Meet Joanna Cameron, LPC | Mental Health Therapist & Life Coach

We had the good fortune of connecting with Joanna Cameron, LPC and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Joanna, can you share a quote or affirmation with us?
My absolute favorite quote that I have tailored from other similar quotes is “Everything happens the way it is supposed to happen to get you where you need to be”. I say this to myself often, as it reminds me to focus on the present moment from a positive lens even in the worst of circumstances. This statement says to me that even in the worst of circumstances things are happening according to my life’s plan. Sometimes it may feel as though everything is working against us but in actuality everything is working for us. Even if we take the long route and veer off our anticipated path, there are so many new things to be discovered and we will ultimately make it to our destination. Life is a journey so I do my best to enjoy every stop along the way and this quote reminds me to do so because I KNOW I will end up exactly where I need to be.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
I have been in the mental health field in some facet or another for over 20 years. I only decided two years ago that I wanted to open my own mental health practice. I think one of the things that sets me apart from others is that I have experienced so many things in my life over the years that allow me to personally connect with the diversity of issues I am presented with from my clientele from death to divorce and everything in between. I feel I have mastered moving on following a setback. My beliefs are summed up in my business name – DREAM 4 You Coaching and Counseling Services. DREAM is an acronym for Dare to Realize Every Amazing Miracle. I am very proud of my decision to become a business owner and open my practice. I struggled with the challenge of fear prior to making the decision. I had fear of not being successful, fear of hard work, fear of not knowing what to do, etc.. Overcoming the fear was a challenge but I did it. I researched, I sought the advice of others who had been successful at what I was trying to do, I hired help in the areas I was less knowledgeable in, and I adjusted my mindset to focus on the success of the business. Two years later I have a thriving practice with a steady flow of referrals. I learned that it is okay to feel fear just don’t stop moving, even if your movement slows down keep going toward the direction of your goal. Anyone who works with me will get a therapist and a life coach all wrapped up in one. I bring education and life experience to the table which has proven to be a benefit to the clients I serve. I am currently expanding my focus to growing the coaching side of my practice. My YouTube channel is one way I am able to reach a larger audience and I look forward to hosting empowerment workshops for women in the near future.

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?
If my friend was visiting for a week, I would want to show them some of my favorite things as well as some of Atlanta’s history. I personally think anyone visiting Atlanta has to visit the King Center. Day one would be a tour of the King Center, Freedom Hall, and the birth home of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day two would be a nice Sunday brunch at The Breakfast Boys or Toast on Lenox. Day three would be shopping at Atlantic Station and dinner at Rays in the City. For a little fun we would probably rent scooters and ride the beltline making a few pitstops along the way for drinks and tapas. Day four would be a fun evening with local friends at either Top Golf or the Painted Duck, depending on their preference. Day 5 we would relax and rest while enjoying a homecooked meal, catching up and reminiscing. Day 6 would be Chattahoochee Works for lunch and live music at a local restaurant/lounge. Day 7 we would say our goodbyes after sleeping in late from all of the activities. I am a big foodie and so are most of my friends. Food will always be involved in any event I plan. Atlanta has some really great restaurants and there is always something new to try. Time permitting, I would want them to also experience the World of Coke just because everyone should experience it at least once.

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 mom Josephine is the main reason I am who I am and I am where I am. My mother was an advocate for higher education. She was 40 years old before she went back to school to obtain her degree in college. I recall days and nights of her sitting at the dining room table studying, writing papers, and focusing on simply getting the work done. She did all of this while maintaining a home, working on the side, and raising me. I was the child who never wanted to go to college, my grades weren’t the best, and I didn’t enjoy school. But my mom wasn’t having that. I was forced to go to college and there was no room for discussion. Like my mom, who became a drug and alcohol counselor, I was great with people and loved to help others solve their problems. Hence why I too chose the therapy pathway. I am forever grateful to my mom for pushing me even when I fought against it. She instilled in me resilience, independence, and the will to keep going. My mom died when I was 19 after my freshmen year of college. I will never forget how happy she was to know I made the Dean’s List. My mom had a lot of determination for herself and me. Because of my mom I kept going and made Dean’s List every year and graduated with honors. I feel I have her to thank for the success I now see in my life.

Website: www.joannamcameron.com and www.dream4you.org

Instagram: @joannamcameron

Twitter: @joannamcameron

Facebook: Joanna M Cameron

Youtube: Joanna M Cameron

Other: My book on Amazon. https://www.amazon.com/Just-Dream-Realize-Amazing-Miracle/dp/1541333969

Image Credits
Nehemiah Cameron