Today we’d like to introduce you to Ashley Whyte.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
I’ve always had a passion and desire to help others regardless of their background, but I was specifically drawn to healing some of the generational trauma that the BIPOC community carries. I also realized that it is often hard for Black people and other minorities to find a therapist they can relate to and identify with — and I wanted to see more therapists that looked like me because at the end of the day, representation truly matters.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
No. I’ve had to learn to accept that I belong here like other clinicians (I had a case of imposter syndrome) even when colleagues in the same field are micro-aggressive towards you. I have also had to accept that I don’t need to look or behave a certain way to “belong.” I don’t fit the mold and I now embrace that.
Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about Serenity Counseling & Solutions?
In order to understand my approach, you must first understand my “why.” I started my business because I saw a lack of mental health services that specifically cater to the needs of the BIPOC community. Although my practice is nondiscriminatory and I accept clients from all backgrounds, my desire to be a pillar in my community lies at the center of why I do this work.
I pride myself on a tailored approach where I can build a collaborative and trusting relationship with my patients and make them feel like this is their safe space — no matter what they are struggling with. Whether that’s anxiety, depression, trauma, grief or just simply needing some guidance.
I’m most proud of my clients and the work they put in continuously showing up.
What sort of changes are you expecting over the next 5-10 years?
In the last couple of years, there’s been a major shift in mental health. There’s now a lot more awareness and priority being placed on your mental health care, which was brought on by the pandemic. While there’s still some stigma associated, it’s now a part of conversations more than it ever has been. However, there’s still a lot of work that needs to be done. For instance, I would love to see companies take the lead and begin to provide mental health days, SEPARATE from PTO and sick days.
Contact Info:
- Email: Info@SerenityCounselingSolutions.com
- Website: www.serenitycounselingsolutions.com
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/serenity_counseling
Image Credits
IG: MS_visualsstudios
