We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Whitney Sterling. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Whitney below.

Whitney, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Can you share a story with us from back when you were an intern or apprentice? Maybe it’s a story that illustrates an important lesson you learned or maybe it’s a just a story that makes you laugh (or cry)?

When I first stepped into the juvenile detention center as an LPC intern, I thought I had a clear picture of the kind of counselor I wanted to become. But nothing prepared me for what I would learn—or who I would become—during my time there.

Each day brought me face-to-face with teenagers who were labeled “defiant,” “dangerous,” or “unreachable.” But the more time I spent with them, the more I realized those labels were shadows cast by adults who didn’t truly understand them. Behind the tough exteriors were kids who had survived more than most adults ever have to face: trauma, instability, neglect, loss, and systems that failed them long before they ever set foot in a detention facility.

As I listened to their stories—really listened—I began to see their resiliency, their humor, their intelligence, and even their hope. What struck me most was how quickly they opened up when they felt safe, respected, and seen. That was when I realized: these were not “bad kids.” These were kids who’d been misunderstood at almost every turn experiencing situations that made them have bad choices.

That experience changed me. It taught me that teenagers—especially those in crisis—don’t need to be fixed; they need to be understood. They need adults who are willing to look past behavior and see the human being underneath. And it revealed a passion in me: not only to work with youth, but to help other adults understand them, too.

My time in the juvenile detention center shaped the heart of my work today. It taught me compassion at a deeper level, sharpened my understanding of trauma, and showed me just how transformative it can be when a young person finally feels heard. Ever since then, I’ve been committed to helping teenagers find their voice—and helping the adults in their lives learn how to listen.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

I am a Licensed Professional Counselor and the founder of Pure Grace Counseling & Wellness, where I specialize in supporting children, teenagers, and the adults who care for them.

I started out as a young child who came from a family of divorce. Growing up I was very aware of other people’s struggles around me and I wanted to help people. I made the decision early on to get into the psychology field and go into counseling as this seemed like the best way to do what I wanted to do. I worked as an intern at an ROTC for children, the juvenile detention center and at my University counseling clinic. All of these different experiences help shape the counselor I am today.

I have worked for other private practices, community mental health clinics and insurance companies. All of these past employment opportunities gave me a solid foundation in the mental health realm. After working at other private practices I decided 6 years ago to open something of my own as I wanted to have more freedom to do things my way. There is nothing wrong with being under a practice that isn’t your own, however the freedom I have now to not meet minimums each week has really helped me to be more client focused and truly help each client even more.

I practice from a biblical perspective and truly believe that when we combine Jesus and therapy we can obtain true healing. I utilize Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, play therapy, trauma informed care, crisis services, and parent coaching.

Something that sets me a part and the foundation of my practice is that I travel to my clients. My mobile counseling service is where I truly prioritize your comfort by meeting you in a location that suits you best. Whether you prefer the warmth of your home, the inviting atmosphere of a cozy coffee shop, the tranquility of a peaceful park, or the ease of an online platform, I am here to connect with you in a way that feels right and supportive for your journey. I also address not just mental and emotional health, but also your physical well-being, ensuring a comprehensive approach to your care. Furthermore, I am proud to offer specialized parent counseling and coaching, as we believe that nurturing a healthy family system is essential for raising children in today’s complex world.

What’s been the most effective strategy for growing your clientele?

I am blessed to say that my business growth has mainly been through local word of mouth. I utilize social media a lot to keep my presence of who I am and what I do visible. For instance I utilized tiktok to talk about things kids/teens struggle with, parenting tips etc…I also share my information on Facebook within different local mom groups as there are a lot of people looking for counseling referrals. This is also where networking has been powerful. Being a part of local networking groups and learning more about other people and their business helps me not only be a good referral partner but helps others feel comfortable referring my business to others and within different Facebook groups.

Any stories or insights that might help us understand how you’ve built such a strong reputation?

Integrity. Doing what I say I am going to do. Follow through is huge these days because it seems that more and more people are less likely to do it. If I say I am going to meet with parents and equip them as I work with their child in therapy then I am going to do that. It seems as if this is a lost art in my field and I really strive to make sure the whole family system is thriving.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.puregracecounseling.com/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/puregracecounseling