Today we’d like to introduce you to Giovanna Baisie-Arthur.
Hi Giovanna , please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
Coming from an African family, mental health isn’t the career field that they would have chosen for me. When I chose to be a psychology major in undergrad, my family was a bit unsure of what my future would hold. I didn’t have a picture of what my future would hold either; nonetheless, I entered Stevenson University as a psychology major in 2014. I had not yet grown a love for mental health, but I loved learning about the human mind and people’s behaviors. Things would become a bit clearer when I entered grad school for clinical counseling at Loyola University Maryland in 2018. I was one of 30 students who would be piloting their new Master’s in Clinical Counseling degree. I quickly fell in love with the field of mental health during my program and recognized the impact it had on every human being. Experiencing my own mental hurdles during the program also helped me to gain empathy for what others experience. I jumped right into the field after graduation, landing a job at a small private practice in the Baltimore area. I was able to work with many different populations and gain the experience I currently have as a seasoned therapist. There have been ups and downs, but it has been a very rewarding career path. There is beauty in supporting others in their times of need and watching individuals grow into their best selves. This past May, I started my own private practice after 4 years of counseling at the practice I started with. I have been humbled and so grateful to work with many of my regular clients. Opening my private practice has been a big milestone in my career, and I am excited for what the future holds. The name of my business is Gracious Guidance Counseling. I was inspired by a few things with the name of the business. My name, Giovanna, means “God is Gracious.” One thing I observed through my years of counseling was the lack of grace many held for themselves. I wanted to create a safe space for clients to develop that grace for themselves. I have been instilling this value in all of my sessions and even in my marketing. I hope to provide the one on one support that clients need through my kind and compassionate services.
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?
It hasn’t been a smooth road. The field of mental health isn’t a smooth one, but self-care as a clinician is ver,y very important. From dealing with client issues to balancing your own life, it’s not always rainbows and unicorns. It gets even harder when you’re trying to run your own business and make enough to pay your bills. Nonetheless, I enjoy the ride and make the best of it. I really try to practice the advice I give clients and stay grounded in mindfulness and my spirituality. It really helps me to fill my cup as a therapist while also supporting clients and my own family/friends.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
Gracious Guidance Counseling is a mental health practice located in Elkridge,Maryland. We are devoted to creating a tender, welcoming space where hearts can heal and souls can be uplifted. Rooted in kindness, compassion, and faith, Gracious Guidance walks alongside each person with care and grace. We believe that every individual is wonderfully made with unique gifts and a beautiful purpose. Through gentle counseling, evidence-based practices, and positive encouragement, Gracious Guidance supports our clients as they overcome life’s challenges, embrace their worth, and step boldly into the fullness of who they were created to be. What sets us apart from others is our faith and compassion. While being faith-based can often push some clients away, I see how this actually connects me with clients more. We work with all ranges of individuals, whether they faith based or not. I am most proud that I can be out right with my faith in my branding, but also be inclusive of clients who are not looking for faith-based help. I want readers to know that Gracious Guidance Counseling is open to support all. Grace is something many of us lack, and I hope that sessions at Gracious Guidance can help instill that back into people’s lives.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.graciousguidanceco.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/graciousguidanceco/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@GraciousGuidanceChats
