J.D. Welch Counseling

10/16/2025

As we end the Hispanic Heritage Month. We must honor those who came before us.

Hispanic Heritage Month: Celebrates the histories, cultures and contributions of American Citizens whose ancestors came from Spain, Mexico, the Caribbean an Central and South America.

I would like to highlight social worker Antonia Pantoja. Pantoja, a founder of the nonprofit organization ASPIRA, which promotes cultural pride, education, and leadership in Latino Youth.

As a black female therapist and clinical social worker, I think that it is extremely important to discuss the many contributions of minority women who have made history in the field of mental health. I honor those who have worked hard and continue to work hard to eliminate the stigma around mental health.

Pantoja also cofounded the National Puerto Rican Forum and Borica College and was awarded the Presidental Medal of Freedom in 1997.

09/17/2025

I’m excited to share that I’ve been featured in Voyage Raleigh Inspiring Stories series!!

This opportunity allowed me to reflect on my journey, the challenges I’ve overcome, and the passion that drives the work I do every day. My hope is that sharing my story encourages others to keep pushing forward, embrace their purpose, and know that their voice matters.

A huge thank you to Voyage Raleigh for highlighting stories that inspire and uplift our communities!

https://voyageraleigh.com/interview/meet-jamaria-welch-of-j-d-welch-counseling-pllc

Today we’d like to introduce you to Jamaria Welch. Hi Jamaria, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.A question that immediately provokes thoughts of significant figures in my life, rather than specific occurrences. My passion for serving others was founded on examples of community ...

09/08/2025

Push through.

08/10/2025

Thank you John Wall Family Foundation for the opportunity to participate in your 2025 Family Reunion. We appreciate the chance to be a part of this event and contribute to the community. We enjoyed the experience and hope to be involved again in the future. Congratulations, Mr. M on winning the raffle we hope you enjoy your self care basket.

07/23/2025

I'm excited to share that on August 9th at 10 a.m., J.D. Welch Counseling, PLLC will be collaborating with the John Wall Foundation to host their 2nd annual family reunion and back-to-school drive.

Please come out and check out our table. We will have snacks, games, raffles, and prizes.

Please note that registration is needed for the back to school drive.

Join us Sat, Aug 9 from 10–2 at Roberts Park for the John Wall Family Reunion! Food, fun, and activities for the whole community!

07/17/2025

03/29/2024

While spending time at a cheerleading competition with my nieces, what was expected to be a joyous event for each child involved, I encountered the aftermath of a tragedy that no one should ever have to face. I watched as a wonderful group of talented and resilient teens chose to remain in competition after losing a teammate to su***de. While applauding this group’s resilience as they performed back flips, summersaults, and pyramids all while in tears, I began to think more in-depth about how each individual teen would cope with this tragedy. What went through the minds of the young teens as they held an empty space for the young man who had once encouraged his team, loved his team, and performed in excellence? I listened as parents in the crowd questioned, “What could have been that bad? Why would he do that?” I watched the video that had been constructed in memory of this young man and noted his bright smile, his affectionate moments with his teammates, and his ability to execute complex physical moves, all while he obviously was experiencing some emotional challenges. The social worker in me wanted to yell out, “The signs are not always noticeable,” but instead, I decided to take this moment within self-harm awareness month to create awareness, as awareness can lead to prevention. Though self-harm is not always an attempt at su***de, it can increase the risk for su***de as the emotional distress that leads to the self-harmful behavior is often the common trigger.

It is my hope that by increasing awareness, we will prevent others from this experience. May this young man rest in peace, and may his family and friends find the source of peace and strength that they need in this difficult time.

If you or someone you know may be struggling and needs to support, reach out! I can help. To request an appointment or consultation visit our website at: jdwelchcounseling.com, or call our office at (919) 537-5743

03/20/2024

Continuing our celebration of Women's History Month, we'd like to shine a light on Thyra J. Edwards. The granddaughter of runaway slaves, Thyra J. Edwards began her career as a school teacher in her hometown of Houston, Texas. After moving to Chicago, Illinois she shifted her focus to social work. She pursued her interest in child welfare through a variety of social work positions, which led the way to her founding her own children’s home. “From her point of view social work should: advocate for disadvantaged and at-risk populations; focus on issues and problems specifically affecting the well-being of women; and demonstrate the ability to work with diverse populations.” Edwards held travel seminars around the world, focusing on at-risk populations and women in many cultural contexts. By 1944 Edwards was heralded as “one of the most outstanding Negro women in the world.” At a time when it was believed that Black social workers should only focus on Black clients, she worked with people of all races and nationalities. In 1953, she organized the first Jewish child care program in Rome to help Holocaust survivors. Edwards was also a skilled journalist, orator and union organizer, and served as the executive director of the Congress of American Women.

Happy Women's History Month!

To request an appointment or consultation visit our website at: jdwelchcounseling.com, or call our office at (919) 537-5743

03/13/2024

As a dedicated social worker I am honored to celebrate Social Work Month, a time to recognize the work that social workers provide each day. We strive to empower individuals, families, and communities, navigating challenges and fostering resilience. Through compassion, advocacy, and unwavering support, we work tirelessly to uplift those in need and promote positive change.

To request an appointment or consultation visit our website at: jdwelchcounseling.com, or call our office at (919) 537-5743

03/08/2024

Happy International Women's Day!

As a black female therapist and clinical social worker, I think that it is extremely important to discuss the many contributions of women who have made history in the field of mental health. I honor those who have worked hard and continue to work hard to eliminate the stigma around mental health. I celebrate the history that myself and many of my colleagues create each day as we make only 4.13% pf practicing therapists in the U.S.

It is challenging to explore women’s history and the history of mental health without encountering the name Dorthea Dix. Throughout her life, Dorothea Lynde Dix advocated for the living conditions and treatment of the mentally ill in the U.S., often challenging 19th century notions of reform and illness. She fervently and passionately pushed for better treatment for patients, even when prominent politicians disagreed and sought to discredit her work. She played an instrumental role in the founding or expansion of more than 30 hospitals for the treatment of the mentally ill and was a leading international figure challenging the idea that people with a mental illness could not be cured or helped.

To request an appointment or consultation visit our website at: jdwelchcounseling.com, or call our office at (919) 537-5743

02/28/2024

At J.D. Welch Counseling, we're dedicated to helping you reclaim control, celebrate positive experiences, and reconstruct thoughts and behaviors associated with negative experiences, ultimately finding strength and empowerment in your story.

To request an appointment or consultation visit our website at: jdwelchcounseling.com, or call our office at (919) 537-5743

02/23/2024

Storytelling can be a powerful tool. How one speaks about their experiences can be linked to the feelings they foster about themselves. Often times, individuals feel afraid of how their experiences will be received by others. They feel isolated in their experiences and feel that others could not possibly understand them. The healing process is often hindered by fear of stigma related to emotional and behavioral challenges that can be the result of their life experiences. Storytelling can lead to empowerment and healing by teaching individuals to find confidence in exploring their own story and learning to redefine their experiences, or reconstruct their thoughts related to them by highlighting moments of resilience and empowerment. By learning to consistently tell one's story through the lens of positivity, one gains control of their own narrative.

In light of Black History Month, we want to highlight the importance of storytelling. One of the most powerful ways to preserve the richness of Black culture and history has been through storytelling. Storytelling has become one of the most prominent ways of educating others about the challenges, traditions, and experiences of the Black community. It has also been used as a method of challenging oppression and highlighting the beauty in experience and heritage.

To request an appointment or consultation, visit our website at: jdwelchcounseling.com, or call our office at (919) 537-5743.