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

Hi Mercedes, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
Let me just start by saying that I love having my own business. Despite the challenges, the good outweigh the obstacles! My thought process behind starting my own business was that I wanted to offer my clinical services in a way that was unique and specific to my values and passion. I always had the perception that you needed to be rich to start a business or have a degree in it to “really” know what you’re doing. However, thanks to an opportunity from my previous employer, I learned that it was simply a myth and that anyone is capable of starting a business with the right passion, drive, and guidance! My thought process was that I could change the lives of others in a way that I believe is most effective, while also challenging myself to learn new things.

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
Peace of Mind Counseling and Therapeutic Services (POMCTS) is my joy, my passion, my purpose! I started this business to help people understand that there is peace in the storm and healing for the struggle! By struggle, I’m speaking of mental health and everyday life struggles! This is personal for me because I have had to fight my way through major struggles and poor mental health, and I wish I would have had the resources to seek counseling and manage more effectively early on. POMCTS provides individual, family, group, and couples therapy services. The vision of POMCTS is for individuals and families to develop and sustain peace of mind through healing, encouragement, and support. The mission of POMCTS is to encourage positive change and healing utilizing clinical skills and therapeutic tools. POMCTS aims to create an atmosphere of peace while assisting clients on their healing journey. POMCTS believes that although life, trials, and tribulations are unavoidable, individuals and families can still have peace of mind in the storm. POMCTS specializes in assisting adult men and women (ages 18 and up) who struggle with issues such as depression, anxiety, trauma, and more, in addition to couples counseling.

Through the direction and guidance of a previous employer and many hours of research, I got to where I am business-wise. It was not and is not easy, but it is most definitely worth it! I have had obstacles along the way, but found that having a support network with others who are doing what you do has been my greatest push back to challenges. I have learned that you have to push past the challenging times, and remember your “why” when you want to quit.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Although I am a Chicago native, I most say that I love Atlanta! If I were to show met best friend the best time ever, I would take her to Atlanta’s favorite brunch spots! I love BQE and Blaqhaus! For dinner we would eat at Slutty Vegan ATL. As far as hanging out, I absolutely love the selfie museum “Social Media Rich”, The Battery, and anywhere downtown!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I would love to shoutout Life Empowerment Services, LLC (LES). This agency has a large part in my story and deciding to open my own my business and challenge myself as a clinical therapist. I would say that if not for them, I don’t know that I would have even dreamed of being where I am now! It is not often that you find an employer who is truly committed to your growth and reaching your full potential.

Website: www.peaceofmindcts.com

Instagram: peaceofmindcts

Other: https://www.psychologytoday.com/profile/820634

Image Credits
Dante Burgos

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