Today we’d like to introduce you to Asha Clark.
Hi Asha, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
Thank you for having me! My story began in the North St. Louis neighborhood of Walnut Park East, where my mother and grandmother primarily raised me; growing up in this area, poverty and violence almost became a norm. Although my needs were met, I learned at an early age that many people surrounding me were suffering in silence. At that time, I had no idea about the complexities behind that observation. The concept of mental health was foreign to me. Fast forward to my college years, where I initially planned to major in pre-pharmacy. After my first semester, I took an elective course in psychology. A lot of the questions, observations, and experiences that I had throughout my childhood were beginning to make sense. After taking that course, I went to my college advisor’s office and changed my major to psychology. After graduating with my undergraduate degree, I took a few years off from school to raise my daughter. I returned to graduate school to obtain my master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling and continue my mission to educate the community on mental health’s impact on one’s life.
You wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle-free, but so far would you say the journey has been smooth?
My journey to success has been a challenging road. I have experienced numerous struggles along the way. Some of them included the everyday struggles of single motherhood that I experienced at the beginning of my graduate degree program. At that time, I was a single mother working full-time while also attending school full-time. I was grateful to have the help of family and friends to assist me with my daughter so I could work on my goals while simultaneously creating more stability for her. My last semester of graduate school I gave birth to my second child and was able to still graduate on time. I am no longer a single mother and I’ve accomplished my goal of providing more stability in their lives.
Thanks – so, what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I am a provisionally licensed therapist providing services virtually in the state of Illinois. My specialties include perinatal mood and anxiety disorders (PMAD), spirituality, racial trauma, anxiety, and depression. I am known for my resourcefulness and engagement in the community. I am proud of my work with young adult mothers and the education I’ve provided them on PMAD. Also, I am proud of my work with local farmers and farmer’s markets to develop ways to reduce barriers to access to healthy and fresh food in food deserts in North St. Louis. What sets me apart is my ability to be innovative. I am always looking for new ways to help serve the community and bring awareness to the importance of mental wellness.
What characteristic of yours would you give the most credit to if you had to?
Perseverance. There were times in my journey when some of the obstacles seemed insurmountable. But I had to shift my mindset, remember my goals, silence the negative voices from others and sometimes myself, and keep going.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/therapists/asha-clark-chicago-il/1031579?utm_source=TDE&utm_medium=Email&utm_campaign=TD_SHA_1_1_B2.o
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ashaa_clark/
- Other: http://www.goaldrivencounseling.com/about/#team
Image Credits
Kevin Mahdi Hansome
