Thema Bradford
Licensed Mental Health Counselor, Reiki Master Pracitioner, Mindset Coach at Elevated Self Counseling, Coaching and Consulting
Mental Health Care
Education: Southern New Hampshire University - NYU Steinhardt School of Culture, Education, and Human Development
New York, NY, USA
Biography
My name is Thema Bradford and I am a Licensed Mental Health Counselor with a strong dedication to helping individuals thrive. I graduated with a Bachelors in Applied Psychology in 2018 and furthered my education by completing my Masters from NYU Steinhardt's Mental Health and Wellness Counseling program in 2021. In addition, I am a Reiki Master with experience in this practice since 2014, and I have been working as a mindset coach since 2015. I am the founder of Elevated Self Counseling, Coaching, and Consulting, where I offer support to empower individuals in their journey of healing, joy, and wholeness through a decolonized lens. Prior to embarking on my current career path, I spent more than two decades in the music and entertainment industry and, as a result, I am familiar with navigating life changes and adapting to new circumstances. This uniquely positions me to support people as they uncover and lean into becoming more of their authentic selves.
Passion
I'm passionate about healing, wellness and mental health as well as issues, challenges and victories specific to people of color, women and those identifying as neurodivergent.
Best Story
In 2021, while conducting research for a client with ADHD, I came across an article written by a woman who had been diagnosed with autism at the age of 53. As I read her story, I found similarities to my own experiences and decided to undergo a clinical assessment, which confirmed that I also am on the autism spectrum. In 2022, I received a diagnosis of ADHD, and as a result, I am now considered to have what is known as AuDHD. These diagnoses have been both freeing and challenging, eliciting feelings of gratitude and sorrow - finally understanding why I have always felt different from those around me, but also mourning the years spent wondering about this difference.
I have come to accept and embrace my unique neurodivergent mind, recognizing the strengths it offers such as pattern recognition and keen observation skills, which greatly contribute to my work as a psychotherapist. Through my ability to think in a web-based manner, I am able to identify behavioral patterns that benefit my clients and enhance the effectiveness of my therapeutic approaches. Furthermore, I am able to provide support to others who may be newly discovering their own neurodivergent identities.
This unexpected revelation in my life has been a surprising twist, yet one that I am grateful for as it has allowed me to better understand myself and use my strengths to assist others in their journeys.
I am willing to travel
Up to 25 miles
When it comes to payments
I generally get paid for speaking but make exceptions
Topics
Best Story
In 2021, while conducting research for a client with ADHD, I came across an article written by a woman who had been diagnosed with autism at the age of 53. As I read her story, I found similarities to my own experiences and decided to undergo a clinical assessment, which confirmed that I also am on the autism spectrum. In 2022, I received a diagnosis of ADHD, and as a result, I am now considered to have what is known as AuDHD. These diagnoses have been both freeing and challenging, eliciting feelings of gratitude and sorrow - finally understanding why I have always felt different from those around me, but also mourning the years spent wondering about this difference.
I have come to accept and embrace my unique neurodivergent mind, recognizing the strengths it offers such as pattern recognition and keen observation skills, which greatly contribute to my work as a psychotherapist. Through my ability to think in a web-based manner, I am able to identify behavioral patterns that benefit my clients and enhance the effectiveness of my therapeutic approaches. Furthermore, I am able to provide support to others who may be newly discovering their own neurodivergent identities.
This unexpected revelation in my life has been a surprising twist, yet one that I am grateful for as it has allowed me to better understand myself and use my strengths to assist others in their journeys.