Today we’d like to introduce you to Freda Doxey.
Hi Freda, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to introduce yourself.
While coaching at the Florida State University women’s basketball program from 1987- 1993, I spent a lot of time “counseling” players, students, and couples. This was not my job description at all. After listening to one of my favorite inspirational speakers on the radio, Dr. Chuck Swindoll, talk about knowing your purpose. I decided to “test my gift.” Dr. Swindoll. shared that one “old fashion way” to know if you are “operating in your gift” was 1) people will tell you and sing your praises or 2) start doing the thing that you believe you are good at, and again people will let you know. So, I began to notice the comments of my colleagues, students, and others as they would say how much I helped them resolve a problem. The next step, Dr. Swindoll mentioned, was to get more training or education, if necessary. It was my last season at FSU, so I left coaching and applied for the Masters of Biblical Counseling program at Dallas Theological Seminary. Mind you, it would be their first year of offering the program, and they only accepted less than 150 students. I applied, and much to my surprise, I was accepted. After completing the four-year master’s program, I got my first position at an alcohol/drug recovery center in Texas. It was not what I wanted to do as I had grandeur ideas for my first job!
Nevertheless, that position was the beginning of my long and enjoyable time working with individuals with addictions. After taking the licensure exam not once, not twice, but the third time in Georgia, I passed. My passion is to work with people and help them enjoy mental wellness in all areas of their life. After a decade of counseling, I added “transformational life strategist” to what I offer clients. I am the “head” coach for those who are ready to “renew their minds and transform their lives” from ordinary to extraordinary (their mindset stops them from living the extraordinary that we all were designed to live).
We all face challenges, but looking back, would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
One of the earlier struggles was passing the licensure exam. Twice in the state of Texas, I failed the exam. My supervisor at the time, Becky, believed in me and asked me to continue as the Director of the Women’s program even when I failed the exam. I learned grace and favor from her leadership. When we moved to Georgia, my husband and I agreed that I would be a ‘stay home mom” for the first four years of our children’s lives. Living off of one income was amazingly difficult, e.g., meager living arrangements and receiving food assistance from the county. My ego was the only thing that was bruised, but it was a struggle. God was ridding me of pride, and it was a beautiful pain journey. It was beautiful because I became a mentally, emotionally, and relational more attractive person. Once the four years were complete, I struggled to believe I could re-enter the working world and lacked confidence. It was my faith in God that pushed me over that hurdle. My application was denied many times over. The final interview I had was with a youth detention center. I was desperate to work. I had yet to learn what youth detention was all about. I did not. I remember parking our van in the parking lot and being confused that the place had barbed wire fencing all around the building. Hesitantly, I walked up to the gate and was shocked to hear a very firm voice instruct me to the next door after pressing the call button. While walking up the ramp, I thought, “I do not want this job. So, let’s do everything you know to make them not hire you.” Again, I had a moment of doubt that I could do the job. After the interview, I was confident I would not get the job. Not. I received an offer letter. Still fighting doubt, I negotiated a much higher salary, and they accepted. It was one of the most fulfilling assignments. The struggle was parenting two toddlers, one car, and studying for the licensure exam. Again, my incredible husband and my faith in God prevailed, and I passed the exam! Counseling and Coaching are my gifts! While in Georgia, I worked for three other agencies and decided to start my private practice.
As you know, we’re big fans of A Wise Company. For our readers who might not be as familiar, what can you tell them about the brand?
Most people are curious about the name of my company. The story behind the name has everything to do with the name and my specialty. I grew up in Natchez, Mississippi, and spent many days in the country with my grandparents and great-aunts/uncles. It was one great aunt who would tell my mother quite often, “that chide is a gold piece and will do great things.” I knew her as Aunt Wise. Hence, the name A Wise Company (AWC): Renewing Minds, Transforming Lives. One Person at a Time.
My brand is built on providing wise counseling and coaching. “Wisdom is defined as “the quality of having experience, knowledge, and good judgment; the quality of being wise.” It is closely related to discernment and the ability to see the world as it is, not as we would have it.” I specialize in clinical counseling for ages 13 – up using evidence-based cognitive behavioral and biblical therapies for individuals and couples in a virtual setting.
Everyone was created for greatness. Finding and living in your greatness is the key. As a certified personal development and professional trainer, I provide individualized “life transformational” sessions for individuals ready to transition from mediocre to greatness. Clients for transformational sessions have three tiers they can select from one-on-one to group sessions.
My husband, Dr. Gentry, and I provide couples workshops through our H.O.T. Couples Workshops that are offered virtually and face-to-face throughout the year. As a national and international speaker, I am available as a platform speaker, workshop trainer, and facilitator on specific topics including but limited to motivational, women’s issues, leadership, and athletic performance. I am a Hall of Famer in women’s basketball at Cheyney University, where Naismith Hall of Famer C. Vivian Stringer was my head coach. My extensive years in women’s basketball, even now working alongside the WNBA, set me apart from others.
What do you think about luck?
I do not believe in luck. The role of faith is the cornerstone of the success that I have in my life and business. Without faith, it would be impossible to grow, succeed, or please God. We all possess a measure of faith. We can go from little faith to great faith. My desire through my life and business is to show people how to move up in their faith. Faith does not consider time or the unseen. Faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.
Pricing:
- Individual Counseling $125-and up
- Couples Counseling $175 and up
- Life Transformational Strategy Sessions – By Appt Only
- Couples Workshop with Dr. Gentry – By Appt Only
Contact Info:
- Website: www.awise.company
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/awisecoach/
- Other: https://member.psychologytoday.com/us/home
Image Credits
Julie Ryan Photography
