Meet Kenny J. Brown of Mastermind Counseling Services in Lithonia

Today we’d like to introduce you to Kenny J. Brown.

Kenny, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
I graduated from Lakeside High School in 1998.

I grew up on the Eastside in Lithonia, GA. My Mom signed me up for the “Minority to Majority ” Program (M-to-M), bussing me to school across town. She wanted me to get acquainted with socializing with various demographics. It was a dope experience because it helped me to relate to an array of cultures.

After graduating from high school, I moved on to Georgia Southern University, pursuing a degree in Biology/Pre-Medicine. I had an interest in becoming an OBGYN. However, I was up and down with my studies due to a lack of interest in my classes. By my 4th year in school, I decided that being an obstetrician was a dream deferred.

During my 5th year, as a super senior, I noticed that my peers would come kick at my apartment to discuss life and human behavior. The discussion topics varied between self, school, relationships, and family. That’s when it hit me that I was going to change my major to Psychology. After six years of ups and downs, I graduated with my Bachelor’s degree in 2004. I was hesitant on going to graduate school because my GPA was so low. However, I took a chance, applied, and was accepted to Argosy University. I graduated from there with a Master’s in Community Counseling in 2009.

Through the grace of God, I was hired by the owner of my internship site. After a few years of field experience (Community and Private Practice), I earned the title of Licensed Professional Counselor.

Since acquiring my license, I have worked at various counseling agencies providing “life” therapy to individuals and families, in and around Atlanta. I have experience working in the school system, as well as counseling in the Department of Corrections.

Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
Trials and tribulations are apart of life. But the road to success has been anything but smooth. A couple of months after I graduated from Georgia Southern University, I was run over by a truck, while walking down the street.

I fractured my spine and pelvis and broke my leg. I had to undergo six surgeries, four blood transfusions and spent two months in the hospital. The next couple of years were rough because fell into a depression and developed an opiate addiction. The addiction went from an attempt to take away the pain, to trying to cope with living. I battled with my thoughts daily, but my family and friends kept me balanced. In 2006, I became tired of being stagnant, and decided to get back to “living”.

I soon received a job offer from a car auction and decided to apply to graduate school for Counseling. I was excited when I was accepted to Argosy University, considering the entry undergraduate GPA was a 3.0 and I only had a 2.3. I received my School of Counseling acceptance letter early summer of 2006. Then about two weeks later. I received another letter from Argosy’s School of Education. My first thought was, “What the hell is going on?”. I never applied for the Education Program.

A representative of the school told me that the counseling review board accepted me by mistake. Although disappointed and confused, I registered for a Cultural Education course, aced it, and went back to the admissions department to plead my case about my mission to be a counselor. The admissions rep then went on to tell me that before a consideration could be made to transition to the school of counseling, I had to take a whole year worth of education courses. Now I was angry…. yet determined.

I slept on the admissions department’s response for 24 hours, then decided to take matters into my own hands. I scheduled an appointment to meet with the Chairman of the School of Counseling. The chairman agreed to sit down with me. He was so impressed with my presentation that he accepted me into the program the same day. I prospered in the Counseling program and graduated with my Master’s in Community Counseling in 2009. I returned to Argosy the following year and got a Certification in Marriage and Family Counseling in 2010.

Fast forward some years later, I worked for numerous agencies, gaining more experience in the counseling field. However, I still felt unfulfilled. Along the journey, I was in physical pain (stemming from accident in 2004), struggling financially, and fell back into depression. I ran back to the opiates to cope. I pretty much suffered quietly, accept for moments I would vent to my wife. I spent 2016 doing some soul searching, at times not wanting to live any longer.

As 2017 began, I realized that I must walk in purpose. I felt that it was time to stop feeling bad for myself and work the plan that God has for me. By the summer, “Mastermind Counseling Services LLC.” was born.

Mastermind Counseling Services – what should we know? What do you guys do best? What sets you apart from the competition?
The name of my business is Mastermind Counseling Services. The foundation of the name comes from the joining of a higher power, the client(s), and myself, coming together to work through and beyond life challenges. I believe that if you “master” your way of thinking, your behaviors can/will follow.

MCS specializes in mental health and life counseling. MCS works with individuals from adolescent to 99 years of age. MCS is known for working with individuals, couples, and families. MCS’s scope is working with the adolescent population. I believe that adolescence is your transition period in life; where your character imprint solidifies. Therefore, I tend to gravitate towards reaching the lost and assisting them with navigating through life.

MCS is most proud of helping others face issues that may seem impossible to overcome. “It’s never the problem, but your perspective and response to the problem “. What sets me apart from others is that I’m relatable. No offense to my fellow therapists that dress in 3-piece suits, but you might catch me in jeans and a shirt. Close your eyes and imagine conversing with a trusted friend. That’s ME!!! Comfort and trust take some of the embarrassment and anxiety out of receiving therapy. I am also a mobile therapist, so I will pull up on you for a Counseling session.

What is “success” or “successful” for you?
I define success as passing on the tools to assist others in living and not just existing.

Many times in life, we feel like we have to follow a traditional blueprint to life. The only blueprint is to love others and do what you love until you expire. Success is being able to comfortably take care of your family and starting a legacy that your children’s children can inherit if they choose that path.

When you can maintain your “house”, while helping others build theirs, you have reached a level of success.

Who else deserves credit – have you had mentors, supporters, cheerleaders, advocates, clients or teammates that have played a big role in your success or the success of the business? If so – who are they and what role did they plan / how did they help.
First, I would like to thank God (smiles). I believe that God has been the driving force in helping me continue on my mission. I believe in spirits and energy. What I put into the atmosphere will come back. I am proof that if you walk in purpose, your outcome will be great.

My parents and wife played a vital role in my success. They have always supported my dreams and hold me accountable when I am not trying my best.

My children keep me motivated because I not only want them to be proud of me, but want to serve as an example that despite trials AND tribulations, faith and hard work bring about positive change.

Lastly, my extended family and friends. You have no idea how important those “check-in” calls are, to make sure that you are doing okay and continuing to move forward.

I am appreciative and blessed to have my village. I just want to remain SOLID and do GOD’S WILL.

Contact Info:

• Email: kbbizsense@gmail.com // mcsllc16@gmail.com

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