Meet Daja Jones: Mental Health Therapist

We had the good fortune of connecting with Daja Jones and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Daja, how do you think about risk?
Risks are inevitable to those wishing to grow. Often times risks are viewed as a negative thing, but I believe it to be necessary for success. I have learned to embrace the idea of risks despite the fear of failure, or the unknown. Taking that leap of faith, and trusting that no matter the outcome there is an opportunity for growth. Throughout my life I’ve been the “quiet”, “nice”, or “good” one. As I’ve come into adulthood, I’ve learned that it never gets old being the “good” one, but being good doesn’t mean being content or maneuvering through life without risks. As a mental health professional, I understand that success is a continuous effort. It is a lifestyle, and not a destination. As I continue to write my story I know that I have to maintain the act of investing into myself, and what I want out of life. Taking risks can be anxiety provoking, scary, and uncertain, but taking risks has also benefited me in ways where I’ve shown myself that I am capable of more than I think I am. I honestly can’t see success without risks.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I am a mental health professional, currently employed as a MST family therapist where I provide family therapy to juveniles and their families in Dekalb and Hall county, Georgia. Some of the qualities that set me a part would be the balance of empathy and accountability that I prioritize in my sessions with clients. I make it a priority to help de-stigmatize mental health in the Black community; whether that be through my personable approach in therapy sessions with my clients, or through my nonprofit organization, S.H.E., Inc.. I am super excited about the nonprofit that I have created with my co-founder SaPhenixx Adams, as we continue the work of normalizing mental health in the Black community. In 2021, it is still taboo to discuss mental health diagnoses or mental wellness in general. I understand that as a people, we did not get here overnight therefore, it will take time to change the perception of therapy and mental health in general. There are many people suffering from internal battles, and behaviors that are deeply rooted from past experiences that have not been healed. My hope as a Black mental health therapist, is that I can plant a seed of healing in individuals that I encounter. It is my dream that we can normalize mental health just as much as we do physical health. The journey is not easy, but that does not mean it is impossible. I want the world to know that S.H.E., Inc., as well as my personal brand, strives to be a change agent in our community.

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.
I would definitely take them to Nouveau Bar and Grill. This restaurant is a vibe in itself, and the food is to die for! Not to mention, it is Black owned. I would make sure to show my guest a good time downtown Atlanta where there is endless fun and sightseeing. Atlanta has so many food spots to try, and most of the time would be spend trying new restaurants. I would also want to add Slutty Vegan on the list of places to try for the week. Lastly, a nice relaxing picnic at Piedmont Park would be ideal to end the visit.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
My village has played an essential role in who I am today. I have multiple individuals who have played a role in each stage of my life, which has contributed to my success. My family that birthed me is my foundation. The family that I’ve created is my motivation. My village consists of multiple individuals who genuinely want the best for me, and embrace who I am and where I am on my life journey. My village is the group of people who I can depend on, regardless of the circumstance. My village will always receive recognition in my story.

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