We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Thaddeus Tolbert a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Thaddeus, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Was there a moment in your career that meaningfully altered your trajectory? If so, we’d love to hear the backstory.

A defining moment in my career was when a group of students that I counsel stated that they had a desire to go to college and join Omega Psi Phi like me. That is when I knew that the work and behavior that I am modeling is making an impact on my community.

Thaddeus, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

I got into this industry after having the aspiration and inspiration to become a pillar and model for youth and families who look like me. I did not see any black male counselors while initially working in my first role in juvenile probation. I embarked on the journey of being counselor and have modeled manhood, scholarship, perseverance, and uplift since then. That is what sets me apart from others in this industry; I am a model of the change that I am advocating for.

Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?

There were many roadblocks and detours that I faced on this journey. With the support of family and friends, I had to navigate living check to check, processing my own childhood trauma, working and going to school full-time, and proving basic needs and security for my household. Many nights I cried and was ready to quit, but someone always told me a story of how I inspired them to achieve greatness. Not only could I not quit on them, but I could not find the Will to quit on myself!

If you could go back, would you choose the same profession, specialty, etc.?

If one was to tell me back then that I would be a counselor, I probably would have laughed in their face. My growth and understanding of the needs of my community led me here. If I could go back, I would choose this route over and over again. Self-actualization is the peak of Maslow’s hierarchy of needs. I have yet to reach my peak, but I love how going beyond the limit of the sky feels.

Contact Info:

• Website: mackcounseling.com
• Instagram: honorable.thadd
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Tolbert10
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/thaddeus-tolbert-m-a-lpc-associate-ncc-769329a1

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