We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Keyonia Williams. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Keyonia below.

Keyonia, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Setting up an independent practice is a daunting endeavor. Can you talk to us about what it was like for you – what were some of the main steps, challenges, etc.

I started my own practice as a result of realizing a need in the community for Black Mental health education. There is a big lack of understanding mental health and mental health needs specific to the Black Community. Our mental health is impacted on a daily basis due to historical and generational trauma as well as the trauma of racism. When treating Black folks in any capacity those factors that must always be acknowledged. However, this is not the standard of practice and it is my goal to educate social service organizations and providers on how to better serve the Black community as it relates to mental health. Traditional mental practices, theories, and modalities do not work for my community because they do not factors in the Black experience in America. I seen a need and was already doing the work as an individual provider and decided that it would be best to create an official business to support the work on a much larger scale. The only thing I would’ve done differently was to start sooner. Advice I would give young professionals is create the world you want to see and always re-evaluate your why and make sure you keep your goals, core values, and mission at the forefront. Lastly, if you happen to be working in any social service agency I would encourage you to continuously push back at the system and always go against the status quo.

Keyonia, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

My name is Keyonia Williams, and from Newark, NJ and currently residing in Portland, OR. I’m a mother, partner, revolutionary Licensed clinical social worker, an advocate for the Black community, and an Adjunct Professor at Portland State University in the School of Social Work Graduate Program. I became a social worker as a result of growing up in the inner city and being aware of the disparities in Black communities. I always knew that I wanted to give back to my community. I have spent the last 12 years providing culturally specific mental health services to Black families using the Afrocentric frameworks. I’ve also provided education and mental health consultation to schools, social service organizations, and individual providers interested in providing Black families with a better quality of service. What I’m most proud of is being able to do this work while staying true to myself, being unapologetically who I’m and always valuing the humanity of all the folks I work with. I currently specialize in culturally specific counseling, coaching, and consulting for individuals, groups, organizations, and families. I believe in the power of change and that is what motivates me to continue to do this work. My goal is to serve my community by educating, supporting, and empowering. Therefore, my approach is to help each person, family, or organization to reach their highest potential.

At Healing Black Souls Consulting, we specialize in Black Mental Health. Our work takes into account that Black/African people have historically been dehumanized and oppressed. This has evolved into present day systemic racism. These factors create a unique and unpleasant experience for Black/African people in this society. Our practice focuses on how living in this society has a profound impact on the overall, mental wellbeing of Black/African folks. We are committed to supporting Black/African families’ access to conditions that will allow them to reach their highest quality of mental wellness despite the current conditions. 

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

Always being true to who you are, being committed to your own personal healing journey, being relatable and genuine with folks.

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

I would still chose the same profession as this work is so rewarding and it is a calling and a passion that is undeniable for me. This is heart and soul work.

Contact Info:

• Website: healingblacksouls.org
• Instagram: healing_black_souls_consulting
• Linkedin: Keyonia Williams

Image Credits
Sharon pdx for the photo with the Black jacket on