Today we’d like to introduce you to Davia Knight, MA, LMHC-QS
Hi Davia, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
I’ve been intrigued by psychology and how we relate to one another since high school. While in college, I volunteered with FSU’s Youth Programs, helping students improve their reading efficiency, acting as a significant role model, and providing wisdom to aid in social development, which inspired me to serve my community. I received a Bachelor of Science degree in Social Science from Florida State University in 2011 and a Master of Arts degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Argosy University in 2017. During my internship in Orlando, I worked in one of the most challenging areas while helping children and families navigate grief and loss, educational goals, conduct concerns, and hope for their future. After securing my counseling license, I wasn’t sure which population I should work with, but I knew I wanted to continue impacting my community positively. My path did not occur without challenges. As a Jamaican, I am a first-generation immigrant and college student. I spent many nights not knowing if I could keep up with the pace of working and attending school part-time while raising my child as a single mother. I praise God and am grateful for my support system because I would not have made it this far without them.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
It hasn’t been a smooth journey, but my faith in God has strengthened during tough times. My graduation was delayed by about six months because I struggled to find an internship. When I finally secured one, someone broke into my car. I have put in countless hours, both educationally and vocationally, to ensure my child and I can have a better life. Along the way, I’ve lost friendships and relationships that I believed would last forever. I also lost a close friend and mentor who passed away in 2019.
Nevertheless, God’s grace reminds me to be grateful for life, no matter my challenges, because what is meant for me will never be missed. As a single mother, I don’t seek sympathy; I have an indomitable will to succeed—not just educationally but also spiritually, physically, mentally, and emotionally. After meeting my therapist, I have begun breaking free from the need to always be “strong” and realized that I thrive best in a community of like-minded individuals. I have decided to heal because I can!
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about Help, Hope, & Healing, LLC.?
Help, Hope, & Healing, LLC started with me because great leaders lead by example. A trifecta sets me apart brand-wise: life experiences, the degrees to reinforce those experiences, and the counseling license to legitimize those experiences. Credit is due to God, my mother, and an exceptional support system. I launched Help, Hope, & Healing, LLC on June 19, 2020, to support individuals from diverse backgrounds, significantly focusing on reducing mental health stigma for Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC). I counsel individuals, families, couples, children, adolescents, seniors, survivors of domestic violence, and persons who experience spiritual abuse or racism.
A population often overlooked is college students, whom I greatly enjoy counseling. College students face unique challenges that significantly impact their mental health, academic performance, and overall well-being. Counseling them allows me to assist with life transitions, mental health concerns, academic success, identity exploration, crisis management, social connection, and retention and graduation rates. Collaborating with colleges reminds me of my need for mental health counseling, which was not available at the time. I meet with clients virtually, which provides more convenience and fewer barriers to treatment.
My counseling specialties are attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in adults and children, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, anxiety, relationship concerns, spiritual abuse, and work-related stressors. I help clients develop mindfulness to address and reduce stress, anxiety, or depression while increasing balance and a healthy lifestyle. I want readers to know that there is no shame in receiving mental health counseling regardless of your background, and this comes from a Jamaican woman who is unashamed to receive counseling when needed. I’m known for helping eradicate mental health stigma by being an inclusive, informative, educated, personable, strategic, and authentic advocate. Beloved, heal because YOU can!
What matters most to you?
I strive to live by the golden rule of treating others how I wish to be treated, and I find joy in expressing my faith in Christ. This principle is important to me because, regardless of my experiences, it is a guiding light that helps me maintain a positive path.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.belovedheal.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/helphopeandhealingllc?igsh=dXo4bzBmYnJ4dm82&utm_source=qr
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/helphopeandhealingllc/
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/davia-knight-ma-lmhc
Image Credits
I want to credit my son for the photo of me in the blue dress and my little brother Ty for the rest of the images.
