Monica Wood, MACP, CMHCI

In the song "Testify" Dianne Reeves sings, "So sweet the journey when you learn to love yourself, accept yourself, forgive yourself, respect yourself, believe in yourself, be yourself; with amazing grace as your constant friend.” 

One of my favorite songs by one of my favorite vocalists speaks to how I view life at this age and stage. I am free of anger, I am free of fear and my mind is at ease. And, here it is..."I don't regret yesterday, for yesterday made me who I am today."

Those words sum up why I have entered the clinical mental health field. Yesterday may have presented me with unwanted gifts, but with help finding the right perspective, I have come to view the role they played as a creative piece to my mosaic life puzzle, but not the completed work. The puzzle continues to form with each new experience that life gifts me.

As an adolescent, I experienced bullying which resulted in my having low self-esteem and eventually led me to attempt to take my own life. Gratefully, I was not successful. I made many mistakes and had harmful experiences up through undergrad. I truly did not believe I was worthy or beautiful, no matter how much others would say I was. And, although I know these experiences made me who I am and helped illuminate my purpose, I cannot fully say I don't have regrets. I believe we all do. However, I also believe that it's how we process our experiences that is most important.  

I am a clinical mental health counseling student in the Master's program at Northwestern University (graduate in 2023). I received my Master's in Christian Practice from Duke Divinity and Bachelor of Arts in Speech from Morgan State University. I am entering this field with significant professional experience and life passion. Professionally, as a public relations and crisis communication specialist, I have been able to help clients identify and execute their goals, as well as offer a safe space to process and manage crises. Personally, my yesterdays helped form my passion for working with people, especially girls and women dealing with life stressors, anxiety, and early signs of depression.

My integrated theoretical lens of person-centered, existential, and cognitive behavioral therapy, along with my passion and compassion for humanity shape my therapeutic approach. This simply means that we are going to help you explore your life and goals, figuring out what strengths to build on and what barriers to remove. Understanding the importance of humility and the value of personal growth at all levels and seasons, I am committed to creating a safe space for any and all seeking an opportunity to sit, share and explore fears, emotions, questions, and hopes in your journey to becoming your best self, at your own pace.

Reach out today, so we can begin helping build your puzzle into the masterpiece you truly want and deserve.