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

Hi Terri, do you have a favorite quote or affirmation?
“When you settle for less, you will always get less than what you settled for” is a quote that I heard from someone that is like a father figure to me some years ago. It hit home because I had to make some major decisions during that difficult season in my life and that simple quote changed my perspective and choices.

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?

I am the owner of Chronicles Counseling & Coaching, LLC and recently celebrated 12 years of working in the mental health industry (i.e. teaching coping/behavior skills, marriage counseling, trauma, crisis, grief, suicidal ideations, depression, anger management, parenting skills, core services to families in crisis, investigations with Division of Family & Children Services and group sessions with juveniles/ adults)

What sets me apart from others is my knowledge of cultural differences, my experiences from working as an State investigator and seeing the common thread that affects families no matter their race and the successful outcomes of my clients. I am an advocate for my clients and I teach them that they do have a voice and techniques on how to set healthy/realistic boundaries. I completed my Master’s of Arts degree at Grand Canyon University and majored in MA, Professional Counseling.

The icing on the cake is that my husband plays a huge part in my service to couples (Duo Marriage Officiants & Relationship Coaching), we have a faith-based relationship, and marriage ministry in which we have coached over 300+ couples nationally as well as officiated over 180+ weddings. We are referred to couples that are in crisis and contemplating divorce which has been effective for many couples.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I enjoy entertaining and hosting functions! I would inquire about their likes/dislikes (i.e. food, music) and I would start by taking them to the heart of the city!

Day 1 – Atlantic Station is surrounded by great restaurants and shopping.

Day 2- would be focused on historic venues, MLK museum, showing them HBCU schools such as Spelman, Morehouse, and a nice vegan spot such as Soul Vegetarian Restaurant or Vegan Salad & Roll.

Day 3- a tour of luxury homes located in Buckhead because I am a licensed real estate agent as well and showing ATL’s collection of luxury properties is always inspiring to my guest and dinner at Capital Grille in Buckhead is a must!

Day 4- a movie at CMX CineBistro – Peachtree Corners with the reclining all-white leather seating and superior cuisines is always worth the trip and the Forum shopping outlet is located across the street with coffee bars/dessert.

Day 5- Georgia Aquarium, World of Coca-Cola museum, and checking out the Underground. That evening would be a night out at the Velvet Room jazz spot with great food and live entertainment located in Alpharetta, GA.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I oftentimes tell people that most people meet their mentors when they are in a better space and ready to be challenged, motivated, and held accountable for achieving their goals. That was not the case when I met my mentor. I was overcoming the worst attack on my family, a time when I was picking up the last fragments of losing everything; yet, working full-time, attending college classes at night, and raising my then 5-year-old son.

My mentor is my husband. He is the only person I know that stood by me at my worst and allowed his actions to speak louder than any words. He would stop me from saying negative comments, he reminded me of what my future would look like if I stayed focused and kept pushing. He could have run away from my negativity and he chose to run with me. I am grateful as he still pushes me to conquer the goals I shared with him early on during our courtship.

Website: https://chroniclescounseling.clientsecure.me/

Image Credits
Crystal Hughes Photography

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