doctor.” I would prescribe Smarties candies as if they were medicine under the big tree across from my grandmother “Mudear’s” house. During my middle school years, I helped to take care of my great-grandmother “Big Momma”. She was a double amputee with diabetes and heart disease. The time that I spent with her helped to shape the woman I am today. I think that started my journey as a healer. My formal training includes social work, community agency counseling, adult education, and Christian ministry. That training resulted in advanced degrees that culminated with an earned PhD from Auburn University in 2013. I’ve worked for mental health agencies in the community, non-profits and the psychological services department of a municipality. Along the way, I’ve continued to navigate the entrepreneurial journey called Fresh Hope Counseling Center, LLC (FHCC) established in 2012. FHCC is a Black, woman-owned family business and an integral part of my legacy. I am a psychotherapist, consultant, speaker, author – helping individuals and organizations become more adaptable. My areas of interest include attachment theory, mentoring and spiritual wellbeing. My clients and colleagues refer to me as Dr. Lakeba. My husband calls me Mké (wife in Swahili) and my children and granddaughter call me Queen.
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?
I played basketball in college and my coach at the end of practice, during conditioning he would say, “It’s hard but it’s fair, sad but it’s true.” Yes, there have been many obstacles along the way. I started FHCC with a partner, and she left the business less than a year after it started. She had to relocate because her husband got a job in another state. As a small business owner, I was just trying to make it past the 5-year mark. According to the Small Business Association, about 50% of all small businesses fail in their fifth year. In 2015, I went through a divorce and moved to Metro Atlanta in 2016. At the time, I would drive back and forth between the location in Alabama and the new location. I closed the location in Alabama and focused my attention on building the brand in Georgia. It was like starting over. My new location was in Sandy Springs. I took over the lease for a colleague I met at a conference a couple of years prior. I always dreamed of owning my own building. In July of 2019, that dream became a reality. Three months later, my son was killed as a result of gun violence right down the street from my office building. Our lived experience with trauma, grief and loss is the impetus behind the imminent establishment of the Urban Trauma Awareness and Wellness Project, a non-profit organization dedicated to healing communities enduring the devastating effects of trauma.
Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
At Fresh Hope Counseling Center, LLC (FHCC), we specialize in helping clients move beyond surviving to thriving and to create positive change in their lives. We also enjoy working in collaboration with clients to find common-sense solutions to everyday problems. With years of expertise in creating reparative relationships with our clients, we witness them become better able to experience a wide range of emotions and develop an increased capacity to tolerate stress. If you are willing to do the work, this is the work! At FHCC, we believe in the resiliency of the human spirit and are committed to strengthening your emotional, mental and spiritual health.
We are a Black, woman-owned, family business and this sets us apart. Our office is located at 4147 Flat Shoals Pkwy, Decatur GA 30034.
Due to COVID-19 concerns, we are conducting sessions via video and phone if the reason you are seeking services is supportive of either of these modalities. We are most proud of our trademark: get cha couch on™ as it encourages us to make our mental health a priority. In addition, we just launched an urban clothing line promoting mental health and wellness.
The FHCC team consists of credentialed professionals: Dr. Lakeba – a licensed professional counselor, Lauren Williams – licensed associate professional counselor and a Coach Jeff – certified professional life coach. Our services include Individual Therapy, Couple Therapy, Family Therapy, Group Therapy, Life Coaching, Workshops/Seminars and Consultations (Personal and Business).
Alright, so to wrap up, is there anything else you’d like to share with us?
You are enough! Go to therapy! We believe everyone needs a therapist or a life coach. Therapy is losing its stigma in our communities. It can be useful along with spirituality/religion, a robust support system and self-care, as you navigate many of life’s obstacles. get cha couch on™
Pricing:
- Counseling services starting at up to $160/hour
- Life coaching services starting at up to $160/hour
- Workshops/Seminars Up to 60 minutes: $600/hour
- Consultation Personal: $175/hour — Business: $225/hour —
Contact Info:
- Email: drlakeba@freshhopetoday.com
- Website: https://www.freshhopetoday.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/freshhopetoday/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/freshhopetoday/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/freshhopetoday_
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCb1TH_vbPZmHLsKa5og-ZeQ
Image Credits
Sheldyn Moore, Mary Norris
