Today we’d like to introduce you to Melissa Opoku.
Hi Melissa, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
My journey to my LPC degree and starting Amani Insights, my private practice, was not easy or direct, but I am so glad for every step. I graduated Cum Laude from Southern Methodist University in Dallas and attended Amberton University in pursuit of my Professional Counseling Degree. Unforeseen circumstances– the birth of my beautiful daughter Micah, led me to opt for a Professional Development Degree in 2006 instead. I returned to Amberton and graduated with my second master’s degree in Professional Counseling in 2010. My diverse background in leadership, communication, development, and teamwork affords me a unique perspective and understanding of a vast array of life circumstances and life issues which I utilize with all my clients at Amani Insights. I love teaming up with my clients and challenging them to see things from a different perspective in hopes of helping them achieve the peace they are looking for.
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle-free, but so far would you say the journey has been a fairly smooth road?
The road to where I am currently was not easy. I would not say that I “struggled,” but I had challenges I had to overcome. In the last semester of my first master’s degree, I found out I was pregnant. Of course, I was excited, but I also had 3000 hours of internship coming up, and I had no idea how I would balance both. I chose to postpone my counseling degree, and it was one of the best choices of my life. My daughter, Micah, has served as my inspiration in some of my toughest moments. Another struggle was during my Practicum in graduate school. Micah was young, and I was a director of a preschool. For 3 months, I would leave my daughter sleeping at 5 am to open the preschool and would get home from Practicum after 9p. There were some days that I would not even see her awake, but my parents provided all the support I needed to be able to finish graduate school and acquire my second masters. When I was applying for my LPC license, I ran into yet another challenge. Due to the time in between my degrees, some of the classes I took for my first degree were no longer able to count towards my graduate hours. Of course, I was devastated, as I had sacrificed so much time and effort to get my second master’s degree. I appealed, after almost one and half years of letters, emails, and phone calls, the State finally approved my license, and I was able to begin counseling.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
Amani Insights is a Texas-based counseling practice that offers individual and relationship counseling and life coaching. For added convenience to clients, sessions are offered virtually or at my office in Plano, Texas. I specialize in Depression, Anxiety, Life Transitions, Parenting/Co-Parenting, Relationship Issues, Self-Compassion, and Self-Worth. I join clients on their journeys using an eclectic approach that is challenging yet still based in warmth and compassion. I use humor and unconditional positive regard to create an environment that helps clients foster the change they are looking for. I am committed to work with you to facilitate change and peace.
Is there anyone you’d like to thank or give credit to?
My biggest supporters, from the beginning, have been my family. All the way back to my undergraduate days, my family has worked with me so I could do all the things I needed to do–balancing a full-time job and being a full-time student. Most recently, they saw my talent as a counselor and constantly challenged me to open my own practice until I finally opened Amani Insights at the end of 2021. My daughter, Micah has also been my biggest cheerleader through this process. She helped me with logo ideas, website updates, and constantly has ideas to help me thrive. Every time I look at Micah, I am able to push through whatever I have going on, as I know I am doing all of this for her.
Pricing:
- 150/50-minute session
Contact Info:
- Website: www.amaniinsights.com
Image Credits
Astute Lenz Photography
