Today we’d like to introduce you to Crystal Dudley.
Crystal, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
I have wanted to be a therapist since graduating from undergrad but was unsure of the type of therapist I wanted to be. I became a special education teacher after getting a divorce in 2012 to take care of my kids. Working with students who had learning disabilities and even helping my own son, who had ADHD battle with laws governing IEP’s and 504, I decided to become a school counselor. I still felt very unfulfilled and felt that even though I was doing what I loved, I still wasn’t quite there. In 2017, tragedy struck our home. I lost my eldest son to a fatal asthma attack one day after school. It was by far the most traumatic thing her younger brother and I had to endure. For several months I made sure everyone around me was ok and coping with this tragedy from the students at his school, my youngest son, my family, and even some of my friends. I suppressed my own grief until one day, I broke. I, the therapist, went into therapy. I found an excellent EMDR therapist who helped me overcome not only the effects of the trauma but also helped me to process my grief so that I could get back to what I was built to do, be a therapist. Going to therapy to deal with my loss, trauma, anxiety, and depression fueled me to open up my own private practice and help others the same way someone helped me.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
It definitely has not been a smooth road. Being a PTSD survivor and an African American Female, Mental health is something we don’t discuss much in our community. As black women, we are under the impression that we always have to be “strong”. Also, many are under the false belief that grief has a time limit. Yet I am a living witness that there is no time limit. It lasts a lifetime; how we deal is what’s important. I have found my way through assisting my community with social, emotional, and mental wellness.
Please tell us about your work.
Rebirth Counseling, PLLC began in Kilgore, TX, My home town. We launched in April of 2019 after I was laid off from my job. I had recently left Dallas to start my grieving process with the intention to move back after taking some time to get myself mentally and emotionally stable. After months of building the business in East Texas, I teamed up with a colleague in Irving, Texas with a private practice and, with her help, have been able to open the Dallas location. We specialize in holistic approaches. Many clients are seeking the natural and holistic approach to healing, shying away from prescription medication. With a background in yoga, holistic remedies, energy healing, mindfulness, and meditation, I teach my clients coping skills that will help them utilize holistic approaches for daily maintenance of mind, body, and spiritual health. One of the things that I am most proud of is the number of African American and Latino clients who are not only seeking to take advantage of therapy but are interested in the mind/body approach to self-care. Also, in honor of my son Edward who passed away, because he struggled with ADHD, I have started a program called “Brilliant Kidz Foundation”, which offers three free counseling sessions to students ages 3-17 who are African American or Latin Male, suspected of showing signs of ADHD. After the three sessions, screenings, and assessments, parental advice is given about treatment and educational accommodations based on the student’s needs. This program has opened doors for training opportunities of clinical and educational staff, where I have been invited to share my own experience being a parent, teacher, and counselor of the effects of ADHD and minority boys in public schools.
Any shoutouts? Who else deserves credit in this story – who has played a meaningful role?
My mother, who was a single mother, who pushed me to be driven, persistent, and determined deserves credit for where I am today. She was my inspiration. Unfortunately, we lost her in 2007 to cancer. My LPC Supervisors and Site Supervisors, my own therapist, and my sons Edward (late) and Jayden were also the reasons why I got to where I am today. My sons were my inspiration. I wanted them to know that they could achieve anything they put their minds too. My son Jayden has even started doing yoga and meditation with me in the mornings, Edward was the reason I started, but Jayden is the reason I keep doing it every day.
Contact Info:
- Address: 612 N Story Rd Ste 101, Irving, TX 75061
- Website: www.rebirthcounseling.org
- Phone: 4696080295
- Email: rebirthfamilycare@gmail.com
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Rebirth-Counseling-DFW-103008537886349/
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