03/27/2023
It's my baby's birthday! 🎊
Happy Birthday to Heart 2 Heart Counseling & Consulting, LLC!! 💜✌️💜
Lengthy Celabratory Vent:
Three years ago today, I officially entered into the arena of private practice as a Licensed Therapist! The road has not been easy: I'm Black, I'm Trans, and I definitely don't come from silver spoons; but I'se STILL HERE! At this point, I can safely say with certainty that I am Thee FIRST openly identifying Black Woman of Trans experience to become a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, not only in Louisiana but in every state in which I am currently licensed. That's not bragging, that's FACT. Many refuse to acknowledge the gravity of what that truly means and thats okay. I KNOW what it is and the walls I had to knock through to get here! However, those who truly know me; know that yes I'm elated to be the first, but I'm centered in making sure I WON'T BE THE LAST!
Despite whatever challenges I've endured, the amount of dust I've been paid, or the number of times my contributions have been minimized; I still persevere! I've learned to celebrate myself and affirm that: every day I draw breath, I know I'm making a difference (no matter how great or small)! That experience can get tiresome and be disheartening at times, but it will NEVER separate me from the love I have for the communities I am a part of.
H2H is tethered to the intersections of my own identity. Why is this relevant? Because even with all of my accomplishments and the priviledges they have afforded me; I STILL face a unique set of social determinants that impact how I experience this world. That's why it's so important to me to eliminate the inequities that effect the lives of those in my community; especially our most vulnerable (Black Trans Women)!
Our existence is DIVINE, absolute, and we won't make any apologies for it! We are invaluable to those wise enough to love and embrace us as we are! I engage this concept by refusing to be boxed into the daunting and inconsistent expectations that stem from a respectability culture that attempts to tell me how I "should" show up. In being true to who I AM, while doing the work necessary to pour into my community; pathways to access and mobility WILL be the outcome!
To the communities to which I am intersectionally connected: DREAM and BELIEVE your dreams are possible; even when nobody else sees it for you! More than anything remember YOU ARE WORTHY of PEACE, JOY, & PROSPERITY! Process the disappointments, and let them be the fuel you need to keep moving forward!
I say these things out of Love, but stand on them with my whole chest!
Sincerely yours,
Alaiyia N. Williams , DSW(c), LCSW💅
Licensed Clinical Social Worker/Principle Clinician/CEO
💜Heart 2 Heart Counseling & Consulting, LLC💜
💜✌️💜
🏳️⚧️🏳️⚧️🏳️⚧️🏳️⚧️🏳️⚧️
https://www.letstalkheart2heart.org/meetalaiyia
