Today we’d like to introduce you to Nerissa Pratt.
Hi Nerissa, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
I originally set out to become a criminal justice attorney. After earning my bachelor’s degree from the University of Central Florida, I began working as a case manager for juvenile offenders, helping connect them with services to support their reintegration into society and reduce the risk of reoffending.
What I loved most about that role wasn’t the paperwork or court coordination—it was the conversations. I found myself drawn to listening to the young people, understanding their struggles, and wishing I could play a more direct role in helping them heal and build better futures. That realization inspired a major shift in my career path: I decided to become a licensed mental health counselor.
I chose to pursue my master’s degree at Troy State University, where I laid the foundation for my work as a mental health counselor and deepened my understanding of human behavior, resilience, and emotional wellness.
After that, my counseling journey began with children, providing in-home and school-based therapy. I quickly discovered how much I enjoyed helping young clients find their voices and confidence. Over time, my focus expanded to include adults and couples, as well as military service members and their families, supporting them through transitions, trauma, and the emotional demands of military life.
Today, my work centers on helping adults and couples navigate anxiety, depression, and relationship challenges. I also have the privilege of supporting clients from the LGBTQIA+ and military communities, providing a safe and affirming space to process life’s complexities. I am currently pursuing a Doctorate in Clinical Sexology at Modern Sex Therapy Institutes, expanding my expertise in the areas of human sexuality, intimacy, and relationship dynamics to better support clients in understanding and improving their emotional and sexual well-being.
After 21 years in the field, I can honestly say I couldn’t imagine doing anything else. Counseling has given me a front-row seat to human resilience, growth, and transformation. I genuinely love what I do—and I look forward to another 20 years of helping others discover strength, healing, and hope.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
I became a mother at 17, an experience that required me to grow up quickly and take on responsibility long before most of my peers. Balancing motherhood with higher education was far from easy, but I refused to let my circumstances define my future. Completing my undergraduate degree was a challenge, yet perseverance and purpose carried me through. When I entered my graduate program, I was determined to exceed expectations — and I did. I completed a rigorous three-year program in just two years, maintaining a high GPA, all while raising two children. That period of my life taught me the power of resilience, discipline, and self-belief. Both are qualities that continue to shape both my personal journey and my professional calling today.
Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about Speak Your Peace Inc.?
I provide virtual mental health counseling, which has allowed me to connect with clients in areas that may not have otherwise had access to the support they need. I am licensed in Florida, Georgia, Arizona, Kentucky, and Washington, offering individual and relationship counseling for adults ages 18 to 65. My specialties include anxiety, depression, relationship therapy (including ethical non-monogamy), LGBTQIA+-specific concerns, and military-related issues. I am certified in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. I also incorporate Mindfulness techniques and Dialectical Behavioral Therapy into the work I do with my clients.
My therapeutic style is compassionate, nonjudgmental, and focused on creating a safe, comfortable space where clients can explore their experiences, gain insight, and grow through life’s challenges and transitions. I am deeply proud of having founded and grown my private practice over the past 14 years, and I remain passionate about providing accessible, affirming, and high-quality mental health care to those I serve.
Networking and finding a mentor can have such a positive impact on one’s life and career. Any advice?
I’ve been fortunate to stay connected with colleagues from my master’s program as well as with professionals from practices where I’ve previously contracted. Maintaining those relationships has provided a sense of community and ongoing professional growth. I also make it a priority to attend continuing education (CEU) trainings, mental health conferences, and local networking events, which have been invaluable opportunities to exchange ideas, learn from others, and stay current in the evolving field of mental health. These experiences continually renew my passion for the work and remind me of the importance of collaboration within the therapeutic community.
Pricing:
- Individual counseling;$125 per session(1 hour)
- Couples session:$150 per session(1 hour)
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.sypinc.net
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nerissa-pratt-a029b122/
