Today we’d like to introduce you to Aqueelah Collier.
Hi Aqueelah, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
My journey is rooted in both faith and family legacy. I come from a long line of service members in the military, and that spirit of discipline, resilience, service and sacrifice has been ingrained in me from the very beginning. I had the honor of serving as a U.S. Army veteran during Operation Iraqi Freedom, and those experiences taught me the value of leadership, sacrifice, and perseverance.
When I transitioned back into civilian life, I felt a calling to continue serving others, though in a different way. I followed the purpose that God placed in my heart—to help people heal, transform, and step into the fullness of who they are. That path led me to earn my Bachelor’s in Business Administration and later my Master’s in Social Work from the University of Texas at Arlington, combining both business insight and clinical expertise to build what I have today.
It hasn’t been a straight path—there have been many lessons and detours along the way—but each step prepared me for the work I now do. I founded Therapeutic Transitions & Associates, a private practice dedicated to meeting the diverse needs of individuals, families and Veterans. I co-founded Therapeutic Freedom TX, our Intensive Outpatient Program for mental health, and also co-founded Therapeutic Empowerment, an entity through which we promote healing and growth by offering workshops, conferences, and opportunities for people to come together in safe, empowering spaces.
Alongside my companies, I’ve written books—Boots Off: Mastering the Transition and Therapeutic Empowerment Journal—that reflect both my personal journey and professional mission. My most recent work under my pen name, Africa’s Heart, The Ending That Freed Me, speaks to the reality that some of life’s hardest endings create the space for our most powerful beginnings.
Today, I stand as a therapist, author, and entrepreneur. My journey has been about transforming challenges into opportunities and creating spaces for others to experience healing, freedom, and empowerment
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
It has definitely not been a smooth road, but every challenge has shaped the leader and therapist I am today. Transitioning from the military into civilian life was one of my earliest struggles. Like many veterans, I had to rediscover my identity outside of the uniform and navigate how to apply my skills and experiences in a new world. That adjustment was both humbling and transformative.
Pursuing my education while balancing work, family, and personal responsibilities came with its own sacrifices. There were times when doubt and fatigue crept in, but my faith and the purpose God placed inside of me kept me moving forward.
Building businesses in the mental health field has also come with significant obstacles. From navigating licensing, compliance, and accreditation requirements, to the financial challenges of launching new programs, there have been moments when the weight felt overwhelming. As a woman of color in leadership, I’ve also had to push through barriers and prove myself in spaces where representation is often limited.
But through every struggle came growth. I learned resilience, patience, and the importance of surrounding myself with a supportive team and community. The road hasn’t been easy, but it has been purposeful—and every setback has prepared me to create the spaces of healing and empowerment that exist today through my companies, writing, and advocacy.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
At the heart of everything I do is the mission to create spaces where people can heal, transform, and thrive. Through my companies, I’ve been able to build a continuum of care that meets people where they are in their mental health journey.
Therapeutic Transitions & Associates is my group private practice that provides therapy to individuals, couples, families, and Veterans. We specialize in addressing anxiety, depression, trauma, PTSD, relationship challenges, and life transitions. What sets us apart is our commitment to personalized, culturally competent care. Our therapists bring not only clinical expertise but also an understanding of the diverse experiences that shape people’s lives. We meet clients in person and virtually, making access as seamless as possible.
For clients who need a higher level of support, we offer Therapeutic Freedom TX, our Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP) for mental health. This program provides structured, therapeutic care for individuals who need more than traditional outpatient sessions but do not require inpatient hospitalization. We are especially proud to be launching a First Responders Program, designed specifically for Veterans and first responders. This initiative emphasizes privacy, cultural competence, and clinical excellence—recognizing the unique sacrifices and experiences of those who serve our communities and country.
In addition, I co-founded Therapeutic Empowerment, which focuses on workshops, trainings, and conferences that bring people together for collective growth and healing. This branch allows us to expand beyond the therapy room by equipping individuals, organizations, and communities with tools for empowerment and transformation.
What I am most proud of, brand-wise, is that each of these entities reflects the same core values: compassion, excellence, empowerment, and faith. Whether through therapy, group workshops, or higher levels of care, we are intentional about creating safe and empowering spaces for people to reclaim their lives. I want readers to know that our work is more than a service—it is a calling. We are not just treating symptoms; we are building pathways to healing, wholeness, and freedom.
So, before we go, how can our readers or others connect or collaborate with you? How can they support you?
There are several ways people can connect with and support the work I’m doing. First and foremost, if someone is seeking therapy for themselves, their family, or their organization, they can connect with us through Therapeutic Transitions & Associates or Therapeutic Freedom TX IOP. We offer individual, couples, and group therapy, as well as a higher level of care for those who need more structured support.
For organizations, churches, and community groups, I welcome opportunities to collaborate through workshops, trainings, and speaking engagements offered under Therapeutic Empowerment. These allow us to bring mental health education, empowerment tools, and culturally relevant strategies into broader spaces where healing is needed.
People can also support our work by partnering with us in our First Responders Program at Therapeutic Freedom TX. We are actively looking to collaborate with community leaders, veteran and first responder networks, and healthcare systems that share our mission to provide confidential, competent care to those who have sacrificed so much.
Lastly, readers can support by simply sharing our resources, engaging with our books and podcast, and spreading the word about the services we provide. Every referral, collaboration, and word-of-mouth connection helps us expand access to mental health care and build the legacy of healing and freedom that drives our work.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://therapeutictransitions.org
- Instagram: @therapeutictransitions
- Facebook: @therapy.queen.2025
