We were lucky to catch up with Dr. Kimberly Kimbrough-edwards recently and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Dr. Kimberly , thanks for joining us today. Was there a defining moment in your professional career? A moment that changed the trajectory of your career?

I can remember finishing up my undergrad year and trying to figure out my life as a young married mother of three. One thing I had vowed was to never accept a job as a teacher. I wanted to write amazing stories and travel the world. A year later, I became a teacher after going through an alternative certification program at Letourneau University. Over the years I had grown to love the opportunity to change lives. On one particular day I came across a student who was suicidal. I hadn’t had much information or knowledge about the topic, but I did have a teenage son who was depressed at that time, so that give me a little insight. I was able to convince the student to give her life a chance, and many years later she lived on. Unfortunately, shortly after that incident, I lost my own son. I’ll never forget the call and hearing the words, Josh is gone. I’ll never forget reading the death certificate that said suicide death by firearm to the head. I’ll never forget telling my children their brother was gone. I’ll never forget sitting in grief counseling and crying every session. This was the moment that forever changed my life. This was the moment I decided to live and not die. This was the moment I became Dr. Kimberly and begun continuing my education to become a licensed therapist. This is my story. This is my Life. It will never be the same again.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

In 2017, I lost my son, who was 19 years old. He had just graduated high school the year prior. He suffered with severe depression and suicide ideation. He attempted a few times, but I never believed that to be his story. With so many unanswered questions, I began doing my own research, starting with completing my doctorate in Educational Leadership where I wrote my dissertation on Counselors and Teacher’s Knowledge, Perception, and Awareness of Suicide Among Youth. During my oral defense, I was asked questions about my research and why I chose this study. I shared my story of my son, and my passion to help save as many families as possible from experiencing such loss and grief. Losing Josh also inspired me to start my Non-profit, There is Life after Life. Our ultimate mission is to provide resources for families who have lost loved ones ro suicide or who has a loved one who is or has been suicidal. What separates us is our approache. We don’t just use research or background knowledge to drive our organization. Our organization is built on real lived experience. This is not something that was read, this is something that was lived. There aren’t too many stories from clients I can’t realistically relate to. When I say to a client after hearing their story, “I understand,” these aren’t just words to make them feel better, I really do understand. I understand having lost a child to suicide. I understand having 3 children who dealt with suicide ideation. I understand having 2 children who were on suicide watch. I understand growing up in poverty, in a single parent home. I understand being homeless, having no food, feeling all alone. I understand growing up and experiencing molestation from people you trusted to look after you. I understand a life of drugs and alcohol and what it can do you and your family. These are just a few things that set us apart. When I look back at all the work I’ve done and am still doing, I’m most proud that I didn’t give up. I wanted to so many days and still have those moments, but when I think about my son and his life, his story must go on. He is saving so many lives. A few of our services included providing gifts during the holidays as these can be difficult times for families. We have partnered with Toys for Tots over past 4 years to provide toys to families of mental health struggles or suicide. We also offer workshops on suicide prevention, tutoring in Reading and Writing, Christian Counseling, grief counseling, mental health counseling, and relationship counseling. Our branding company, Backtolife360 LLC, is an extension of our Non-profit where we offer the counseling services. Donations for the Non-profit help families pay for needed counseling services that they otherwise would not be able to afford. We also utilize donations to continue providing resources such as free workshops, wellness camps, and helping families pay for burial or hospitalization expenses that come from suicide and other mental health related challenges.

For more information about what we do, visit thereislifeafter.org

Putting training and knowledge aside, what else do you think really matters in terms of succeeding in your field?

The thing that has been the most helpful in the success of my journey is the support of people; those who truly believe in my vision. I have been blessed to have a husband and family that supports my goals. I have been able to work with someone who has over 20 plus years in running a private counseling practice. This person allowed me to complete my practicum hours under her supervision. Not only that, but her support has guided me to explore areas of myself that I hadn’t paid attention to. Learning under her leadership has provided me the courage, strength and knowledge needed to sustain in this profession. Finally and foremost, I’ve found my tribe! For years I felt alone in this journey, until I met four other remarkable women who shared their story of suicide loss. We come from different backgrounds, ethnicities, beliefs, and cultures, but we share this one thing in common and it has bonded us more than ever as a family.

Do you think you’d choose a different profession or specialty if you were starting now?

If I could go back, I would choose this profession. As a wife, I am a counselor. As a mother, I am a counselor. As a friend, I counsel and provide advice. As a professional educator, I provided counseling to my students daily. And as a person, I too need counseling.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://thereislifeafter.org
• Instagram: lostafterlife.x
• Linkedin: Dr. Kimberly Kimbrough-Edwards
• Other: Spotify Podcast
  Dr. Kimberly Kimbrough-Edwards
  The Realities of Mental Health

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