Meet Nicky Cameron of Emergent Counseling & Consulting LLC in Oakland Park

Today we’d like to introduce you to Nicky Cameron.

Nicky, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
I am Nicky Cameron, a Holistic Trauma Relief Therapist, the founder of Emergent Counseling & Consulting, and an ambassador of healing and hope. I help teenagers and adults who are suffering from anxiety and depression to end their emotional distress and emerge into the best version of themselves.

I know what it’s like to have suicidal ideations, and I have been crippled by feelings of guilt, shame and inadequacy. When I was thirteen years old, a teacher humiliated me in front of the entire class after I failed a math test. I was teased relentlessly by my classmates, and although I didn’t know it at that time, I started to struggle with anxiety from there on. I felt unworthy and had to fight like hell to rise above my feelings of inadequacy. I was fortunate enough to have strong protective factors around me: a caring family, friends, and a strong church family.

Fast Forward to my late teens, my brother was murdered on October 1, 1999, and I blamed myself for his death. I prayed to die for several nights and was miserable when I woke up the next morning. None of the professionals who were working on my brother’s case suggested grief counseling for my siblings and I, not my primary care doctor, not the social worker, nor the detectives. I felt hopeless and resorted to unhealthy ways to cope with my pain. Since I kept waking up despite my nightly pleas with God to end my life, I told God to keep me alive only if he intended on using me to make a profound impact on the lives of others. I made a promise to myself that I would learn all I could to help others ease their emotional distress without them turning to drugs, sex or suicide.

I had always planned on becoming a forensic attorney but realized that the quest to heal myself and others was more intriguing and energizing, so I changed the direction of my academic studies to Social Work and Public Health.

I graduated with a Master’s in Social Work and quickly rose through the ranks of management at the community mental health center where I worked. I noticed that many of the individuals who were accessing mental health services were ‘frequent flyers’ and I felt that these individuals were not provided with adequate tools to target their whole health. I also continued to struggle with bouts of anxiety and depression which I kept a secret from my colleagues. Since mental illness is taboo in black families, I also hid my pain and suppressed my feelings from my family because I was afraid to be ridiculed and judged. Furthermore, I didn’t feel like I could trust anyone enough to let them know I was suffering. The thought of looking for a therapist was overwhelming; going to the appointment was even more terrifying, but it was one of the most liberating things I have ever done for myself. Although the sessions were helpful, talking alone didn’t do it for me. I still struggled to cope with depression and anxiety because the symptoms were pronounced in my body.

I started to research various holistic approaches because I was desperate to regulate y racing thoughts and the sensations in my body. I came across the Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT Tapping), and it was a ‘game-changer’ for me. I was able to heal without retraumatizing myself by telling my story. My body felt amazing after the first session, and I walked away feeling rejuvenated and peaceful. I also realized that I was not on the professional path I was purposed to take in this life.

I walked away from my corporate position in April 2018, founded and launched Emergent Counseling & Consulting LLC. I utilize holistic treatment approaches such as EFT Tapping, Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), and Breathwork to help my clients achieve balance in physical, spiritual, and emotional aspects of their lives for optimal health. My mission is to guide my clients to healing,  and help them realize their power, so they can emerge from their adversities.

Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
My journey has been challenging, I went from leading a team of 44 to one, initially. I felt lonely most days and questioned whether I made the right decision to walk away from a high paying job to pursue my purpose. I also had to make significant adjustments in order to trod my new path. I have grown and I am still growing, I feel powerful, energized and liberated. I have learned to accept rejection, be comfortable with uncertainty, have faith and be more patient. My most difficult challenges have been allowing myself to be vulnerable, learning how to self-lead and managing my expectations of others.

We’d love to hear more about your organization.
Emergent Counseling & Consulting LLC, is a specialty practice serving teenagers, and adults who suffer from anxiety and depression. We use holistic treatment methods to help our clients boost their self-esteem, make positive changes and recover from emotional distress. We offer a comfortable, non-judgmental environment to our clients and our services are individualized, strength-based and person-centered.

We provide individual, group and family therapy, and utilize Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT Tapping), Energy Psychology and Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT) to treat traumatized teenagers and adults. We also integrate Trauma Releasing Exercises (TRE) into our care plans. Case management and life coaching services are also offered to our clients. Emergent Counseling & Consulting LLC has developed a holistic collaborative with local psychiatrists, yoga instructors and health coaches to facilitate easier access to care.

We are most proud of our ongoing efforts to raise mental health awareness and provide low-cost therapy to our community. We have partnered with a number of non-profit organizations such as churches and support groups to host workshops and provide access to affordable counseling for individuals of lower socio-economic status.

What is “success” or “successful” for you?
Success is me guiding my clients to their awakening and hearing them say, “I don’t feel like killing myself anymore; I feel happy; I am hopeful; I don’t have to use drugs and sex to cope with my problems anymore.” Success is my acceptance that God works through me to help my clients heal. Success is me doing all I can to remain competent but humble, it’s also me being non-judgmental and grateful that my clients entrust me with their vulnerability to support and help them to heal.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://dare2emerge.com/
• Phone: 9545334828
• Email: ncameron@dare2emerge.com
• Instagram: @emergentcounselingllc
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/emergentcounselingllc/

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