Today we’d like to introduce you to Nichelle Wall.
Thanks for sharing your story with us Nichelle. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
My story actually starts due to emotional, sexual, and physical trauma that my mother endured as a child. Growing up I saw how those traumas impacted her quality of life and the lack of help. Unfortunately, like many survivors, my mother never sought help or even knew it was available. Also as a child, I battled with depression and self-esteem issues related to the absence of my father.
At 9 years old my grandmother died of Breast Cancer and I started to spiral even more into my depression. I became a cutter and an over-achiever to have a feeling of control over my life. I think my mother could sense something wasn’t right and she sat me down to help me find purpose. I remember having a conversation with my mother about who and what I wanted to be. I wrote it out and she laminated it to hang on my wall. I knew I wanted to help people like my mom and myself get healing and move forward. I decided I wanted to be a doctor in the field of psychology.
For the next 12 years that became my focus. I maintained a 4.0 and graduated 26th in class from Cooper High School and was accepted into several universities on full or partial scholarships. I chose to attend Abilene Christian University because of their 3-year psychology program and to be close to my grandfather that was ill. Unfortunately, he died 2 months before I graduated. I did not grieve his death properly because I felt I needed to be “strong” for my family and needed to prepare to graduate.
Looking back on that time I realize that was the wrong decision because the next semester I entered grad school and felt like I was emotionally drowning. That lead to me dropping 1 semester before I had my Master’s degree and I did not go back for 4 years.
Eventually, I sought counseling (emotional and spiritual) and became healthy. In 2009, I chose to start over at a new university, Hardin-Simmons University and completed my Master’s in 2010. I began my doctorate at Argosy University in 2011 and graduated June of 2016.
In 2009 I founded a sensual fitness business called, SHE (Sexual Health and Education) Dance Studios to help women overcome abuse and self-esteem related issues through dance. My co-owner, Stephanie Humble, and I currently run the business. I also counsel at Balance Beacon ( a mental health private practice) in Bedford, Texas. Balance Beacon was founded in 2015 by Dr. Reshaunda Strickland and Dr. LaFonya Jones.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
No. The main struggles have been related to my boundaries and need to appear perfect. It goes back to not having a proper definition of strength. We often look at strength or success in the perspective of what it isn’t. Whatever it isn’t is considered a weakness.
We’d love to hear more about your business.
Balance Beacon and SHE Dance Studios are minority women-owned and operated businesses. Balance Beacon has 3 doctorate level counselors that specialize in a variety of areas. I specialize in women related issues, couple’s counseling, and sexual therapy.
Dr. Strickland-neurodevelopmental disorders, psychological testing, and children to adults. Dr. Jones- addiction, family members of addicts, and psychological testing I believe what sets us apart is that the majority of our clients are looking for someone that looks like them and can relate to their struggles.
SHE Dance Studios is able to combine fitness/dance with emotional healing. Also, in 2016 Balance Beacon and SHE Dance Studio were brought together and began a seminar called The Eros Workshop that focuses on engaging and educating the community about mental, physical, and emotional health.
What were you like growing up?
I would describe myself as a quiet, introverted, goofy nerd. I was never a shy child, but was observant and only spoke when I really had something to say. Growing up I participated in band, choir, track, basketball, volleyball and dance. I was probably in every type of club or after school activity. My favorite things to do were reading, listening/dancing to music, and cooking.
Contact Info:
- Address: 1264 Harwood Rd #175
Bedford, TX 76021 - Website: www.balancebeacon.com
- Phone: 2143966503
- Email: Nichelle.Wall@balancebeacon.com
Image Credit:
EJ Johnson Photography
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