Meet Monique Dean

We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Monique Dean a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Monique, really happy you were able to join us today and we’re looking forward to sharing your story and insights with our readers. Let’s start with the heart of it all – purpose. How did you find your purpose?

I found my purpose through both pain and service. It began with a natural draw toward helping others—I’ve always been curious about people’s stories and felt a deep compassion for their struggles. But my purpose became clearer through my own lived experiences—especially times of rejection, single motherhood, and spiritual wrestling. The more I leaned into those hardships instead of running from them, the more I discovered that healing others was also healing me. My faith, personal growth, and professional work in social work all aligned to show me that my purpose is to create spaces where people feel seen, safe, and empowered. It’s not just a career—it’s a calling to walk alongside others as they reclaim their worth and rewrite their stories.

Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about yourself before we dive back into some of the other questions we had for you?

As a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and certified EMDR therapist, I’ve had the privilege of providing trauma-informed therapy to individuals for several years. Currently, I operate a private practice where I specialize in helping women heal from relational trauma, anxiety, and self-worth challenges. My work is deeply rooted in compassion, cultural responsiveness, and nervous system-informed care. I believe therapy is not just about symptom relief—it’s about restoring safety, reclaiming identity, and building meaningful connections.

What excites me most about my work is witnessing the transformation that takes place when people begin to feel truly seen and supported. I offer a warm, nonjudgmental space where clients can explore their stories, process trauma, and develop tools to live more authentically. Healing is not linear, but it is absolutely possible—and I consider it a sacred honor to walk alongside others on that journey.

My practice is currently expanding, and I’m excited to be launching two new therapeutic groups in 2025: Healing Connection, an 8-week virtual process group for women navigating relational trauma, and Root & Rise, a community-based support space that integrates wellness, self-empowerment, and mindful connection. I’m also developing workshops and trainings that bring trauma education to broader communities and professionals.

At its core, my brand, Heal with Monique, is about making healing accessible, relational, and real. Whether through individual therapy, group spaces, or community gatherings, my goal is to create safe, affirming environments where people can reconnect—with themselves and with others.

There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?

Looking back on my journey, three qualities have consistently shaped and sustained my path: empathy, resilience, and a deep commitment to lifelong learning.

Empathy has been the cornerstone of my work as a therapist. The ability to truly listen, understand, and hold space for someone’s experience without judgment creates the foundation for healing. I didn’t just develop empathy through education—I honed it through lived experience and being present with others in their most vulnerable moments. For those early in their journey, I encourage you to cultivate empathy not only for others but also for yourself. Slow down, be curious, and practice deep listening.

Resilience has helped me move through personal and professional challenges with grace. The path of a healer or helping professional isn’t easy—it requires emotional strength, boundaries, and the ability to bounce back when things get hard. I’ve learned to embrace discomfort as a teacher and to trust that growth often comes from adversity. My advice? Build rituals of rest and reflection, lean on your support systems, and never underestimate the power of persistence.

Lifelong learning is vital. Whether through formal education, clinical trainings, or spiritual growth, I remain a student. The field of mental health is constantly evolving, and staying open to new knowledge has helped me remain effective, grounded, and inspired. To those starting out: stay curious. Ask questions, seek mentorship, and invest in your development. Growth is a journey, not a destination.

In the end, it’s not just what you know—it’s how you show up. Lead with heart, stay rooted in your values, and trust that your unique voice has a place in this work.

How would you describe your ideal client?

My ideal client is someone who is ready to explore their inner world with honesty and openness—even if they feel unsure or afraid. They may be navigating anxiety, depression, relationship challenges, trauma, or a deep sense of disconnection from themselves or others. What makes someone an ideal client for me isn’t about having it all figured out—it’s about their willingness to show up, be curious, and take steps (however small) toward healing.

I especially resonate with women who feel stuck in old patterns, are working through relational trauma, or are in a season of transition where they’re seeking to reconnect with their true identity. An ideal client values a collaborative, compassionate approach and is open to exploring both the emotional and somatic layers of healing. They may be new to therapy or seasoned in the work, but what they share is a desire for deeper self-awareness, growth, and authentic connection.

Ultimately, therapy is most transformative when clients are willing to lean into the process—messy parts and all—with the understanding that healing isn’t linear, but it is possible. I’m here to walk with them, not ahead of them.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://Healwithmonique.com
• Instagram: @Healwithmonique