About Minding You
Stephanie Higdon, LCSW, CAADC, CHT
How it all Began....
My passion for helping individuals and families was recognized early in life as I was led by my parents to become involved with community volunteer and church-related activities that supported homeless people and underserved populations. As I grew older, through middle and high school I jumped into volunteer opportunities with the Girl Scouts, The American Red Cross and later in my college years I became involved with ‘Angel Flight’ (a service-focused fraternity organization backed by the US Air Force). I was also a State level athlete in high school and collegiate athlete, so to say I have always believed in the personal gains and rewards of hard work and tenacity, is by far and understatement! Without a doubt, I was passionate about living life to the fullest and this passion has continued to be my inspiration to make a difference in the lives of others.
During my third year in college I chose to major in Social Work. This choice, I hoped, would afford me future career opportunities in which I could more directly and effectively touch, heal, nurture and support other people's lives in ways that would be truly beneficial to them .
This career path was sealed upon graduating from the University of Georgia with my Bachelor’s in Social Work in 1998 and then nine years later achieving my Masters of Social Work, also from the University of Georgia and later obtaining my LMSW in 2010.
Never Stop Learning, Never Stop Growing.
A Journey in Progress...
Moving forward, from June 1998 through the next 15 years, I began a full-on dedication of myself to working for the Department of Family and Children Services. During these 15 years I was immersed into the worlds and lives of countless families and children and diverse, under served populations riddled with neglect, abuse, parenting in capacities, addiction, trauma, disabilities, domestic violence, co-occurring mental illnesses, pending legal issues and just about anything else possible that could hinder a person from thriving - rather than just (barely) surviving- in their life.
Having further obtained my LMSW in 2010, I later, in 2015, transitioned from DFCS to the clinical world to pursue more direct client involvement in the substance abuse / addictions recovery field. Through this transitional time I found it very rewarding to focus on treating and healing a clients' underlying problems which inevitably were related to mental health illnesses. It was with this refined understanding that I shifted my career to focus on offering clinical support that directly addressed a person's mental health challenges as well as their strengths, functional capacities, goals and dreams. It was also during this time that I obtained my LCSW in 2016 and in 2018 earned my CAADC (certification as advanced substance abuse counselor).
Advancing ahead to January 2018, I took the largest leap of faith in my lifetime and opened my private practice, Minding You, in Danielsville, GA. With consideration to the "journey" of my life, I often take a moment to appreciate that every challenge and struggle (personally and professionally) that I somehow survived and overcame, led me to be who I am and where I am today. Looking back, I am grateful for the experiences I learned and grew from over the past 25 years.
“Strive not to be a success, but rather to be of value.”
— Albert Einstein
Beyond the Journey
From overcoming my own personal demons and life challenges to the benefits of having a well-rounded lifetime of experiences working with diverse and vulnerable populations, as well as donning a solid educational background, I find it very easy and rewarding to connect with everyone who walks through my office door. I attribute this warm, welcoming attitude directly to my awareness that life is hard!.. Life can knock us down in many ways and all people should be treated with unconditional acceptance of their challenges/ shortcomings. culture, beliefs, and values.
I first handed know the “journey” can be very difficult, even feel defeating at times. However, I am a testament to the efficacy of hard work and perseverance. I am confident that at some point in each of our lives, we all face obstacles to finding happiness and living a life we can feel proud of. This awareness also recognizes that everyone is unique and faces their own set of variables and obstacles that makes their journey of personal growth and healing that much more individualized. I also believe wholeheartedly that I am no better or worse than anyone else and God has grown and pruned me in this beautiful life to serve everyone I can individually and without bias or judgement.
It all boils down to this.....
I fully recognize that it takes courage to live authentically, to live genuinely, and to live a life that you love and feel proud of – and I am here to help you do just that. I feel privileged you are considering 'Minding You' services and proud of you that you are making a conscious choice to manage and overcome your most vulnerable mental health needs.
My license, my credentials and my role as a psychotherapist are not achievements I take lightly. I have worked hard through my lifetime to be able to now professionally dedicate my career to the betterment of others' lives.
I know I am blessed to be able to touch lives with knowledge, compassion & effective clinical skills that nurture mental and emotional healing. and growth.
I do look forward to meeting you and discovering together all that life has in store for you.
My warmest regards to living the happiest and most productive life possible,
~Stephanie