According to Mental Health America mental health conditions occur in Black and African American people in America at about the same or less frequency than in White Americans. However, the historically Black and African American experience in America has and continues to be characterized by trauma and violence more often than for their White counterparts and impacts the emotional and mental health of both youth and adults. As we celebrate International Black Women’s History Month during the month of April, we’re honored to spotlight mental health therapist and school counselor, Britteny Petty.
With years of experience in helping teens thrive for greater Britteny also helps empower teens to heal from physical and mental abuse so they can attend college, develop a trade or start a business. Britteny has a gift for helping teen girls sort through drama and get to the root of comparing oneself so they can heal. Britteny’s experience with teens in and out of the classroom along with overcoming multiple challenges with her own daughter has led to the creation of IMW. IMW stands for Ingeniously Made Whole where healing becomes an internal process in order to envision and apply the work to become destined to crush goals. Every young lady is fearfully and wonderfully made whole with mustard seed sized faith one can overcome any obstacle. Britteny’s goal is to help every young lady discover their self worth.
Influential People News readers, please enjoy our interview.
What inspired you to become a mental health therapist and school counselor and what impact do you aspire to make throughout your career?
Britteny: I was inspired to become a school counselor first through the lens of education. After working as a math teacher in middle school and understanding the various roles of an educator with many hats I realized I needed to make a bigger impact. Honestly, I knew from day one I needed to do more than be a math teacher when I walked into my classroom in the middle of the school year and a student stood on the desk and waived their shirt up over their head. I started researching and realized in order to advocate for students I needed to get out of the classroom and follow the path of becoming a school counselor. I then had to search deeper after walking in the shoes of a school counselor and realizing that I was not able to actually counsel students I realized I needed to become a mental health counselor. In the midst of COVID I began to realize I needed to do more and understanding my passion as a counselor I dived right in to become a mental health counselor so I can help those in need. The ultimate impact I aspire to make throughout my career is to be able to save others from making temporary decisions that ultimately affect others and themselves detrimentally for the rest of their lives. My impact is to help others determine their truest deepest passions to live life without regret.
What can you share with us about Ingeniously Made Whole?
Britteny: Ingeniously Made Whole was founded based on Psalm 139:14 For I am fearfully and wonderfully made whole. As a mental health counselor, I want everyone who leaves a counseling session or interaction with IMW to know they are fearfully and wonderfully made whole. IMW serves the community by offering counseling sessions, podcasting to encourage women and teens to achieve their goals, and heal from physical and mental abuse. IMW also provides coaching to teens from the ages of 12–18 to inspire, uplift, and provide a solid foundation in order to help our youth create the life they desire in the midst of a world filled with so much going on.
We salute your goal to help young ladies discover their self-worth. What are some of the tools and resources you provide to make this happen?
Britteny: I enjoy helping young ladies tap into their inner value of how one sees oneself. IMW utilizes many different techniques such as classes to focus on healing, self-worth, self-discovery, empowerment, and education on various topics such as sexual education, bullying, physical and mental abuse, social media, how to communicate, drama with friends and so much more. Activities are fun with emphasis on healing and most importantly every teen who leaves a camp, event, or small group setting leaves wearing their crown held high understanding their self-worth and value so they can set consistent achievable goals.
What does the month of April look like for you, and what are you currently working on?
Britteny: I am always thinking and planning ahead so I am setting and finalizing Healing Flawlessly events for the month of May. Currently in the month of April I was featured on Tarea Vision Avant’s Wealthy Wednesday and I will be featured on The Inspired Women Podcast on April 18th. I have vending events for April and I have a speaking engagement for April 29th where I will be encouraging our youth as they embrace the fundamentals of math in Fort Worth, Texas.
What else would you like our readers to know about you and the work that you do?
Britteny: I am passionate about helping our youth develop a solid foundation. There is so much I wish I knew as a teen to make different decisions. I truly believe that we who are adults can work together to empower our youth of today in the midst of social media and so much negativity. They too can have a promising future with direction and guidance. Teens do not have to feel shell shocked as I have heard many state over and over again if I knew then what I know now.
What advice would you have for someone who is currently struggling with their mental health?
Britteny: Seek counseling and it’s okay to go to counseling multiple times. Seek help and don’t settle if you don’t like one counselor seek for another.
As we know the saying of how hurt people hurt people. I challenge you to do the work now so your future self and those who you come into contact with do not have to suffer. Don’t be the person who refused to do the work of inward healing.
Follow on social media:
TikTok: @imwcounselorpetty
Instagram: @ingeniouslymadewhole
Facebook: @ingeniouslymadewhole
Linkedin: @imwcounsleorpetty
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