Today we’d like to introduce you to Meka Nicole Alford.
Meka Nicole, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
I’m the oldest of eight. My mom has three and my dad has five children. I have always been a leader and very determined. I grew up in the trailer park and the projects. We had very little but we did the best that we could. My mom had me when she was 13 years old and always instilled in me that I could do better. Her saying is “I want my children to do better than me.” So she always encouraged me to pursue my dreams and goals. I knew that I wanted to go to college to “make something” of myself. I attended Jacksonville University in undergrad and Argosy University for my Master degree. It was at Jacksonville U that I discovered my love for helping other people. I took a homelessness class in which we had to stay the night at the homeless shelter for perspective. It was the most humbling experience I’ve had. As I spoke with some of the individuals experiencing homelessness, I realized my destiny: to help heal the broken so that they may live a joyous and fulfilled life. So I decided to change my major to Sociology and pursue a Master Degree in Professional Counseling.
Growing up as the oldest I never had anyone to listen to me or be my shoulder to cry on. I had to be the strong one all the time. Now, I’m that person for those who don’t have anyone else. I started my counseling practice in January 2013. My counseling focuses on Maternal Mental Health, LGBTQI, Trauma to include sexual abuse, Intimacy, and Relationships. I see clients in my Buckhead office every Sunday and during the week via secure video. In addition, I’m a huge advocate for female confidence and built an educational seminar to help women feel confident in their intimate and everyday lives. My seminar (Sex and Sensuality®) has sold out in numerous cities from Atlanta, New York, NY, Jacksonville, FL., Charlotte, NC and Charleston, SC. March 2nd I’m hosting a second showing of my Sex and Sensuality® Burlesque Show in Atlanta, GA. My Feb 10th show sold out with over 65 individuals in attendance so i added a second show. Each S&S is entirely different from the one before because I want to offer a different experience each time for the ladies. I also offer a private version of Sex and Sensuality® entitled Blushing Whispers. This is for Girls Night In, Bachelorette Parties, Birthday celebrations, or couples game night. We host those twice a month. By day I’m a Behavioral Health Case Manager with a Major Insurance company and by night I’m a Licensed Professional Counselor building my private practice and pushing towards my ultimate goal of becoming a world-renowned therapist!
I’m currently pursuing a degree in nursing so I may become a Psychiatric Nurse. I’ve appeared on Fatal Attraction as well as Snapped providing expert insight into crimes of passion committed by women. I’ve acted in numerous local films and plays as well as modeled and appeared on two book covers. I’m in the process of relaunching my popular podcast Sex and Sensuality in which we discussed love, dating, and intimacy. I’m married to my wonderful wife and we have a beautiful nine-month-old daughter. I work hard everyday, pushing myself to be greater than the circumstances I was born into. I want to leave my daughter a legacy that she can be proud of! When I’m not working or creating I enjoy reading and watching Lifetime movies.
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?
Challenges included working three jobs as I pursued my bachelor’s degree and working full time as I pursued my Master’s degree.
So, as you know, we’re impressed with In-to-Mate Counseling Services – tell our readers more, for example what you’re most proud of and what sets you apart from others.
As a Licensed Professional Counselor I specialize in Trauma, Intimacy, LGBTQI, Relationships, and Maternal Mental Health.
I’m most proud of my ability to market effectively via social media. My entire practice has been built through social media and word of mouth. I service about 50-60 clients a year part-time.
What sets me apart is my ability to relate to my clients. I always say I’m not your typical therapist… its like chatting with your good girlfriend… but healing along the way!
So, what’s next? Any big plans?
I’m planning to become a Psychiatric Nurse so that I may add the ability to prescribe meds to my clients if needed. I want my counseling practice to be a one-stop shop.
Pricing:
- $120 per counseling session private pay
- $20 per person for Private Blushing Whispers Parties
Contact Info:
- Website: www.mekanicole.com
- Email: counselorsnt@gmail.com
- Instagram: @mekanicolealford
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/mnicolecounselor
- Other: www.blushingwhispers.com
Image Credit:
Nichelle Storr Photography, Chanda Rae Photography
Getting in touch: VoyageATL is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
