Today we’d like to introduce you to Raffinée Wilson.
Hi Raffinée, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
Well, I’m originally from Chicago, IL, and I was raised in San Antonio, TX. I moved to the DFW area to attend college, and Organic Chemistry is where things started to get interesting! I was pursuing a Biology/Pre-Medicine major in my undergraduate studies at The University of Texas at Dallas. During my 3rd year, I realized I was not going to be a doctor. I had planned this since I was a young child, but Organic Chemistry solidified that was not the path for me. I had taken all my electives in Sociology, so it made sense to change my major to it and figure out what I wanted to do later. I spent the year and a half after graduation working and having discussions with those closest to me. We talked about what I would do if money wasn’t an issue, the things I did naturally without thinking about it, and the skills and talents I had. I was at a crossroad, trying to decide what to do next. After much exploration, I realized I enjoyed being a support and listening to others. I was reminded that people would often talk to me, although I wasn’t sure why or what knowledge they thought I had to be able to help them. I took that information and began my graduate studies at Texas A&M University-Commerce. It was hands down one of the best decisions I have made in my life! I cannot imagine working in any other field. I’ve been blessed to work in various clinical settings, including a shelter, a college, inpatient facilities, outpatient facilities, home-based services, and private practices.
In addition to being a therapist, I’m also a professional speaker, which seemed to “happen unexpectedly” after completing a 5-day challenge in July of 2021. I had no plans of pursuing professional speaking. After the challenge, which changed my life for the better, I enrolled in a 5-month group coaching program that helped me understand the business of speaking, develop a signature talk, and ensure my mindset was where it needed to be to begin building this business. My coach encouraged me to start my live YouTube series and now podcast, “Too Busy!” which began as an idea in 2020. The idea didn’t get any momentum until I began the coaching program because I had been so afraid and believed that everything had to be “perfect.” Launching that series was the beginning of my increased comfort with doing things amidst my fears and hesitations. I am so grateful for my coach, and the program was one of the best investments I made in myself in 2021. I have received an incredible return on that investment through my development of a signature workshop, creating a 6-week series, hosting seminars and a 3-day challenge, and booking speaking engagements throughout the United States.
We all face challenges, but looking back, would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
If things had been completely smooth along the way, I would have been concerned. Changing my major from a hard science to a soft science was a major struggle. That choice, in addition to making poor grades, extended my time in college. I had quite a bit of shame because my friends had graduated well before I finished.
Another significant challenge along the way occurred in late 2017. I had relocated from the DFW to Indianapolis, Indiana, for a job opportunity and to be closer to friends and family. While I was there and thriving in my job, I learned I would not be able to receive my license without taking additional hours in school. Now, I already had a WHOLE master’s degree. But the requirements in Indiana were different than Texas. I made the difficult choice to relocate to the DFW area after only being in Indianapolis for a year and a half. I was disappointed since I hadn’t made any plans to return to the DFW when I left in 2016.
The most recent struggle I experienced was trying to open my private practice. I was eager to get started and had a target date to open my practice and begin working for myself. I hit a hard stop when I learned I was unable to open my practice as planned. Also, I had no idea when I would be able to open it. I was sad, disappointed, and angry, yet I had some amazing friends to remind me, “Raffinée, your practice WILL open…even if it’s not when you had hoped.”
Thanks – so, what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I am a Licensed Professional Counselor specializing in adolescents and individuals struggling with anxiety and depression. I own a private practice, Being Refined Counseling, where I offer virtual therapy services for clients anywhere in the state of Texas. I have supported youth and adults for over 15 years in various capacities and for the past 9 years as a therapist. I love that I can bring all of who I am into the therapy room and meet each of my clients right where they are. I get the privilege of supporting individuals in some of their most vulnerable moments in life, including the highs and the lows. The most rewarding experience is seeing my clients thrive, bloom, and express as their most authentic selves without apprehension or fear. When clients reach their goals, that’s a win!
Like I mentioned earlier, I am a professional speaker. I recognize that parents struggle to have healthy communication with their teens. As a professional with over 10 years of experience supporting youth and families, I am passionate about equipping parents, mentors, and other influential adults of teens with proven strategies to begin bridging the gap that exists between them and their teens. I have had the opportunity to host my own virtual workshops and a couple of 6-week series on bridging the communication gap with your teen. Over the past year, I have been invited to speak at several in-person and virtual events in Dallas, Atlanta, Indianapolis, San Antonio, Chicago, New York, and Los Angeles. I am so grateful for each engagement and the chance to share on communication, establishing healthy boundaries, being authentically you, and more.
My humor, life experience, passion, and personality allow me to be authentically me in every setting – as a friend, aunt, godmother, daughter, therapist, and speaker. I also am passionate about helping those find help that want to get help. I realize I may not be the best therapist for every client, yet if they want services, I want to help them find someone that will be the best fit for them. I believe these are the things that set me apart from others.
Is there something surprising that you feel even people who know you might not know about?
I am an introvert! People sometimes try to argue with me about this, but I think it’s because they believe introverts are shy. Let me be clear…I am far from shy. I do, however, recharge and get energy from being alone or in one-on-one interactions. I’ll give you an example; I love speaking and sharing with others. After a speaking engagement, you will likely find me enjoying time alone while listening to music, reading a book, or enjoying a great meal! Did I also mention I’m a foodie?!?
Also, people that know me will say that I love to sing. They may not know that I wanted to be a background singer and tour with an artist. I didn’t have a specific artist in mind; I just wanted the experience of being on the road, singing with an artist, and growing from singing with other background vocalists.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.raffineewilson.com
- Instagram: instagram.com/stuffraffsays
- Facebook: facebook.com/stuffraffsays
- Youtube: youtube.com/channel/UClzZ6QobrEj3DXsjND4Yj1A
Image Credits
AIR Designs
