Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Monica Money. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Monica, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today How’s you first get into your field – what was your first job in this field?

I actually did my clinical internship at the place that hired me after graduation. My internship was for four months, and I was required to do 600 hours that included direct and indirect contact with the clients. During the internship, I was also studying for the National Licensure Exam. This exam determined weather I graduated or not. I took the Licensure Exam in October of 2013 and found out the results the beginning of December. Was notified that I passed the exam the beginning of December, so I was able to graduate. After I was notified that I had passed the licensure exam, my internship supervisor asked if I would be interesting in staying on with the university and become one of the therapist. I was so excited that I was going to get a chance to stay on after my graduation. I started working as a therapist in January 2014. Additionally, I was supervised on my job for the 3,000 hours that I needed to become a fully certified therapist. After being on the job for about 6 months, I was diagnosed with breast cancer. This changed the amount of hours I could work, but my supervisor was so supportive during this season I was in. Currently, I am still working with the university, but in a part time capacity. I am now working in my own Private Practice.

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

How did I get into this type of work …………I was working in the school system as a Secretary in the Student Services office at a high school. During the Financial Crisis of 2008 I was laid off. After, attempting to find another job, my cousin encouraged me to go back to school and get my Masters. I had always wanted to go back to school, but I kept putting my family and their needs before my wants. I am sure folks can relate to this! I was not sure what career I wanted to get into, so my cousin gave me a Career Assessment and the results all pointed to Therapy. So, I started looking into some programs with the help of my cousin and applied to a program at North Carolina A&T State University. I started the Masters program Fall of 2010. It was a major transition, but I gave myself time to adjust and things went really well for me while I was in the program.

I am a licensed Certified Rehabilitation Counselor and a Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor. I provide a holistic, whole person approach to assist my clients to restore their balance. As a psychotherapist, I provide a collaborative and non-judgmental space for my clients to work through difficult experiences. Together we actively work towards developing new perspectives, identifying coping skills, and finding practical solutions to their current challenges.

I have practiced therapy for 8 years, and I work with ages 14 & up experiencing an array of issues, including but not limited to: anxiety, depression, relationship issues, low self-esteem, gender identity, emotion regulation, stress/anger management, trauma, chronic illness, substance abuse and grief. I specialize in working with young adults who are transitioning to college.

I am most proud that I was able to start my private practice this year. I am learning a whole other side of the profession.

Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?

While I was in my Masters program, I drove three times a week to the university. The university was an hour away from where I lived and it was and evening program. I had classes from 6:00pm – 9:00pm each time they met. Then I would drive back home that evening and get home around 10:00pm. I am married with 3 children, and at the time I was in school my younger two were still home. So, I would have to be very organized and make sure that they had what they needed so that I could go to school 3 times a week. My mother actually helped me a lot with the kids. She actually bought a townhouse in the same town so when I needed her help she was available. It definitely took team work that got me to the finish line!

Training and knowledge matter of course, but beyond that what do you think matters most in terms of succeeding in your field?

The most important things to help me succeed in my field is taking care of myself and making time to unwind and just BE. Additionally, it is important for a therapist to have their own therapist. As a therapist you are helping folk process things and you are hearing things that might trigger something in you. So it is important for a therapist to have someone to talk to and process things.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.monicamoneypllc.com
• Instagram: monicamoneypllc
• Linkedin: Monica Money, MS, CRC, LCMHC

Image Credits
Picture of me: Lauren Money Other pictures: Internet