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

Monique, appreciate you joining us today. How did you come up with the idea for your business?

I never had the idea to be an entrepreneur. I was very comfortable working for someone else. But as life has it, when your passion meets your purpose, everything changes. It literally started with me seeing a post on social media stating that people who were pastors had either committed suicide or left their church. This shook me to my core. As a person of faith, I have always held men and women who serve in leadership roles in the church dear to my heart. I was devastated to hear the news and I knew I had to do something about it. And that is when I began researching and interviewing men and women to see what the issue was. And that is when I discovered burnout, compassion fatigue, anxiety, depression, and suffering in silence were the issues. And from there, I established Solutions for the Silent LLC. A personal development company that provides mental health therapy, training, and consulting, specializing in anxiety, depression, burnout, and grief.

Monique, 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?

Hello, readers! I’m Monique Phifer, and I’m excited to share more about myself. I have over two decades of experience in the social services field, my passion lies in helping individuals live authentically and unlock their true potential. I hold a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Youngstown State University, a Master’s degree in Social Work from The Ohio State University and I am a Certified Grief Educator by David Kessler. Currently, I serve as the CEO and owner of Solutions for the Silent LLC, where we provide mental health services and training development. Additionally, I am also the CEO and owner of Phifer Coaching & Consulting, a transformative platform offering coaching, professional speaking, and consulting services. At the core of my work, lies a strong belief in the transformative power of embracing authenticity and living in alignment with one’s true self. This belief led me to develop the BE YOU WAY™, a guiding framework that supports individuals on their personal growth and transformation journey. Through Phifer Coaching & Consulting, I go beyond traditional therapy by providing personalized coaching sessions and expert consulting services—all rooted in the BE YOU WAY™. My goal is to empower individuals, help them break free from self-imposed limitations, and guide them toward their true potential. What sets me apart from others in the profession is my deep commitment to my client’s growth and well-being. The BE YOU WAY™ serves as a foundation for transformative conversations that empower individuals to embrace their authentic selves and pursue their dreams. I firmly believe that each conversation holds immense potential for positive change and personal transformation. In addition to creating a safe and nurturing environment for my clients, I prioritize continuous learning and professional development. This ensures that I provide the highest level of expertise and support. Listening actively, showing empathy, and offering non-judgmental support are essential elements of my approach, allowing me to establish strong connections that pave the way for profound transformations. Furthermore, I am dedicated to advocating for mental health and reducing the associated stigma. My aim is to raise awareness, promote education, and foster a society where seeking support for mental well-being is seen as a strength. I envision a world where individuals can openly discuss and address their mental health without fear or judgment. I feel privileged to work with various individuals as they manage their trauma and limiting beliefs and embrace their true potential. Guiding individuals through the BE YOU WAY™ is a humbling experience, and I am honored to be a catalyst for positive change in their lives.

We’d love to hear a story of resilience from your journey.

In the face of adversity, I found the power to transform my life and rise above the challenges. Life dealt me a series of heavy blows, the end of a significant relationship, and walking away from a stable job. I felt lost and struggled to find my true identity. It seemed like every setback pushed me deeper into darkness. But within that darkness, I discovered a flicker of resilience. I realized that I had a choice—to let my circumstances define me or to use them as catalysts for transformation. Fueled by a deep desire to overcome my struggles, I embarked on a journey of self-discovery and healing, determined to find meaning and purpose. As I healed, I found solace in connecting with others.

Through profound conversations and shared experiences, I encountered the transformative power of human connection. These interactions not only helped me heal but also inspired those around me. This realization ignited a calling within me, leading me to become a mental health therapist and transformational coach. Years later, tragedy struck again. While building my business and helping others transform their lives, I faced the devastating loss of my beloved father. The pain threatened to derail me, but I had already tested my resilience and knew I could face what life had dealt me. I allowed myself to grieve while leaning on the strength I had cultivated. My dad’s passing, although deeply painful, fueled my purpose and commitment to making a positive impact. I became even more dedicated to helping others navigate their struggles and find resilience amidst adversity. My journey highlights the fact that personal loss and setbacks can foster resilience. The challenges I faced years before becoming an entrepreneur became the catalysts that propelled me forward. And it was the loss of my dad while being an entrepreneur, that tested my resilience to its core. Today, I invite others to join me on a transformative journey. Together, we can tap into our innate resilience, find solace in shared experiences, and build a thriving community of support and growth. Let’s embrace our losses as stepping stones to a brighter future, and together, we can heal, grow, and create extraordinary lives.

What’s been the best source of new clients for you?

The best source of new clients is word of mouth. I also utilize referral platforms: Therapy for Black Girls and Psychology Today.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.solutionsforthesilent.com
• Instagram: moniquephifer
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/moniquephifer1
• Linkedin: moniquephifer
• Twitter: moniquephifer

Image Credits
J Wes Photography and Lionel Harris