Life & Work with Dr. Cheryl Jones of Philadelphia

Today we’d like to introduce you to Dr. Cheryl Jones.

Hi Dr. Cheryl, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
Dr. Cheryl Jones, LSW,LADC,LBSC,MAC,CCDP-D,CADC-G Is a native of Newark, New Jersey.  She graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Liberal Studies from The Evergreen State University, Master of Human Relations from the University of Oklahoma, Master of Social Work from Widener University and Doctorate in Human Services from European American University.  She began her career in Chemical Dependency (Substance Use Disorder) in 1978 at Ballard Half-Way House in Seattle, Washington.  She has a diverse background from working in Addictions, Network Administration and as past Public Relations Director with her local chapter of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority.  Her work experience includes social justice, media, and government relations.  In addition, special events disciplines with significant and progressive contributions in the Philadelphia metropolitan community. She has a passion for working with people suffering from mental health or substance use disorders. She is a Commissioner with The National Association of Addiction Professionals Certification Board and serves as secretary.   She is a Licensed Social Worker, Behavioral Specialist, Alcohol Drug Counselor, Master Addictions Counselor, Certified Co-Occurring Disorders Diplomat and Certified Alcohol Drug Counselor.

I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
It has not been all smooth. I had some challenges throughout my 30 years of working. Maintaining a large client base and deciding to do work independently without state insurance was very difficult. The struggle in the beginning was not having a master’s in social work license to bill the insurance company directly. That hindered my progress. Thus, I overcame the obstacles and obtained a Masters in Social Work and licensure as a License Social Worker (LSW).

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
My business is a mobile in-home counseling and consulting service. My business started in Seattle, Washington in 1995 out of a growing need for family reconciliation services needed to keep children and families together. I relocated to Philadelphia, Pennsylvania in 2002 and continued the business.

I want you to know that I love to see children and family thrive after intervening, to help them find solutions that have keep them in turmoil. I am fearless and go into neighborhoods that can be considered very challenging. I still go and provide the services that are needed. I love my job as an in home and community therapist.

I provide CBT, DBT, Self-esteem Coaching, and a listening ear to people struggling not knowing where to turn.

I specialize in many levels of behavioral problems. This can include compulsive gambling, substance use disorders, mental health and Tobacco cessation. I meet the person where they are.

I am most proud of the brand I made for myself more than 30 years ago and am still going strong.

I am also connected with several boards and am a Commissioner with NAADAC, a Parliamentarian with the Montgomery County Unit in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.  Proud member of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority Incorporated, Beta Delta Zeta Graduate Chapter in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, serving as Past Chairman of the Board of Trustees Emeritus, and Public Relations Director and Senior Advisor to a music executive for the past seven years. I recently retired from the City of Philadelphia and continue to work in human services supporting families and children.  Furthermore, sing soprano with Professor Willie Phillips and the Ministers of Music of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania and worship at Ambassador Seed of Love Church under the direction of Elder Edward Fields.

I want readers to know that I am an African American female with a human service background, who have worked in every level of providing services to people who are hurting. I am diverse and welcome anyone who needs help and direction. I am a true social worker. Most importantly, I love to see my participants strive and follow up with great success stories of how their comprehensive treatment plan made a difference in their lives.

We’d love to hear about how you think about risk taking?
Risk taking comes natural to me. If you don’t believe in your vision and have to rely on others’ opinions, then you are stifling your growth. I have always taken risk on subject matter to help people that I researched through empirical data collection and interviews.  This enabled me to make my own decision to follow my heart of helping and dreams. I did that with Cognitive Consulting Services and am still going strong earning a lucrative income because I believed in myself.

Consequently, risk taking comes with having a vision, not knowing where all the resources are coming from, but the heart to believe it can be done simply because you stepped out and did what your heart commanded.

If you don’t take a risk, how will you ever know just how successful you will become? I say research and take the risk if you already have an end goal.

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