Today we’d like to introduce you to Mia Edwards.
Mia, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
I always knew that I wanted to help people, but as a Young Adult, I didn’t know in what way. I enjoyed listening to others and finding ways or solutions to help them to cope through their particular issues. As I ascended through my Undergraduate (Psychology) and Graduate (Mental Health Counseling) program at the Illustrious Clark Atlanta University, I gained many mentors that we’re able to help me see who I was, where I belonged, and what I was meant to do in the world.
During my Graduate program at Clark Atlanta University, I was able to intern at a private Mental Health practice called A.T.L. Psychotherapy and Consulting Services, under the supervision of Dr. Kanika Bell and Dr. Gweneth Hayes, to work towards not only becoming a better professional but an amazing Child Therapist. I currently work with ages 3-25, and I love everything about my profession. Along the way, I started to introduce photography into my sessions in many different forms, to help my clients understand who they are, see the beauty within themselves, and know that they have more to offer to the world. All while doing this, not knowing that photography would become something I love, and it has been transforming lives ever since. Being able to utilize music and art in my sessions, and knowing it has really made a difference not only my life but clients lives has inspired me to start my own business called C.R.E.A.T.I.V.E Minds. C.R.E.A.T.I.V.E Minds was established to help children cope with life stressors and to develop emotional regulation skills through creative and performing arts.
Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
This road has not been a smooth sailing ride, but it is definitely a ride that I will never forget. Through all the obstacles I had to face, there were also many lessons. As I prepared to graduate with my MA in Mental Health Counseling from Clark Atlanta University, I had to face the BIGGEST challenge of my life, which was to pass the National Counselor’s Exam. From 2018-2020, it took me FOUR attempts to pass that certification exam. Once I passed this year, it felt like a big weight had been lifted off of my shoulders. As far as my photography business goes, trying to separate myself from other photographers to make my work different from theirs was a struggle, along with networking and finding an audience.
Please tell us more about your work, what you are currently focused on and most proud of.
As a Mental Health Therapist, I currently work with ages 3-25. I specialize in Depression, Anxiety, ADHD, behavioral issues, family conflict, ODD, Stress-Related Disorders, and many more. The therapeutic approaches that I typically use are Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, Play Therapy, Art, and Music. While being in this field, I am most proud of the tremendous growth and changes that my clients are able to achieve through the work that we have been doing through therapy; Seeing my clients make a 180, and knowing that I make an impact on their life. What sets me apart from other therapists is my ability to connect with my clients through natural understanding using empathy, utilizing creative arts to manage difficult triggers, tough emotions, and stress-related symptoms in a healthy manner, and being able to relate to Millennials, Gen X, and Gen Z.
Emale Productions focuses on creating a safe and fun environment by capturing you in your own element. This is what sets me apart from other photographers. Many times we focus on what we look like in front of the camera, rather than being ourselves. Like the meaning of my name, people cannot judge or know you at a glance without seeing what you have to offer and what you bring to the world. I specialize in portraits, lifestyle, events, professional headshots, and business shoots.
What moment in your career do you look back most fondly on?
The proudest moment in my career would definitely have to be becoming a certified therapist in GA!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://emaleproductions.mypixieset.com/
- Email: miaedwards57@gmail.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/emaleproductions/?hl=en
https://www.instagram.com/c.r.e.a.t.i.v.e_minds_/?hl=en
Image Credit:
Jabari Broden
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