Kalonya Jones LPC

Literally growing up in a dysfunctional family dynamic. I thought that this is how things were going to be, supposed to be and will continue to be. It wasn't until I had my first child and went back to school to study counseling that I realized communicating can heal a lot of wounds.

I have heard that I am not like your average therapist. I ask questions to dig in deep, but I also find myself funny so even though there may be some tears through some of our sessions; trust me there will be laughter too!

A first session with me is pretty relaxed. It is mainly a getting to know you session. I may ask about your past or who you grew up with or who you live with now? I may ask if you are a pet parent and if so what's their name? I always say if there is something you would rather not chat about, then we can leave it for now or talk about it in the future; whatever makes you feel most comfortable.

• Pennsylvania, Licensed Professional Counselor, PC012606

My work history is pretty boring to me up until college. I worked at odds and ends jobs growing up to help my mom out with bills and the groceries. I worked at KFC, which taught me a lot of patience to say the least. I was young, but it highlighted a struggle I saw between individuals without a home and the working class. I didn't realize this was going to shape me for years to come. I then worked at other customer service jobs to help fund my college education. I believe I was frustrated with societal rules and family structures that wanted to place me where I didn't feel valued. So, I decided to get up and leave. Not just like that, with lots of guidance...lol, but I wanted to see the world and taught English as a second language overseas in South Korea for almost 2 years! I had an amazing experience and again it shaped me. I learned so much from living abroad and realizing that we all had traumas, struggles, stress, worries, goals and hurdles that sought to stand in our way (sometimes by force or if we allowed them to aka the lack of boundaries). I also realized that regardless of what everyone says, a smile and/or pain are seen the same way. I came back to America and realized I didn't escape my past traumas, but decided to start a family and when that happened my life changed. I started to see my family's past traumas coming out in a vengeance and that's when I decided to take a stance. A stance against negative generational cycles! I threw myself into my school work and trust me it was hard, especially with a little one. With some resilience, a strong support system and some great routines/coping skills I surpassed my goals and I would love to see you do the very same! I studied therapy and realized talking with some good skills can help lessen the pain by so much. I learned that I/we have to go through it to heal from it. From graduate school my focus was working only at positions where I could counsel. Now I have my own private practice and can't wait to meet you!