It’s an honor to speak with you today. Why don’t you give us some details about you and your story? How did you get to where you are today?
I’ve always had a heart for helping others, and initially, I planned to become a criminal attorney—I was very passionate about it! However, as I learned more about the profession and what it entailed, I realized I wanted to help people in a different way. I came to understand that the first system a person is born into is their family system. Growing up in a military family, I saw firsthand the importance of working together as a unit and recognized that many families lacked the tools needed to do so effectively. That realization led me to pursue a career as a Marriage and Family Therapist.
I’m sure your success has not come easily. What challenges have you had to overcome along the way?
There are a few challenges I can highlight. Being a good therapist requires a willingness to ‘enter the emotional fire’ with clients, but it also means confronting your own emotional challenges. I never wanted to be like a dentist with bad teeth—it would feel hypocritical to teach my clients to communicate difficult feelings, face their fears, and practice forgiveness if I wasn’t doing the same in my own life. Doing my own inner work helped me truly understand the weight of what I ask my clients to do. I know firsthand how painful and challenging it can be to forgive someone who isn’t sorry. I’m part of the community I seek to heal, so I have to practice what I teach.
Another major challenge was getting people in my community—predominantly Christian Black families—to be open to therapy. Many feared they would be seen as crazy or weak, or that therapy might conflict with their faith. There was also the perception that therapy was something ‘white people do’ and that traditional methods wouldn’t align with Black culture, which tends to be more community-based rather than individualistic. I had to show what therapy could look like within the Black community and highlight how, historically, we’ve always sought guidance from those with more experience, like our elders. Over the years, I’ve worked hard to adapt psychological theories in a way that aligns with the Christian Black community, ensuring that therapy is both effective and culturally competent. Building that trust took time—years, in fact—but it was necessary to make a real impact.
Let’s talk about the work you do. What do you specialize in and why should someone work with you over the competition?
I specialize in working with high-achieving women within the Black community and military families, particularly in the context of their relationships. As a Military Family Life Counselor (MFLC), I spent several years working overseas in West Africa, England, and Germany. During that time, I noticed a pattern—these individuals excel in their careers and serve their communities and country with everything they have, but their marriages and families often suffer as a result.
I personally understand this struggle because I grew up in a Black Christian military family. My mother was in the Navy and a pastor, my stepfather served in the Army, one of my brothers is a Marine, and another is a First Sergeant in the Army. Throughout my life, and even now, we’ve had to navigate the challenge of being present for one another while balancing our responsibilities.
My clients choose to work with me because they know they’ll receive therapy from someone who specializes in marriage and family dynamics, deeply understands military culture, and incorporates Christian counseling. They also know they can address their emotional and mental health challenges while staying true to their Christian faith and values.
In addition to my private practice, Ms. Dee Therapy, which serves adults, I also support families through my children’s book series, The Feelings Therapist. These books highlight the unique challenges military families face and provide tools to help them build emotional resilience together. My latest book, Oh No, We’re Moving! With Ms. Dee the Feelings Therapist, helps children and their families navigate change by identifying and expressing their feelings in a healthy way.
What’s your best piece of advice for readers who desire to find success in their life?
I want people to understand that true success isn’t just about reaching your goals—it’s about who you have with you when you get there. You can’t achieve lasting success and fulfillment alone. If you navigate the world as if relationships don’t matter, one day you’ll look up and realize you’re alone.
The people in your life will remember how you made them feel far more than what you accomplished. So yes, chase the bag, win the medals, get your name in the history books—but don’t forget to nurture the relationships that truly matter. Prioritize building healthy, loving, and lasting connections, because success is even sweeter when it’s shared.
Speaking of success, what does the word mean to you?
To me, success means being able to walk in your purpose while also having supportive, healthy relationships. Many people equate success with wealth, but I’ve worked with individuals who have plenty of money yet lack meaningful connections with people they trust and who truly care for them.
I don’t think people always realize the immense value of a loving marriage, deep friendships, and a strong community. Those who have these things possess a kind of wealth that money can’t buy—a wealth that many people long for.
What’s next for you?
Right now, I’m focused on continuing to promote my children’s book, Oh No, We’re Moving! With Ms. Dee the Feelings Therapist, while also growing my private practice, Ms. Dee Therapy. I work with clients in Louisiana, California, and those living overseas.
In addition to therapy, I also offer coaching for individuals who are ready to take action—helping them identify challenges and work toward building healthier, more fulfilling relationships.
I’m also working on my next two children’s books, which will focus on the experiences of being bullied and being the bully. These books will continue my mission of helping children understand and express their emotions in a healthy way.
Finally, how can people connect with you if they want to learn more?
If you’d like to work with me one-on-one, you can reach me through my website at www.MsDeeTherapy.com.
If you’re interested in The Feelings Therapist book series for your family, school, or military base, you can order copies or subscribe to be notified at www.TheFeelingsTherapist.com.
I’d love to connect and support you on your journey!
