Today we’d like to introduce you to Bewindi Jackson.
Hi Bewindi, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
Wow! I was born in St. Lucia, in the Eastern Caribbean – I struggled as a child and a teenager with my own experiences of low self-esteem, depression, suicidal thoughts, had some negative experiences with my father. I knew that there was something special but did not understand it. Later on, people felt comfortable speaking with me and I sought of had the answers. Growing up, I wanted to be several things but the first thing I wanted to be was a teacher then a police officer and investigator. When we moved from the islands to the States; I never felt like I could fit into any friend group looking back I was never meant to fit in but stand out I recognize today that I am a pioneer and a risk taker. I tried to run away from the idea of being a counselor and tried to major in computer information systems in college and that did not go well.
Needless to say, I changed my major to rehabilitation services which focus on the needs of persons with disabilities. After graduating from college, at Wilberforce University, in Xenia, Ohio, I was on my way to graduate school and I knew I had to have a focus so I caved in and chose social work, a master in social work- seemed less complicated than a law or medical degree. That degree was the beginning of what would be my career. I got my masters in social work in May 2006 and the Lord led me to Memphis, TN – truly it was the Lord because I have no family here other than family that God has placed in my path through church and friends. My career started- via Youth Villages- whoa! I was put into practice/the fire to do what I had not been taught – lol. I know that at some point I wanted to help children and adults find their voice.
So, I was thrust into the role of being a residential counselor with girls and boys with troubled and problematic backgrounds, etc. I call this experience basic training and boot camp all at the same time because it made me the clinician I am today!!! After 8 years at Youth Villages, my experiences continued with medical social work at Methodist North, Support Solutions to help build their first intensive outpatient program for adults with developmental disabilities and mental health diagnoses, to case management inc, where I served as a director for adult case managers and provided clinical direction for the therapists; to Amerigroup as a Behavioral Health Case manager and leader and then to private practice.
When I served in case management, something happened that never happened before but it worked out for my good. I had had experiences of rejection before but being terminated without reason or logical reasons was something that could have negatively impacted my outlook. Through all of this, my faith has been an anchor.
Today, I serve as my boss in private practice- which was established in 2017. I have 2 therapists who work with me and we get to serve the mental health needs particularly therapy of young adults, and working professionals who need to experience freedom from anguish, anxiety, grief, stress, depression, and trauma. We help people gain a new perspective so that they can live freely and I am honored I get to do this work.
In 2021, I got to write and publish with assistance 2 books – Empowerment for You: Encouragement for Your Spiritual and Emotional Wellness, and the 2nd- Empowered to. Empower You Workbook, based on a podcast that I host, Empowered to Empower You. I love to engage people toward positive change; I am a coach, and a motivator, and love to serve others through counseling, speaking, podcasting, and sharing inspiring posts and messages.
One thing I might add is that one would never know that I stuttered as a child, and was born in poverty but I did not know it; came from low confidence; low self-esteem to a confident and courageous woman who uses her mouth as her tool and gift and I give the Lord all of the praise for that!
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?
OH NO!!! I had to deal with culture shocks and adapt to the United States; grad school was such a struggle I did not think I would make it through; having to learn how to serve the kids with troubled pasts and their parents whewwww, wow!
That was hard; being terminated knowing that there was a staff who lied to me and took lies and gossip to the CEO but I was never allowed to defend myself so many more were all struggles but they shaped me and made me stronger.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about Against All Odds Professional Counseling Services?
Against All Odds Professional Counseling Services, PLLC was founded in Nov.2017 and is a private mental health practice serving clients in Tennessee. The name represents the people who have despite the odds against them be it trauma, tragedy, stress, disappointments, closed doors upon closed doors, disparities, prejudice, etc can overcome and live in freedom!!!
We are a group of mental health professionals who believe in giving the highest quality care based on Christian principles to help them feel empowered, encouraged and equipped with practical strategies for gaining new perspectives to live freely.
Our vision is to offer transformational services to working professionals including entrepreneurs, college students, and married couples so that they can disrupt unhealthy cycles and patterns, replace unhealthy coping and narratives with healthier ones and rise above all circumstances despite the odds against them.
Our practice offers a culture with contagious positivity, flexibility, and a tenacity for quality, continued learning, growth and development. Therapists and staff are warmly supported, prayer is included where applicable, the name of Jesus is magnified and clients are nurtured and supported with compassion and excellence.
This practice stands on the core values of faith, compassion, respect, wellness, service, integrity and authenticity. One thing that I believe that sets this practice apart is the fact that I as the CEO value faith in Jesus Christ, the power of God’s word, and the power of the work of the Holy Spirit. We welcome clients who are not Christians and we want every client to feel cared for and loved during our services.
We serve young adults to working and seasoned professionals including high-level executives who are impacted by stress, unresolved, trauma, grief, and loss; anxiety and depression, or just need tools to help resolve problematic issues in their lives and relationships.
What has been the most important lesson you’ve learned along your journey?
To know that my steps are already ordered by the Lord; To realize that the tough things come to shape me and strengthen me. To also know my obedience to my calling is tied to someone’s freedom.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.aaopcs.net
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/faithbasedpractice/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AAOPCS/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bewindi-jackson-79262045/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/BewindiBobb
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@Encouragedbeliever/videos
Image Credits
Talisha www.totaliconphotography.com and Makeup: Ashley Edwards
