Meet Daja Phillips

We were lucky to catch up with Daja Phillips recently and have shared our conversation below.

Daja, so good to have you with us today. We’ve always been impressed with folks who have a very clear sense of purpose and so maybe we can jump right in and talk about how you found your purpose?

It’s a pleasure to be here. Witnessing domestic violence in my family drove me to find purpose in helping others. I began by volunteering at elementary schools, making a difference in young lives. Throughout college, I actively engaged in diverse organizations.

As my commitment deepened, I founded ‘HER Grace Women,’ a nonprofit empowering and supporting women, emphasizing community contribution. Collaborating with organizations like Ronald McDonald House, Girls Inc, In My Shoes, and local schools, we strive to advance our community.

To enhance my support, I became a Licensed Counselor. This role enables me to provide psychological support to individuals facing challenges, utilizing my education and experience for a meaningful impact. Additionally, as a Talent Acquisition Partner, I connect people with opportunities aligning with their career goals, aligning with my passion for helping others.

Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?

Being a Licensed Professional Counselor- Associate, MS, NCC (under the supervision of Kelsey D’amore, LPS-S, RPT) is a truly exciting profession. I am passionate about helping children, teens and adults in the North Texas area unlock their potential, overcome challenges, and cultivate resilience. From life transitions to work-related stress, I address a wide range of concerns.

One of the most rewarding aspects of this career is the opportunity to offer a helping hand of support to individuals and families during their most challenging or life-changing moments. Creating a safe, non-judgmental space, I witness personal growth and transformation. It’s inspiring to see individuals embark on their journey of self-discovery and resilience. Guiding individuals towards positive changes, improved mental health, and enhanced coping strategies is such an honor. It’s such an organic process because you also learn a lot of things about yourself. This journey deepens my understanding of human nature, empathy, and emotional complexity, a process I’m forever thankful for.

Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?

1) Empathy and Active Listening: Empathy is the ability to understand and share the feelings of your clients. It’s crucial to create a safe, non-judgmental space where clients can open up. Active listening, which involves paying full attention to the client and showing genuine interest, is a skill that helps build trust and rapport.

2)Effective Communication and Interpersonal Skills: As counselors, we must be proficient communicators. This includes not only verbal communication but also non-verbal cues and body language. Building strong, trusting relationships with clients is essential, and effective communication is at the heart of that. Additionally, interpersonal skills enable you to navigate the uniqueness of various client relationships and situations.

3) Authenticity and Personal Presence: Being yourself is essential because it allows you to establish genuine connections with your clients. Authenticity means being honest and transparent. It encourages trust and helps create an environment where clients feel comfortable being open and vulnerable. Clients are more likely to connect with and trust a counselor who is authentic and true to themselves.

These qualities and skills have been instrumental in my journey as a counselor. My advice to those starting in this field is to embrace the learning process and value every interaction. Seek diverse experiences to broaden your understanding, and remember that each client teaches you something unique. Mental health work is uniquely challenging, making self-care essential. I, too, regularly engage with my therapist and schedule weekly self-care activities. As clinicians, it’s crucial to remember the importance of nurturing our own well-being while supporting others.

Tell us what your ideal client would be like?
I work with children (ages 3-10), pre-teens (ages 10-14), teens (ages 14-18) and adults (ages 18+). Some of the specializations I’ve focused on include: aggression/anger management, behavioral concerns, career counseling, family of origin issues, life transitions and minority client counseling. Someone who is motivated and willing to actively engage in the therapeutic process is always helpful. I approach counseling with a deeper commitment to understanding my clients’ unique needs and empowering them to achieve their goals for personal growth and fulfillment. Together, we’ll collaborate to develop strategies, foster insight, and create positive change.

Contact Info:

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