Today we’d like to introduce you to Janelle Ramdass.
Hi Janelle, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I’ve known since I was a child that I wanted to help people. I was always fascinated by the human mind—how our thoughts, emotions, and experiences shape who we are. Psychology came naturally to me, and as I got older, that curiosity turned into a calling.
I began my journey by volunteering in various community settings, which helped me see firsthand the different ways people struggle and heal. Eventually, I started working in a community mental health hospital while pursuing my dual Master’s degrees in Mental Health Counseling and Marriage, Family, & Relationship Therapy. Those years gave me invaluable experience and taught me so much about resilience, compassion, and the importance of individualized care.
After several years in the hospital setting, I realized I wanted to create a space where I could connect with clients more personally and holistically. That vision led me to open my private practice, where I could focus on helping people in deeper, more meaningful ways and make a lasting impact in my community.
My work took on an even more personal meaning after I became a mother. Navigating pregnancy and early motherhood opened my eyes to the gaps in support for women and moms. It inspired me to pursue specialized training in maternal mental health so I could better serve women going through similar transitions.
Through the years, one thing has become clear—trauma is interwoven into almost every story that walks through my door. Because of that, I’ve made it a priority to integrate trauma-informed care into my practice, expanding my approach with evidence-based modalities like EMDR to help clients heal on a deeper level.
Every step of my journey has shaped the counselor I am today—grounded in empathy, guided by curiosity, and deeply committed to helping others rediscover hope, balance, and healing in their lives.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It definitely hasn’t been a smooth road, but every challenge along the way has shaped me both personally and professionally. Balancing graduate school, full-time work, and personal responsibilities was demanding, and there were many moments of self-doubt and exhaustion. Starting my private practice came with its own learning curve too—navigating the business side of therapy, building a client base, and maintaining balance while showing up fully for others.
On a more personal level, I’ve faced my share of traumas and losses. I’ve lost loved ones suddenly, faced illness, and walked through seasons that deeply tested my resilience. Becoming a mother also brought its own set of lessons. The transition into motherhood was beautiful, but it was also overwhelming at times. I experienced firsthand how isolating and emotionally taxing that stage of life can be, and it made me realize how essential it is for women to have safe, supportive spaces to process their experiences. These experiences have changed the way I show up as a therapist—they’ve made me more empathetic, grounded, and able to sit with others in their pain without trying to rush the process of healing.
Then came the pandemic, which forced all of us—personally and professionally—to adapt in ways we never imagined. I had to learn to be creative and flexible, shifting my entire practice to a virtual space while still maintaining the sense of connection and safety my clients needed. It was a time of uncertainty, but it also deepened my understanding of the importance of adaptability and self-compassion.
There have been many ups and downs, but each challenge has reinforced why I do this work. It’s taught me that healing isn’t linear, and that our hardest moments often become the very foundation for the compassion and strength we offer others.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about Simple Life Counseling LLC?
Simple Life Counseling was born from a deep desire to help people slow down, heal, and reconnect with themselves. After years of working in community mental health and walking through my own life transitions—including the challenges of motherhood—I realized how many people, especially women, were craving real, compassionate support. I wanted to create a space where they could breathe, feel seen, and begin to rebuild from the inside out.
I specialize in helping others navigate major life transitions, identity shifts, and the lingering effects of trauma. My approach is holistic and trauma-informed, blending techniques like CBT and EMDR with genuine empathy and presence. Every person’s story is different, so my focus is always on meeting clients exactly where they are—with warmth, honesty, and understanding.
What sets Simple Life Counseling apart is its heart. It’s not just about therapy sessions—it’s about connection, growth, and rediscovering peace through simplicity. The name itself reflects my belief that healing doesn’t have to be complicated; it starts by returning to what truly matters. I believe healing isn’t one-size-fits-all; it’s deeply personal. I strive to create an environment that feels warm, grounding, and authentic—where clients can come as they are, without judgment, and begin to reconnect with themselves.
I’m most proud of creating a brand that feels human and real—a place where clients can show up as their authentic selves and know they’re not alone in their healing journey. My hope is that anyone who comes across Simple Life Counseling feels inspired to take that first small, brave step toward a calmer, more grounded version of themselves.
Can you talk to us about how you think about risk?
For me, risk-taking has always been closely tied to growth. Every meaningful step I’ve taken—whether it was pursuing dual master’s degrees, leaving the stability of a hospital job to open my own private practice, or shifting my focus to serve women and mothers—came with uncertainty. But I’ve learned that the biggest rewards often come from the moments that scare us the most.
Opening Simple Life Counseling was one of the biggest risks I’ve ever taken. I was stepping into the unknown, trusting that my passion and purpose would guide me. It wasn’t easy—there were financial worries, self-doubt, and moments of fear—but it turned out to be one of the most fulfilling decisions of my life.
I’ve also learned that risk doesn’t always mean something dramatic; sometimes it’s the quiet, internal decisions that require the most courage—like being vulnerable, setting boundaries, or choosing to grow beyond old patterns.
My perspective is that taking risks is part of healing and living authentically. We can’t create change or find alignment without stepping into some level of discomfort. Every risk I’ve taken has taught me to trust myself more deeply—and that’s something I try to help my clients do too.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://SimpleLifeCounseling.com
