Today we’d like to introduce you to Kenya Hicks.
Hi Kenya, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
My journey into psychotherapy has been shaped by both my personal experiences and professional path. Growing up in the inner city, I witnessed firsthand the impact of trauma, systemic inequities, and the lack of accessible mental health resources. Those early experiences instilled in me a deep commitment to advocacy and healing, which led me to pursue a career in social work.
I began my professional journey as a Children’s Division worker, supporting families navigating challenging circumstances. Later, I transitioned to working as a social worker in an inner-city school, partnering with children and families to address emotional, behavioral, and systemic challenges. These experiences gave me a profound understanding of how trauma and environment intersect to shape people’s lives.
Over time, I felt called to focus more deeply on therapeutic work, leading me to establish my own mental health practice specializing in trauma. Today, I draw on both my professional training and lived experience to create a space that is safe, compassionate, and empowering — where healing and growth are truly possible.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
It definitely hasn’t been a smooth road. Growing up in the inner city as a young African American woman came with its own set of challenges — limited resources, exposure to community violence, and the constant need to push against societal expectations. There were times when opportunities felt scarce, and I had to work twice as hard to be seen, heard, and taken seriously. Those experiences shaped my resilience and gave me a deep understanding of what it means to persevere in the face of adversity.
Professionally, my path in social work and mental health wasn’t easy either. As a Children’s Division worker and later a school social worker in the inner city, I often found myself supporting families and children who were dealing with cycles of trauma, poverty, and systemic injustice — situations that mirrored some of my own early experiences. It was emotionally heavy work, and at times it felt like the system was failing the very people who needed it most.
Starting my own practice brought another layer of challenges — learning to navigate the business side, facing the financial and emotional risks of entrepreneurship, and continuing to advocate for representation in a field where therapists of color remain underrepresented. Yet, those same struggles have been the source of my most significant growth. They’ve grounded me in empathy, authenticity, and purpose — and they remind me every day why I do this work: to offer others the hope, healing, and understanding that I once needed myself.
Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
Our practice was created to offer a safe and affirming space for individuals and families in our community — a community that has often carried a stigma around therapy and a deep mistrust of systems due to historical and ongoing failures. We wanted to build a space where people could feel seen, heard, and supported without judgment.
I specialize in trauma-focused therapy, working with individuals who have experienced complex trauma, anxiety, depression, and major life transitions. My approach is rooted in compassion, cultural awareness, and empowerment. As an African American woman who grew up and worked in the inner city, I bring both professional expertise and lived understanding to my work. That combination allows me to connect with clients on a deeper level, creating the trust needed for true healing to take place.
What sets our practice apart is the focus on addressing both individual and generational trauma through a culturally responsive lens. We’re proud to have built a practice that not only provides therapy but also challenges stigma, builds trust, and helps families begin to heal from experiences that have too often been silenced. Our goal is to make therapy accessible, relatable, and transformative — reminding our community that healing is possible and that they deserve it.
Before we let you go, we’ve got to ask if you have any advice for those who are just starting out?
My biggest advice for anyone just starting is to trust the process and allow yourself to grow through it. You won’t have everything figured out at first — and that’s okay. Every challenge and setback teaches you something valuable about who you are and the kind of professional you want to become.
Having a supportive spouse or partner, family, and friends has also been essential to my journey. This work can be emotionally demanding, and having people who believe in you, encourage you, and remind you of your purpose makes all the difference. None of us succeeds alone — we rise with the help of those who walk beside us.
I also wish I had known earlier how important self-care and boundaries are. Compassion fatigue is real, especially when your heart is in this work. And for those from marginalized backgrounds, remember: your story and your voice matter. Even in spaces not built for you, your presence creates change. Stay authentic, stay grounded, and keep your “why” close — it will carry you through the most challenging moments.
Pricing:
- Pricing for therapy services can be a bit complicated, as it depends on several factors, including the type of service, session length, and insurance coverage. Our practice strives to make therapy accessible and transparent while maintaining high-quality, trauma-informed care. Pricing Details: We offer current standard rates for services, which vary depending on the type of session — individual, couples, family, or group therapy. Insurance coverage may affect pricing, as each insurance company has different reimbursement rates and copay requirements. Sliding scale options are available for clients with financial limitations. Consultations: We offer brief phone or virtual consultations at no cost to help potential clients determine if our services are the right fit. Because every person’s situation is unique, we encourage clients to contact our office directly to discuss session types, insurance options, and pricing that best fits their needs.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://clearcounseling.org
