Meet Moniek Richardson-Garside: Licensed Clinical Social Worker

We had the good fortune of connecting with Moniek Richardson-Garside and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Moniek, how does your business help the community?
FitLife Wellness, LLC is a private counseling practice dedicated to helping clients reach and achieve fulfilling and balanced living. As 12% of the total US population and the most overrepresented at-risk demographic, Blacks/African-Americans are impacted by health disparities and mental health stigmas at a disproportionate rate, more so than any other demographic. By providing mental health services, including individual therapy and couples counseling, building awareness through workshops and webinars, and advocating for community resources, we are changing the stigma on mental health. FitLife Wellness, LLC is determined to bring awareness to the importance of mental health within the black community and break barriers with access to services.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
FitLife Wellness, LLC is a private counseling practice dedicated to helping clients reach and achieve fulfilling and balanced living. As a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, my goal is to use my knowledge and my professional and clinical experience to help individuals, couples, and corporate teams recognize and overcome many of life’s challenges. My unique approach to incorporating wellness practices and a therapeutic approach will allow you to reach your full potential – mentally and physically. Building FitLife Wellness, LLC has been rewarding but not easy. There are many challenges going into private practice. Building my client base was a challenge, specifically with mental health and the stigma centered around it. Many people are still not comfortable talking about or examining their mental health, much less actively trying to protect it. Being a minority woman, who comes from a community that is resistant to acknowledging and examining mental health, made starting a mental health practice that much more difficult. I have learned that while building a business, it is essential to find balance both professionally and personally. I am a big advocate of self-care as that is what has helped me maintain while finding balance. I have also learned that my message is important, and breaking the stigma on mental health is not easy but possible.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
If a friend was visiting, I hope it’s Labor Day Weekend! We would start a good festival, House in the park, on Sunday. Monday, I would take them to have lunch or dinner at Urban Trend in Stone Mountain. Tuesday is always “Taco Tuesday” in our house, so I would take them to The Original El Taco in the Virginia Highlands. Wednesday, explore the city and visit The National Center for Civil and Human Rights, followed by WindDown Wednesday at Centennial Park. Thursday, we would grab a massage at my favorite spot Rejuvenate Body Spa and end with dinner at Serpas Atlanta in Old Fourth Ward and get their amazing smoked salmon chips. Friday, we would visit Zucot Art Gallery, catch their art stroll, and finally finish the week with One Music Fest on Saturday. Before they leave, I would order a cake from Confectionist Bakery to send them off with some amazing sweets.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I dedicate my shoutout to my husband Monty, who has always supported and encouraged my vision of FitLife Wellness, LLC, my son Mason who inspires me to create a better world for him to grow up in, and my friends and family that are always there to attend a workshop, share a post, or just listen when I need to vent.

Website: https://www.fitlifewellnessllc.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fitlifewellnessllc/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/moniekrichardson

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/fitlifewellnessllccounseling/

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLI12-aWfKy785vUnW-X2CwkRZIGFvSeP4

Image Credits
n/a