We recently connected with Toma’ BLUE and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Toma’ , thanks for joining us today. 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.

In June of 2022, I started my own private practice as a, Mental Health Counselor. I at first was very hesitant, due to me being a new counselor to the filed but I took a leap on faith; and I don’t regret it at all. It has been a challenge but I am starting to see the fruits of my labor. I love that I am able to provide affordable mental health counseling to those in my community. I also love the fact that I am growing and learning everyday; when I am in the presence of a client. Providing mental health counseling services is so important to me because I believe that no one should have to go through anything alone; especially if they are suffering from mental health issues. It’s always good to have someone outside of your family and friend circle as a support system; because you’ll never have to worry about if it’s a safe place or not. I enjoy providing a safe place for clients and with me establishing my private practice I have been able to assist over 10 people so far.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

My name is Toma’ Blue and I am a Mental Health Counselor, who provide counseling services through out Florida. I established my private practice, “The Healing Journey and Me, LLC” in June of 2022. I am a proud member of; Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Incorporated, Delta Epsilon Zeta Chapter of West Palm Beach, FL. I am also a United States Army Veteran. I earned my Bachelors of Arts Degree in Psychology at St. Leo University, located in Central Florida and earned my Masters of Science Degree in Mental Health Counseling at Palm Beach Atlantic University, located in down town West Palm Beach, FL back in June of 2021. The services that I provide to clients are, individual counseling, family counseling, couples counseling, group counseling and life coaching skills. With each of these different branches of counseling I am able to provide my clients with a variety of things such as; the ability to heal from traumatic events and other life changes, the ability to evolve and grow, the ability to be vulnerable, set realistic goals and get to know themselves on a deeper level. I believe what sets me apart from others is that; I truly believe in what I do. I believe that the services that i provide also make a difference in those individuals lives. I also can relate very much to those clients that I serve, which allows me to be sympathetic and even empathetic. What I am most proud of is the fact that I was able to establish my private practice with little to no assistance. I took a major leap on faith and trusted that I would be able to do this successfully and make a difference in my community. The main things that I would love for everyone to know is that, “It’s ok, to not be ok”. I’d also like to add that; you are not alone or don’t have to be alone in your daily struggles either. There are counselors who are here for you and ready to assist you in life and with your healing journey.

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

I believe what makes someone most successful in my field is that, they need to understand that we as counselors cannot save people. Our job is not to save people but to honestly be a guide. I also believe that knowing that you are not perfect and are evolving each day as a counselor is important too. We are humans who are skilled in therapy but our filed is growing each day, so this means that we have to constantly be aware and take courses to keep up with those changes. Overall, just being your authentic self will most definitely be helpful in succeeding in this filed of Mental Health Counseling.

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

The journey that illustrates my resilience is when I joined the Army at 19. Once I officially swore into the Army and signed my contract; i knew that it was real and that there was no turning back. When I left home, it was my first time ever truly leaving and being on my own without any family or friends close by. I was in South Carolina and there was a lot ahead of me. I went through a lot of things physically, mentally and emotionally while in boot camp. I knew that it would be tough but I didn’t know the challenges that were set before me. Being young and leaving home for a long period of time was difficult for me. I also experienced an injury but kept pushing through; even while in pain. i didn’t want to give up or to allow an injury to stop me from pursuing my military career. I also told myself that going back home was “NOT” an option and I meant it. With me saying all of this I ended up graduating boot came a few months later and then I went on to Virginia to Quarter Master School and was trained as a Logistics Specialist for the Army. Overall, with the experiences and the intense training that i received in the Army; it helped build me up and keep me strong. I felt like i could truly face any and every thing to come in my life. This to me is a reason and apart of what illustrates my resilience!

Contact Info:

• Website: https://meetmonarch.com/therapist/toma-blue-mental-health-counselor
• Instagram: https://instagram.com/the_healing_journey_and_me?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y=
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/toma-blue-a11a0b21a/
• Other: Phone Number: 561-221-1596

Image Credits
Image Credits: c.lothephotographer of Captured By CLo Instagram: @c.lothephotographer