Today we’d like to introduce you to Atiya Pope.
Hi Atiya, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
My name is Atiya Pope and I am born and raised in Philadelphia, PA.
I have always been a go-getter and someone who wanted more for myself and my future. I knew that I wanted to accomplish something meaningful and special, but for many years, I was not exactly sure what that would look like or which direction I should take. I explored different opportunities and career directions before ultimately earning my bachelor’s and master’s degrees in Business Management. Although I was proud of these accomplishments, I still felt that something was missing. I knew I had more to offer, but I had not yet discovered what my true purpose was.
My direction began to change when I started working with Dr. Michelle Williams at Community College of Philadelphia. Dr. Williams became an important mentor in my life and challenged me to take a deeper look at my goals and aspirations. She held me accountable and encouraged me to be intentional about mapping out what I wanted my future to look like rather than simply moving from one opportunity to the next. Her guidance pushed me to explore my interests, evaluate my strengths, and consider how I could use my experiences to make a meaningful impact in the lives of others.
After conducting extensive research and exploring different career possibilities, I discovered the field of professional counseling. Becoming a Licensed Professional Counselor aligned with my desire to help others, build meaningful connections, and make a positive difference in people’s lives. Once I found this path, I knew I had discovered something that felt purposeful and fulfilling. I have remained committed to this journey ever since.
Now, I am preparing to take the next step in my educational and professional development by pursuing my PhD. What makes this next chapter especially meaningful is that Dr. Williams, the same mentor who supported and encouraged me during my master’s journey, will continue to mentor me as I pursue my final degree. Having someone who believed in my potential before I fully recognized it myself has been incredibly meaningful.
My journey has taught me that sometimes finding your purpose takes time, exploration, and a willingness to change direction. I may not have known exactly where I was going in the beginning, but each experience prepared me for where I am today. I am proud of the path I have taken and excited about where it will lead me next. Pursuing my PhD represents more than another academic achievement; it represents growth, perseverance, purpose, and my continued commitment to becoming the best professional and person I can be.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
I became a mother at 19 years old, and while becoming a young mother was not always easy, I was fortunate to have a strong support system surrounding me. My boyfriend at the time, who is now my husband, stood by my side, along with his family and my own family. Their love, encouragement, and support helped me navigate the challenges of becoming a mother at a young age and taught me the importance of having people who believe in you, especially during difficult seasons of life.
I also developed my strong work ethic from watching my parents. From an early age, I witnessed them work hard for what they had and make sacrifices to provide for our family. Their determination showed me that success does not happen overnight; it requires consistency, commitment, perseverance, and a willingness to keep going even when circumstances are difficult. Their example became one of the most important lessons I carried with me throughout my life.
As I grew older, I realized that the values my parents modeled for me had become a part of who I was. I carried those same principles into motherhood, my career, and my family life. I wanted my children to see the same dedication, resilience, and determination that I had witnessed growing up. In many ways, I have continued the same work ethic my parents started by modeling hard work, responsibility, perseverance, and the importance of never giving up which is also the message I stress to my clients.
My journey has taught me that our children often learn more from what they see us do than from what we tell them. I am proud that the lessons I learned from my parents have shaped the way I approach life and that I have been able to pass those values on to my own family.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I am a fully licensed, board certified mental health counselor/therapist in the states of Pennsylvania, New Jersey and Delaware with case management experience working in workforce development helping unemployed citizens of Philadelphia achieve their employment goals. I provided individually tailored interventions, such as workshops on job search, resume writing and interviewing skills. I also advocated for those individuals who were at risk and in need of additional support, including those who were experiencing depression and anxiety. I am EMDR trained in addition to other modalities including, cognitive and dialectical behavioral and behavior therapies.
My greatest passion is helping people become the best versions of themselves. I believe that every individual has the capacity for growth, healing, and meaningful change, even when they may not yet recognize that potential within themselves. As a therapist, I work alongside my clients to help them begin the challenging but rewarding process of self-discovery, personal growth, and change. Through my clinical skills and therapeutic approach, I strive to create a space where clients can explore their experiences, identify barriers, develop insight, and discover the strengths they already possess.
When I am in session with a client, I believe in being as approachable, authentic, and present as possible. I understand that entering therapy can be intimidating and that it can take courage for someone to share their thoughts, emotions, and experiences with another person. For that reason, I make it a priority to create an environment where my clients feel comfortable, respected, heard, and accepted without judgment.
Building trust is one of the most important aspects of the therapeutic relationship. I believe that clients are more willing to engage in meaningful therapeutic work when they feel safe enough to be vulnerable and honest. My goal is to meet each client where they are, while also encouraging them to recognize their ability to move forward. I do not believe that therapy is simply about identifying problems; it is also about empowering clients to understand themselves, recognize their strengths, develop healthier ways of coping, and make intentional changes in their lives.
I want my clients to leave therapy with a greater understanding of themselves and a stronger belief in their ability to navigate life’s challenges. Being able to witness that growth and support clients as they move toward becoming the best version of themselves is what makes the work so meaningful to me. I always say during intake, “my goal is for you not to need me as much or if at all, but no matter what I will always be apart of your support system.”
Are there any books, apps, podcasts or blogs that help you do your best?
I am a strong believer in continuing education through reading, listening, and continuously expanding my knowledge. I believe that growth as a clinician requires a commitment to lifelong learning and a willingness to remain open to new perspectives, therapeutic approaches, and evidence-based practices.
I recently became EMDR trained, which has been an exciting addition to my clinical development. As I continue to strengthen my understanding and application of EMDR, I have enjoyed listening to podcasts created specifically for therapists, such as Let’s Talk EMDR. These resources allow me to continue learning beyond formal training and provide opportunities to hear about clinical experiences, techniques, and perspectives that can enhance my work with clients.
I believe that becoming a better clinician means never becoming complacent with what I already know. I am committed to building upon my education and clinical experiences so that I can continue to strengthen my therapeutic practice, expand my clinical skills, and deepen the connections I establish with my clients. My goal is to continually grow as a professional so that I can provide my clients with thoughtful, compassionate, and effective care.
One book I often recommend is The Body Keeps the Score because it provides valuable insight into how trauma can affect the nervous system, even after the danger has passed. The book helps readers understand how traumatic experiences can physically affect the body and how the body can continue to hold and respond to pain and hurt long after the traumatic event has ended. This understanding can help clients develop greater awareness of the connection between their emotional experiences, physical responses, and overall mental health.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.shimentalhealthcounseling.com
- Instagram: changegrowthempowerment
