( ENSPIRE Lifestyle ) Wellness Professional Rikki Clark McCoy
ENSPIRE Contributor: Mel Jones
April is Counseling Awareness Month, so this is a perfect time for anyone and everyone to learn more about the benefits of therapy. Although counseling has been heavily stigmatized, it can benefit people from all walks of life. According to GBCC Behavioral Health, counseling is “a collaboration between a professional and a client to work towards a common goal of relieving stress or lack of coping by addressing problems [in] relationships, work, or other areas of functioning.” Whether dealing with serious obstacles or simply trying to achieve a goal, mental health professionals want to help you become a happier, healthier version of yourself.
During this month, it’s also important to acknowledge the contributions of therapists, social workers, counselors, and other professionals who help people achieve their goals. Rikki Clark McCoy is a prime example of someone making a real difference in the lives of her clients and community. McCoy is a therapist based in Georgia with over nine years of experience in the mental health field. She graduated from Fayetteville State University with a Bachelor of Science in Psychology and earned a Master’s in Social Work at Clark Atlanta University. McCoy’s resume is expansive. She began her career in 2010 by working with the Suicide Prevention Program for the Georgia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities. She’s also worked in mental health crisis support, intervention services for substance abuse, inpatient psychiatric treatment facilities, and public schools in the metro Atlanta area.
Now, McCoy is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and the founder of Flourishing Minds, a therapy and wellness company that aims to create a comfortable and equitable space for everyone. She specializes in holistic wellness and includes yoga, meditation, breathwork, and other trauma-informed practices in her sessions. McCoy offers individual therapy sessions, retreats, wellness coaching, and mentorships for young professionals new to the wellness field. She aims to help everyone find success, no matter how they define it.
We spoke with McCoy to learn more about her experiences as a wellness professional.
How did you decide to go into the wellness field?
I chose to pursue a career in wellness because of my innate ability to connect with others and my natural inclination toward healing. My interest in mental health deepened when I experienced anxiety. Seeking solace, I turned to yoga, where I discovered an unparalleled sense of tranquility. Recognizing the potential benefits for my clients, I became committed to helping others learn techniques for self-soothing and regulating their nervous systems. From then on, my therapist’s path was set in motion.
What does holistic therapy mean to you?
Holistic therapy emphasizes the comprehensive healing of individuals, integrating the mind, body, and soul to achieve harmony. When one achieves synergy between the mind and body, they become fully present and attuned to their surroundings. This heightened awareness enables them to connect with and listen to their body, fostering authenticity, inner peace, and joy.
Counseling is often seen as something exclusively for people who have mental illness or are at a bad place in their lives. How should this perception be changed?
Regrettably, therapy is often associated solely with mental illness or being labeled as “crazy.” As a therapist from the millennial generation, I actively strive to dismantle this stigma, one individual at a time. Therapy is universally beneficial. It offers support during life transitions, teaches effective stress management, enhances interpersonal skills, establishes self-care practices, provides accountability, and offers a sanctuary where one feels acknowledged and validated. Countless individuals suffer because of the absence of a safe environment in which to exist. Creating that safe space is the most rewarding aspect of my role as a therapist.
What’s your favorite part of being a therapist?
The most fulfilling aspect of my role as a therapist is providing a refuge where individuals can shed their armor and be their authentic selves. There’s no need for perfection or pretense; they can be who they are. I have the privilege of guiding people in expressing themselves, connecting with their emotions, comprehending their thoughts, and navigating life’s changes. It’s immensely gratifying to assist individuals in discovering their true selves and embracing a full presence in their lives. Moreover, I can support them in breaking generational patterns and cycles, a responsibility I deeply value.
How would you advise someone to set realistic life goals for themselves?
I would guide someone in setting achievable goals by assessing their current commitments and realistically evaluating their available time. Together, we would prioritize their tasks and develop effective time management strategies. I’d emphasize the importance of taking life one step at a time, encouraging them to break down larger objectives into smaller, manageable steps. It’s crucial to remind them that it’s acceptable to progress at their own pace and not to compare themselves to others.
Your job is quite emotionally demanding. How do you care for yourself and ensure you’re supported as a therapist?
Caring for myself as a therapist is a comprehensive process that I prioritize greatly. I am deeply committed to self-care, utilizing the tools and strategies I impart to my clients. Incorporating daily yoga and stretching sessions is non-negotiable, even if it’s just for a brief 10 minutes or a more indulgent hour. Maintaining consistency is essential despite the ever-changing demands of each day.
Furthermore, I find solace and rejuvenation through regular massages, sauna sessions, meditation, and journaling. Additionally, I manage anxiety and depression through a combination of supplements and medication. Upholding clear work boundaries is crucial to my well-being, as is the enriching experience of travel, which allows me to reconnect with nature and foster healing.
Whether basking in the sun, practicing deep breathing, or immersing myself in podcasts and self-help literature, I prioritize activities that nurture my spirit. I derive immense joy from playing crystal sound bowls, spending quality time with my beloved poodle Yogi, and cherishing moments with my 8-year-old son, family, and friends.
Recently, I’ve been delving into my inner child, rediscovering the joy of play in adulthood. Laughter, music, and dancing are integral to my self-care routine, ensuring that I engage in pleasurable activities that promote holistic healing of my mind, body, and soul.
What are some of your passions outside of wellness?
Outside of therapy, I have a variety of passions that enrich my life. I am particularly fond of music, art, nature, and travel. Creating lasting memories with my loved ones brings me immense joy, and I relish immersing myself in diverse cultures during my travels.
People who have worked with McCoy have noted how knowledgeable, humble, and supportive she is as a therapist, proving her commitment to doing good. She is an entrepreneur and a savvy businesswoman, but she also cares deeply about her family and clients, viewing everything she does as a way of serving others. Her commitment to creating safe spaces in and outside the office speaks to wellness professionals’ impact on people, families, and communities. This Counseling Awareness Month, we honor her and the thousands of other therapists who counsel others to become their best selves.
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