Today we’d like to introduce you to Mimi Culpepper.
Hi Mimi, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
Despite having almost 25 years of experience as a mental health provider, I actually never planned nor envisioned myself as a business owner in the role of helping others. It still feels surreal. While my graduate studies, internships, trainings, and certifications have equipped me for work in this field, I truly recognize that my story when I was 7 years old. This is the first time I witnessed the dead body of a teenager that had been murdered by gun violence at a park in Saginaw, Michigan. I learned later that one of the perpetrators was one of my sister’s classmates. This event only initiated a pattern of events involving gun violence that would culminate throughout my life. A week after the shooting at the park, I attended the wake of a mother who had shot her 2 young daughters before taking her own life. I still vividly recall how beautiful the little girls were lying in the coffins. The mother was the younger sister of LJ Reynolds, the lead singer of the R&B group The Dramatics. It was only a few months later that my favorite cousin, Michael was shot and killed while walking home. He was 19yo. As I approached adolescence and adulthood, gun violence became even more prevalent. On May 1, 1993, I lost my first love, the father of my daughter to gun violence at the age of 20 years. These experiences shaped my life in many ways. I was fraught with angry and hurt. As a result, violence became my context. The lens in which I saw the world was through pain and retaliation for those who hurt me. My healing has been attributed to my Faith in God and my Savior in conjunction with the people in my life who have always loved me and supported me throughout my journey. I had to surrender those things that I knew I could not control nor were mine to manage. I acknowledge the heightened insight that has occurred from mistakes made as well as the increased gratitude for the opportunity to pour into others using evidence-based practices who have shared in my plight. I learned humility and compassion. Gun violence was the norm in my community and my life as sad as that sounds. However, I am blithely aware of the etiology of the behaviors. I can commiserate with the unmet needs and frustration of the people living in the communities where gun violence has created fear and uncertainty. I lived it. I survived. I am so incredibly grateful and will never forget my past. My past made me who I am and prepared me for what I am do. More importantly, my past experiences are certainly not in vain and always serve to help someone somehow.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
I started my business during the pandemic while I was still working full-time for another employer. Abiding by the organizational policy, I completed and submitted a Secondary Employment form. The director of my department requested a meeting with me and accused me of using the department “to get clients”. The accusation was completed unfounded and didn’t made sense considering the population that I serve was in stark contrast with my former clients and their ability to pay for services. The director required me to compose a written summary explaining why there would not be a conflict, which is something that was not in policy nor had ever been requested in the past for prior employees. While I was annoyed, I did not allow his bullying to deter me from launching my business. In fact, I was even more determined to do what I know needed to be done!
Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
Guiding Growth Therapy, LLC is a mental health clinic that specializes in people. We are an organization that uses evidenced-based practices to support individuals in identifying and addressing the distress that is inhibiting their ability to achieve healthy balance in their lives. Our licensed mental health professionals can support clients with adopting skills that minimize or eradicate symptoms that inhibit personal growth. At Guiding Growth Therapy, Inc. we use compassion, empathy, and skill to engage clients, fostering therapeutic connectedness. Creativity is also pivotal in fueling Guiding Growth Therapy, Inc. We are not governed by trends but utilize best practices that are effective for everyone. There are absolutely no cookie cutter approaches. This may include integration of varying evidenced-based practices that fit the person. Guiding Growth Therapy, Inc. offers in-person and telehealth services for individuals, couples, and family therapy throughout the state of Florida. Specializations include anxiety, depression, trauma, grief, ADHD, women’s issues, among many others. Our team is equipped with multiple certifications and adequate training, ensuring adeptness and proficiency in their area and specialization. Guiding Growth Therapy, Inc is proud of our ability and willingness to operate as a team, readily sharing resources, effectual communication, and encouragement to one another.
What do you like best about our city? What do you like least?
I LOVE community. I absolutely delight and look forward to the Jacksonville Jazz Festival every year! It’s a Memorial Day staple for my husband and me. I revel in the energy. It’s a natural high. There is nothing like seeing people coming together for great music and food. Btw, who’s coming next year? Can we get Moonchild please?
Pricing:
- commerical insurances accepted
- intake – $125
- individual – $105
Contact Info:
- Website: mimiculpeppercounseling.com
