Today we’d like to introduce you to Janelle Barrett.
Hi Janelle, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
I begin my journey into Mental Health by personal experience. My first experience with Mental Health was around 2001 or so, I was a teen parent, had just lost a child, struggled with depression related to post-partum and grief. I was struggling so bad a coworker had discussed with me about seeking professional help from a therapist. Back then, I hadn’t never heard of therapy really besides the stigma that you were crazy or something was really wrong with you. So after some convincing I took it under consideration. I didn’t really have the finances to pay for such a service and so Unbeknownst to me there were resources through my employer called the EAP (Employer Assistance Program). I didn’t know what I was looking for but I wanted a Woman Therapist of Color. It took an hour to locate a Black Clinician and it ended up being a man. I took what I could and that therapeutic experience was life changing. From that therapeutic relationship was how my purpose was birthed and how I took the path of becoming a Therapist.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Not smooth at all. Like I said there was a lack of Black Clinicians even though currently it’s increasing which is exciting; during that time they were very few and far between. So, I did not have a blueprint or a mentor that could really support me on this journey. I pretty much had to learn as I experienced. Considering for the first half of my educational journey I was a single parent and just navigating the time to be present for my son, school, and working full-time was a challenge. So at times I could only take a few courses instead of going full-time which made the journey much longer than what it would have been for a traditional student.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. I am also a Certified Family Life Educator with the National Council of Family Relations (NCFR). I have experience working with individuals, couples, and families.
My specialty is working with those who experience Stress, rather its due to life challenges, familial, or work related. My specific interests is to service the BIPOC community. My main goal is to be affordable, accessible, and impactful.
We love surprises, fun facts and unexpected stories. Is there something you can share that might surprise us?
The most surprising thing about me that people do not know about me is at I am a GED recipient. Due to life choices I did not graduate high-school and did not have a graduating class until I graduated College. In my early teenage years I was shameful to share that. I eventually learned that my journey is one to be proud of. Even though I did not achieve my education traditionally, I still accomplished my goals and plans. My story is unique and designed for me to inspire others to not give up. And to be a representation that success can look different from others and still show up the same.
Pricing:
- Most insurances are accepted
- 80.00 Self-pay fir 45 min sessions
- $150 couples for 50 minutes
- $200 for families 50 minutes
Contact Info:
- Instagram: Mrsnellesnotes
- Facebook: Nelles Notes
