I knew that I wanted to be a therapist as early as middle school.  I felt a calling to be of service to others. I was raised all my life around family members who worked in helping professions- educators, pastors, and human service.  I embarked on my own therapeutic journey and what I discovered along the way wasn’t just my true self, but the power of being seen and held with unconditional support and love.

I started my journey in working with women and children in transition and moved into working with adults and children living with developmental disabilities and severe and persistent mental illness in both office and home settings. I continued my journey working as Faculty for University of Phoenix Bachelors of Human Service, and eventually in Counseling at Michigan State University. My love of helping others placed me back in private practice settings with a passion for working with college students and people of color who’ve experienced trauma. As a mental health professional for over 16 years, my love of helping others is what motivates me to do all that I can to help the patient encounter. I have worked in various clinical and healthcare settings including emergency and crisis intervention, behavioral health centers, clinical and macro level MSW supervision and field liaison and most recent outpatient clinic settings.

When asked “What is my ideal client”? My response will always be you! I have an innate passion for people and feel that one’s healing journey should be customized to suit their individual need(s). I take a strength-based person-centered approach to help each client begin to identify/build upon their abilities to overcome obstacles at every stage of life. Upon working together, we will focus on healing holistically, integrating techniques suited for the whole person, aligning spirit, mind, body, soul, and goals.

I know firsthand from personal and professional experience the value of a safe space to simply be. To dialogue, process, and progress in a transparent judgement free environment. I invite clients from all walks of life and have particular interest in grief related work, and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy.

I have a plethora of varied experiences and an array of resources to share. This is not just a career, but my calling and I believe the one true way to rise is simply by lifting others, so I welcome you to come exactly as you are and I will meet you there. I look forward to learning how I can aid you on this healing journey.

Everyone is worthy of having their story heard. As a therapist, I want to support your authentic self – that which makes you different from anyone else. Our stories matter – it’s who we truly are. We each have strengths and assets, along with vulnerabilities and areas we could improve. Instead of avoiding the areas that may be bringing us down, I encourage clients to engage in personal growth and exploration.

When I meet a new client, I acknowledge that you’ve already taken the courageous step of showing up and asking to be seen and heard. I will take the time to hear your story – including your values, strengths, challenges, and help you look deeper within yourself. Showing vulnerability is an opportunity for growth. Vulnerability builds resiliency, hope, and healing. It shows humility and humanity and we can grow from a place of vulnerability.

With each session, you can expect empathy, compassion, and validation of your life experiences to create a collaborative and trusting therapeutic relationship. I value mindfulness, reflection, and attunement to your lived experiences. I utilize a holistic approach focusing on the integration of emotional, physical, and one’s innate strength to find their authentic self. I have a passion for each person to find their purpose to live a life of restoration, joy, contentment, and overall wellness in the wholeness of their lives. I will work with you to create a therapeutic approach to help transition from where you are now, to where you want to be.

My formal training includes a Bachelor’s degree in Corporate Finance and a Master’s degree in Social Work, Graduate Certificate in Social Work Practice with Family & Couples from Wayne State University, Detroit, Michigan. Certificate in Organizational Inclusion & Diversity – from Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan.

I am aware of the stigma surrounding therapy/mental health in the Latinx community firsthand, which was one of the deciding factors in becoming a therapist. Through therapy, we can establish goals and learn how to overcome barriers to achieve your goals. I strive to provide a safe place for you to start your healing journey. I believe we can all become better versions of ourselves. There are moments in life where you feel depressed, experience anxiety, or go through a rough patch and you need to talk with someone who will listen without judgment. These emotions are part of everyone’s life experiences.

I am a bilingual native Spanish speaker, daughter of immigrant parents, and the first in my family to attend college and graduate school. My therapeutic orientation is person-centered, psychodynamic, and trauma-informed, but I have experience in the utilization of cognitive-behavioral therapy, mindfulness, and solution-focused approach.

I specialize in working with first-generation professionals, imposter syndrome, anxiety, depression, and trauma. I would be honored to begin this journey with you.

Royce Jones is a native of Lansing, MI and father of two beautiful daughters (Gabrielle & Madison). Royce served 14 years in the US Navy, has a BS in Business Management and an MBA. He frequently mentors’ students and faculty at local high schools and advocates for his community. Nedra Cannon and Associates is happy to have Royce join us to provide Life Coaching to adolescents and adults as well as co-facilitate DBT informed skills group to African American adolescent males.

He is a long-standing board member with the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI). It was in serving his country, and local community that Royce found his calling in helping individuals discover the importance of maintaining their mental wellness. His slogan, “Your mental health is your wealth” is geared to educate the community in topics concerning mental health while removing the stigma. Royce communicates his message through a series of posts titled Mental Wealth 101: where he educates his audience on topics on mental health. Royce is currently finishing his Master’s Program in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. He educates youth on social and emotional intelligence and is an advocate for promoting mental health within the community. He gives mental health and motivational talks on a monthly basis to students and staff at Michigan Works for the GED program. His message of hope for the world is “Our Futures Power Is in Our Present Youth,” and “You repeat what you don’t repair!” Royce understands that without God in his life nothing he does would be possible.