Monique is a Registered Mental Health Counselor Intern proceeding a licensure. She gained her clinical skills while working at Bridges International, a Community Release Center, and also a Residential Substance Abuse Treatment Program which provided mental health services and other resources to male inmates trying to transition back into society upon release. Monique uses strength-based modalities such as CBT, Motivational Interviewing, and mindfulness; along with individual and group therapy, to help in the treatment of grief and loss, addiction, depression, anxiety/panic disorders, and other life experiences. Monique's goal is to help clients find their strengths to overcome barriers to real-life situations. Monique lives her life with one motto. That motto is, "Life is like a game of chess." Meaning- every decision or move an individual makes, can come as a blessing or a shortcoming. Therefore. we must use positive problem-solving skills and strategies to move forward in life to win/succeed. Because one bad decision or move in chess, just like in real life, can be hindering.
Monique knows all about adverse childhood experiences that can manifest into adulthood. Hence the reason she can build rapport and connect with her clients One major trauma that changed Monique's life was taking care of her parents for 10 years before their deaths. Both her parents were ill at the same time and passed away 1 1/2 years after each other. Her father was a paraplegic and suffered from cancer, while her mother suffered from Alzheimer's. Monique also took care of her two troubled children. Even through all her suffering, Monique continued to triumph forward with much more intensity to achieve her goals with her education and work. Two of her degrees were received while taking care of her parents and children and after her parent's demise. It is never too late to turn a new leaf. Anything is possible with determination, perseverance, and passion.