Today we’d like to introduce you to Lakisha Brimage.
Hi Lakisha, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
Hello! My name is Dr. Lakisha Brimage. I was born and raised in Clarksville, TN in a single-parent, low-income home. My mother was my primary caregiver, but my father, grandmothers, and other family members provided additional support. Early in my childhood, both my grandmothers made a significant impact on me and instilled godly principles and moral convictions that aided in my upbringing. Throughout my adolescence, I had made many poor decisions. It wasn’t until after I had my second child that I realized that if I wanted something different in life, then I must do something different. It was up to me to change my life regardless of my environmental circumstances. At 24, raising 3 young children, I decided to take a chance on myself and signed up for college classes. I stopped allowing my life to just pass me by and begin to embody the principles, values, and morals that my grandmothers planted within me during my youth. I never thought college was in the cards for me but started it, taking 1-2 classes a term… it took me 8 years to graduate with a Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology. Once I got the hang of balancing college courses, raising children, navigating relationships, and meeting expectations of a full-time employee, I obtained a Master of Education in Counseling and Human Development two years later and several years after that, I returned to school to obtain a Doctorate in Psychology.
After following the path that God had planned for my life, I wanted to share this sense of perseverance, achievement, and empowerment. I’ve always had a burning desire to help others identify their strengths and personify their inner power to create the best quality of life they could imagine, so I opened Vircille Counseling & Consulting Services, PLLC in 2024. The name pays homage to my maternal and paternal grandmothers, Virginia and Lucille. Every time I hear, speak, or see Vircille Counseling & Consulting, it’s a present reminder of the sacrifices, love, compassion, and dedication that were imparted in my life as a child.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
LOL! I don’t think much of anything in my life has been smooth…but there is always a lesson in it. Apart from growing up in poverty, being a teenage mother, and healing from broken relationships, the biggest struggle was overcoming my inner critic. You know the internal battle of my thoughts. When I reflected on my past versus my present, at times, the feelings of defeat or unworthiness would feel insurmountable. Because how could someone like me be placed in a position to help others, but then I quickly remember WHY NOT ME? Everyone has value, regardless of their past or even their present, there is purpose and merit to every person created. My road may not have been as smooth as some others, and that’s ok. The rougher terrain has helped to improve my skill sets; I’ve learned to build strength and endurance to challenge any obstacles. The road I was given to travel was designed specifically for me in order to reach those who may have believed that they were unreachable.
As you know, we’re big fans of VIrcille Counseling & Consulting Services, PLLC. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
Vircille Counseling & Consulting Services (VCCS), PLLC was established in 2024; though, the vision to create positive change by helping others was planted decades prior. VCCS provides mental, emotional, and behavioral health counseling and consulting services. We also offer private and public workshops, mental health awareness speaking engagements, and community outreach. What sets us apart from others is our ability to stand firm in our core values: Compassion, Acceptance, Resilience, and Empathy. VCCS provides a safe, non-judgmental environment filled with compassion and empathy, coupled with evidence-based treatment to ensure that every client receives the utmost quality of care possible.
We are most proud of our commitment to educate and debunk stigmas related to mental, emotional, and behavioral health, especially in our underserved communities. Our services expand beyond the walls of the office and into the community. We want people to become so aware of mental wellness that it is no longer a sense of discomfort or shame associated with receiving treatment. The main thing I would like readers to know about Vircille Counseling & Consulting Services, PLLC is that we care. Simple as that, we care about your well-being, we care about your situation, we care about how circumstances can impact your daily functioning, and we just want to help.
Any advice for finding a mentor or networking in general?
The advice I would give someone who is seeking mentorship or network opportunities is to allow yourself to be vulnerable enough to place yourself in spaces that may make you uncomfortable. Join a social media group. Attend a local mixer. Introduce yourself to strangers. Surround yourself with individuals who are inspiring. Ask questions to those who may possess more life and/or clinical experience, because this is how we learn and grow. I make it a habit to maintain healthy connections with previous supervisors and colleagues. These individuals may have a wealth of knowledge and can help provide insight into areas that I may have overlooked or even disregarded. I have a group of counselor friends, we actually call ourselves ‘Sistah Counselors’, we all met in the beginning of our careers some in grad school but throughout our journey we have all evolved and each specializes in a different area of expertise. At different times, throughout our journey, we have all leaned into one another for guidance or mentorship. Don’t despise your small beginnings; the connections you make in the early stages may be valuable resources for your future. Step out of your comfort zone and allow yourself to be vulnerable.
Contact Info:
- Website: vircillecounselingservices.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/vcc_pllc/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61557226896644&%3B
Image Credits
Rich Moments Photography ClarksvilleNow
