Today we’d like to introduce you to Nicci Staggs.
Hi Nicci, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
To know how I got to where I am today, we have to go all the way back to my first semester of college. I was going through a difficult time in my personal life which made school miserable for me. I didn’t know what courses to take, what major to choose, or what career to pursue. While most freshmen were enjoying their freedom and going to parties, I could barely make myself get out of bed. I felt lonely, hopeless, and lost. There was only one class that I attended regularly, and that was Intro to Psychology. One day the professor began describing depression, and everything suddenly made sense. He was describing me! I finally had answers to my own experiences, and I finally realized my calling – to help others who were like me. Psychology became my major and my passion.
My original goal was to become a School Counselor, mostly to give children what I never had in school – a trusted adult to turn to for help. Back then, Texas required school counselors to have at least two years of teaching experience, so I became a teacher. Two years of teaching turned into fifteen, and as an educator, I was still able to be a trusted adult to many children. Spending eight hours a day, every day, with students gave me firsthand insight into the struggles that our young people face, and it was important for me to be a positive support system in the classroom. In 2015, I decided it was time to focus on my original goal. I went back to school and ultimately chose to become a Licensed Professional Counselor.
Helping others in my passion. For several years, I worked as a school counselor during the day and as a therapist in the evenings. While I loved counseling students in the school setting, being a therapist is truly rewarding in a new way. Last July, I opened my own private practice full time. My story started when I was at one of my lowest moments in life, and now I am fulfilling my calling by helping others through their lowest moments in life.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
I wish the road was smooth and easy! But unfortunately, most things in life come with challenges, tests, and obstacles to overcome. Some people think therapists have life figured out, but the truth is we struggle the same as everyone else. One of my greatest challenges has been juggling a full-time career while being a single mom. Fulfilling multiple roles at once – parent, provider, protector, decision-maker – can be overwhelming and burdensome without consistent backup or support. As an educator and counselor, I spend my time giving to others. And of course, as soon as I get home, I give to my own child. As much as I love giving my time and energy to others, there have been times when I felt depleted and exhausted. Carrying the full load has been difficult, however, it has helped me build incredible resilience. I developed the confidence to start a private practice because I knew I could handle a great deal of responsibility.
Another challenge has been experiencing the ups and downs of my own depression. Knowing firsthand what depression is like, I am able to relate to clients on a personal level. But I often felt insecure and doubtful of my own abilities to help others. I would ask myself, “How can I help them if I can’t even help myself?” Depression is a terrible cycle – the same negative thoughts and insecurities that initiate a depressive state become the very thing that perpetuates it. Once I received counseling for myself, I understood that I don’t have to be perfect. I have learned how to extend the same compassion and grace to myself that I show others. Also, finding enjoyable activities increases happy hormones, and learning from clients brings me joy each day.
The twists, bumps, and detours along the road help us to grow, adapt, and discover strengths we didn’t know we had. Challenges are not easy, but the key is to keeping pushing forward and not give up. My faith in God keeps me going, and I’m thankful for the obstacles because I know what it took to get to where I am today.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I am a Licensed Professional Counselor and the owner of Masterpiece of Mind Counseling Services, LLC. I offer individual and group therapy to clients who are experiencing anxiety, depression, low self esteem, family issues, trauma, PTSD, grief, and more. I believe every person is living masterpiece – special, valuable, unique, and worthy of appreciation. Creative art has always been a part of me, and I am a former art teacher as well. So I often incorporate painting, drawing, and other forms of art into therapy sessions.
My specialty is working with teens. I was a high school counselor for several years, and my strength is forming meaningful connections with clients of this age group. One of the most rewarding parts of being a therapist is witnessing growth at a pivotal stage of life. Teens want to be heard and understood, and I thrive on supporting them as they find their voice, discover their worth, and build coping skills that can positively shape their future.
The therapeutic relationship is one of the most critical factors in the treatment process. A strong, trusting alliance provides a sense of safety where clients feel free to express themselves openly, and this security is vital for growth and healing. I believe that everyone deserves a trusted person in their life so I pride myself on my ability to provide a unconditional acceptance. My clients learn quickly that I will not judge them.
Some clients feel most comfortable relaxing on the couch while talking, and some clients prefer to play games, do art, or take a walk while talking. I take a Person-Centered approach so I am happy to accommodate my clients needs with different activities. I know I have done a good job connecting when a client brings their journal, a favorite toy, a four square. ball, or a poker set to session.
Risk taking is a topic that people have widely differing views on – we’d love to hear your thoughts.
I’m a believer that risks are worth it! The reason is because I trust God has everything under control. Even if the outcome isn’t guaranteed success, I won’t know either way unless I try. 2024 was my 20th year in education, and as a school counselor, I had a steady income, benefits, and a retirement plan. Playing it safe would have kept me in a secure position, but I took a leap of faith instead and opened my business, Masterpiece of Mind Counseling Services, LLC, on a full-time basis.
Because I took a risk, I find myself to be the happiest I have ever been. Owning a business is not easy, but I have the mindset to enjoy the learning process and grow as I go. A comfort zone is safe, but outside of the comfort zone is where I continue to evolve into a better, stronger person. I feel a sense of accomplishment for taking a chance and life is more exciting. No matter what happens, I know everything will work out the way it’s supposed to because God’s got me!
Pricing:
- Individual Therapy Session – $125 an hour
- Couples or Family Therapy Session – $150 an hour
- Group Therapy – $50 an hour
- Insurance rates vary depending on policy terms
Contact Info:
- Website: https://masterpieceofmind.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/masterpieceofmindcounseling/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61550521035568
