We recently connected with Nineka Dyson and have shared our conversation below.

Nineka, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. How did you get your first job in the field that you practice in today?

My first job in the field was a job merely for me to settle for what was available, but it was also a defining moment in my career. I graduated from my master’s program with high hopes of working in my field and working towards licensure. Well, my family moved shortly after graduation to the mid-west, and unbeknownst to me at the time, the licensing requirements for mental health counselors differs by state. Some states require specific courses for their licensure. Unfortunately, the state I moved to was one of those. Despite my accredited program, this had no bearing with the licensure board. However, the state’s licensure board was overseen by a non-clinician at the time.

While I realized licensure in the state would be difficult for me, the realization was that we had moved to a new location with young children, so I needed a position with set hours, not open-ended hours. I also wanted an opportunity to gain additional clinical skills to enhance my practice toward licensure. The decision by the board frustrated me so much that I decided to apply to a doctoral program as well. If they were making me take more courses, I would do it my way and ensure I don’t have this problem again and one day advocate for change in the licensing law for that state.

Most jobs during that time were more appropriate for bachelor’s -level case managers where I would not harness my skills as a clinician or required emergency availability. I had plenty of work experience to know that I had to weigh the amount of time put into the job with the pay. Those jobs did not fit my expectations, as I know my value. Then, I found a job in a psychiatric hospital that would allow me to use my clinical skills appropriately and grow my skills with decent pay. I never thought I would work as an Admissions Clinician, as professors and the counseling profession do not see this as a “counseling” job. However, this job offered the opportunity to gain experiences others in the field only read about. The interview was standard but was more of a reverse interview. I asked more questions about the population, facility, and work requirements. I was hired within a week, a defining moment in my career. I often tell my supervisees and mentees that working in admissions for almost three years gave me more experience than anyone working the same time in outpatient. Being an Admissions Clinician and my other work experiences, set me apart in my doctoral program. The job was stressful, but I have no regrets and often recommend the type of job for early career clinicians.

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

After the military, I worked in emergency management, and as I was completing an emergency plan, I realized there was a mental health component missing from the plans. Sometime between that realization and the notice that I would move again for work, I had a desire to help others as a counselor. After gaining advanced degrees with focus on spiritual concerns, counselor education, supervision, and advanced practice, I felt a need to do more.

From there, Standing Tall, LLC was birthed out of a conversation with the owners I currently contract with YOUr Center, LLC, and recognized that people need their own people when life seems like an enigma. My company offers contracted integrative mental health services for clinicians and professionals beyond therapy; Standing Tall offers clinical supervision/education, spiritual direction, and mentoring services. It is built on integrative wellness that includes advocacy for clients, helping people envision themselves in a new light as we join them on the journey. Whether navigating the challenges of higher education, advancing in your career, or fostering meaningful connections within the athletic community, we are committed to providing the guidance and support to excel. I even serve as a health advocate for clients when needed. We choose to use our experiences to help others excel. I am proud of our team for assisting clients to start and move through their journey successfully and supporting them when needed. Our work is personalized to the client, whether the client is a group or an individual. When clients work with us, we understand that people are unique and have different needs and goals. We work with you to align your goals to help you along your journey.

Have you ever had to pivot?

Every year I seek discernment for a word of the year to keep me focused on an overall goal. My word for the year is “Renew” Interestingly, I am at a pivot point in my business and life, trying to answer the questions of “[W]hat’s next?”, [W]hat is out of balance. Using my word of the year as a focus, I desire to take time to relax and not answer “[W}hat’s next?”.

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

Absolutely. I believe my profession as a Professional Counselor affords me more flexibility than the other helping professions with similar foci. Additionally, I am more prepared than some of my counterparts to have an interdisciplinary conversation to help my clients.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.potentialjourneys.com;
• Other: Publication:
  https://research.library.kutztown.edu/jcps/vol19/iss1/4/
  
  

Image Credits

Nineka Dyson
Caelyn Dyson