Today we’d like to introduce you to Shardae Carter.
Shardae, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I was born and raised in Baltimore, MD. As a child, my family was very close and often spent several holidays together. My mother, unfortunately, passed away when I was 8 years old after suffering from a terminal illness. During the time of her death, I felt very cold and alone. I didn’t fully understand the severity of her death but I noticed a shift in the family. My little brother and I then lived with my maternal grandmother and spent some weekends with our father.
Growing up with my grandmother was very special for me because she gave me so much love that I didn’t realize I needed it. My grandmother was very religious and often prayed over my brother and me before we left out for school. Although my family didn’t grow up in luxury housing, our house always felt rich with love and laughter. My grandmother raised me as her own but often instilled in me the wisdom to not give up on my dreams. As a child, my dream was to become a pediatrician to help sick children better manage their fears of going to the doctor. I had it all planned out of how I would create such a fun waiting area for children that came into my office.
About two weeks before the start of my senior year of undergrad my grandmother suffered a heart attack and died unexpectedly. My world went from excitement and joy to pain and abandonment in a blink of an eye. I didn’t want or think I could go on after my grandmother died. After attempting to speak to an onsite counselor at my college and not feeling supported I made a point to decide that I would have to make a difference. After graduating with my bachelor’s, I went on to earn my Master’s degree in Human Services Administration. I worked in the human services field for a while and noticed that I didn’t quite feel my passion was being fulfilled.
I decided to return to school and earn my second Master’s in Rehabilitation Counseling and ultimately worked to earn my LCPC (Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor). After working at a few counseling facilities I decided it was time I could spread my wings and soar independently. Resilience, determination, and tenacity all have motivated me enough to never stop striving and follow through with reaching for my dreams.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall, and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Absolutely not! Throughout my life, I have experienced multiple challenges. For starters, substance abuse and alcohol abuse was no stranger to my family. I witnessed several family members become consumed by addiction.
Unfortunately growing up in the Park Heights area we also started to become numb to gun violence and the rise in death rates. However, after losing my grandmother unexpectedly in 2008, my family was never the same. The division in my family forced me to find new ways of living. I spent several years struggling to minimize my pain and overly consuming myself in people-pleasing behaviors. My first attempt at therapy was while I was an undergrad.
I went to student services because I was having a hard time finding the motivation to do anything. I knew I wanted to graduate but I also knew I felt empty inside. I managed to find support from colleagues rather than therapy, however, I didn’t learn any sustainable tools to navigate what my life would look like after I graduated from college. I graduated in 2009 when the economy was at a low and I struggled with finding a decent-paying job.
After climbing the ranks in the human services field, I was able to find clarity in my passion.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
Dae to Dae Counseling Services works to offer individuals effective tools to navigate life after experiencing any major life-altering event. The practice is named after myself but I especially work to help individuals discover ways to authentically express and feel their emotions.
I currently offer individual virtual therapy sessions and will be launching some counseling groups/ workshops in the coming months. My specialty is teaching women and men how to grow while grieving. I serve individuals ages 18-55 years old. My unique approach to grief and loss sets me apart from others who practice within the same area. I am most proud of my brand’s legacy thus far.
Individuals who have received services from me in the past have constantly reminded me of how much of a difference I have made in their life. I would want readers to know that I am not your average grief counselor/therapist. I find creative ways to celebrate their loved ones and find purpose in their life after loss.
Let’s talk about our city – what do you love? What do you not love?
I love that our city has such rich history and beautiful scenic spaces.
I dislike the crime rates and unresolved homicide cases.
Contact Info:
- Website: Dae2daecounseling.com
- Instagram: @Dae2daecounsel
