Meet Holley Noel | Clinical Mental Health Counselor-Intern

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

Hi Holley, as a parent, what do you feel is the most meaningful thing you’ve done for them?
The most impactful thing I have done for my kids is show them how to be courageous. I left the “life as they knew it” and became a single mom of four littles. Since then, I’ve shown them it is better to struggle on your own than allow yourself to be treated any less than what you deserve.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I am currently finishing up my internship to become a Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor, so my career is just beginning. I was a hair stylist for 15 years prior, so I know the entrepreneur life well. I’ve overcome many challenges to get to this point. The biggest hurdle was continuing my education while being a single-mom to four kids. This was a challenge, but also my biggest inspiration. My life, up to that point, was the face of many challenges I had to overcome. Growing up, I was a sexual-abuse survivor and spent years of my life in the midst of a trial to bring justice for myself and others who had been victimized. Ultimately, justice won and I had closure-both legal and emotionally- and learned, no matter what is done TO you in life, there is always a way through it…you just have to find it. If I had to sum up my life, it would be that forgiveness was the ultimate gift I gave myself. It provided the road to a better life and the freedom to heal. If the world could learn one thing from my story, it would be, being a victim is unfair and can make you feel like a prisoner in your own story, but being a survivor can give you wisdom and gifts that are unmatched. The answer is in the healing.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
My area is filled with tons of great restaurants and family friendly hangouts. I live about thirty miles north of Atlanta, so the city is within reach to the south and the mountains are a short drive to the north. This area is becoming more culturally eclectic, which is exciting to see and be a part of. Currently, our area has a couple of mixed-used developments called Halcyon and Avalon that are our go-to spots because they have shopping, restaurants, and open-areas for the kids to play. Some of my favorite restaurants are CT Taqueria and Oak Steakhouse.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
My husband-Bryant Noel, for being the partner I always knew I deserved My kids-For being you
Brene’ Brown- for your dedication to research that saved my life
Mental Health Counselors-for your hard work and inspiration to do what you do
Dawn Baskin-District Attorney-for doing your job well and changing the trajectory of my life
Heather Huff-For every time you opened the door and let me sit on your couch and “just be”

Website: https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/therapists/holley-noel-holly-springs-ga/1271018

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