In honor of Black History Month, we’re launching a special series highlighting Black-owned businesses, community events, and valuable resources in the Lehigh Valley. Our first installment features BTG Counseling Services, a mental health practice dedicated to bridging the gap between individuals and the support they need to heal and thrive.
To kick off the series, we sat down with Quanesha Johnson, the visionary behind BTG Counseling Services, to discuss her mission, the importance of culturally competent care, and how she's making an impact in the community. Let’s dive in!
· What inspired you to create BTG Counseling and Education Services, and how has your mission evolved over time? I was inspired to create BTG because of my comprehensive view as Classroom Teacher, School Counselor, Parent and Therapist. My experiences in these roles allowed me to create a unique, holistic approach that helped to bridge gaps in mental health and education. I am also deeply inspired to destigmatize the topic of mental health by talking about it and teaching about through my private practice.
· What types of counseling and educational services do you provide, and who can benefit from them? At BTG, my team and I provide individual, group and couples counseling for youth and adults. These services are provided virtually and in person at our Bethlehem office. Additionally, we provide mental health and wellness education on topics such as stress management, anxiety, burnout prevention, work-life integration, time management and trauma-informed practices all around the Lehigh Valley. Our services are tailored to our audience and their needs, so any individual, couple, workplace, educational institution, or organization looking to improve their well-being or that of others would benefit.
· Do you offer any specialized programs or workshops designed specifically for parents and children? At BTG, we do not have a one size fits all approach to our services. We do however have our finger on the pulse and offer specialized programs based on community needs. For example, we have workshops on Recognizing Anxiety in Youth, The ABCs of Parent-Child Communication and Social Media and Its Impact on Mental Health
· What are some common mental health concerns you see in children and teens, and how do you approach helping families address them? We are seeing more children and teens dealing with anxiety. As a practice that focuses on education, we prioritize helping parents understand mental health concerns in children and teens. We share what anxiety is, how it might show up in our youth and how to decipher whether they are dealing with normal angst or an issue that needs a different level of support.
· What advice do you have for parents who may be hesitant to seek mental health support for their child? Hesitation can be a normal response because parents want to make the best decisions for their child. It is important however for them to remember that mental health is still health. The goal is a healthy child, so it is important to assess what resources lead us to that destination. The best decisions are the ones that are informed so, I would suggest that a parent obtain research from a licensed professional to share their concerns and obtain feedback and recommendations.
· Are there any upcoming events, workshops, or resources that local families should know about? We are planning several things for the spring which include a group for teenage girls who are dealing with anxiety and a support group for parents of neurodivergent children. As always, our website and social media will offer up to date information on events and new offerings.
· How can parents and caregivers get started if they want to learn more or seek support for their family? Please email us with any questions at info@btgcounselinged.com. On our website (www.btgounselinged.com) there is also an inquiry form that a parent/caregiver can fill out to schedule a consultation. A consultation does not commit one to using our services, but it is an opportunity to share concerns and collaborate on the best approach to having those concerns
