We recently connected with Qiana Howell and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Qiana, thanks for joining us today. How did you get your first job in the field that you practice in today?

My first job in the mental and behavioral health field was at YWCA. It was the beginning of my transition of a career change from Human Resources Recruiting. I went to the agency in hopes of one position, but the hiring manager informed me that it was already filled. She proposed an opportunity to get into the agency but, it was going to mean a very serious pay cut and demotion. It was an opportunity to be a receptionist with the organization. I followed my instincts to take the job and it was the best decision. In less than 6 months, I was able to receive a promotion to the management team. I was promoted to manage the Abuser Intervention Program. I went from taking a major pay cut and working the same type of job I started in the corporate field at age 20 to managing a program and 5 employees. That job was pivotal in cultivating my love for group therapy, seeing domestic abuse from a wider perspective, and establishing a passion for working with men.

Qiana, 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?

I am Qiana Howell. I am a Therapist, Author and Speaker. My very first experience in the mental and behavioral health field was at age 14. I was hired to be a Peer Counselor for a social services agency in Detroit, MI. I, along with my other teen colleagues were tasked with providing education to children and adolescents on drugs and safe sex. I always had a love and passion for psychology and counseling. However, I allowed myself to get distracted by other life choices that led me to first pursue a career in IT recruitment. After my divorce from my daughter’s father, I felt a strong need to live more purposeful. After prayer and reflection of my life choices, I realized it was time to turn my pain into purpose. In that I also had an epiphany that my purpose was directly related to my long-term passion for counseling and psychology. That is when I decided to pursue my Master’s degree in Counseling and begin the journey of my career change.

I was granted multiple opportunities to work for various organizations that helped not only give me good work experience, but to also refine my specialty areas for my therapy work. I authored my first book in 2014 (The Pivotal Relationship) which then helped me expand my goals to go beyond working for others but to eventually build a business and brand that would permit me to use my voice to help make a positive impact and difference in this world. I initially began with the focus on working in the field of domestic abuse which then transitioned to working more with men in the areas of Veterans, addiction recovery and trauma healing.

Currently, I own my own business, Empowered to Heal, LLC, where I do therapy primarily with men and couples. I have authored two books as of 2021 (Help Me, I’m Hurting) and I use my voice to motivate, empower, and inspire people to heal and live a life of wholeness. I launched a podcast, Conversations with Q, in 2021 where I bring awareness to mental health matters by breaking the stigmas of mental health and specifically for the male population and African American culture.

I am proud of the positive impact I’ve had on men to not only heal, and to fully operate in their purpose. I hosted my first men’s retreat in November 2021 which was impactful in promoting self-care, healing and a community of Kings accountable to one another.

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

If I could go back in time, I would still choose the field of therapy. I absolutely love what I do. At this stage in my life, I’ve learned that not beginning this career until my late thirties was best than if I began straight from high school and college in my early twenties. I could possibly be burnt out in the field by now which would impact my love and passion for what I do. Additionally, I had to go through certain life experiences in order for me to be more aligned with the purpose aspect of what I do in my field. I know my life, purpose and passion allow me to serve both my clients and those around me more effectively.

Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?

Whew! I have definitely endured more than people perceive of me. I am a single mother, I’ve been married/divorced multiple times, and I’ve endured some major financial setbacks. Despite all the negatives in my life, I’ve always been able to overcome those challenges and continue to move forward to pursue the things I’m passionate about. My daughters serve as a major why that motivates me to keep rising above no matter who does or doesn’t support me, the setbacks, and failures. Every situation has a lesson that I’ve been able to take away and grow for the better. My resilience has taught my daughters to be resilient. I’m grateful and humbled by my life’s journey: the good, bad and ugly.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.empoweredtoheal.info
• Instagram: www.instagram.com/empoweredtoheal_llc
• Facebook: www.facebook.com/qiana3/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/qiana-howell-0029861b0/
• Twitter: www.twitter.com/qiana_empower
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/c/QianaBudd/videos

Image Credits
Art Bright Photography, my cell phone