Today we’d like to introduce you to Camille Ridgley.
Hi Camille, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
I started my own counseling journey as a client in 2016 following the loss of my brother in a car accident. Attending therapy helped me to navigate my grief and to really start to understand myself as an individual. I finished my Bachelors Degree in Psychology from South University in 2017. My interest in human behavior has continued to grow and in 2019 I began my journey to complete my Masters Degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. During my masters degree I returned back to therapy as a client and continued to understand the impact of the trust relationship we build as clients and counselors. Upon finishing my masters degree in 2021 I knew that I was meant to be a counselor. Fast forward to where I am today and I have 2 wonderful mentors to thank who spoke life into me when I wanted to give up on the journey to become a fully licensed professional counselor. My friends, family, and my two boys (18) & (10) motivate me on a daily basis. In 2024 I started to build a client base with Tatiana Cabral, founder of Mas Paz Counseling. I am currently still practicing at Mas Paz Counseling and recently started my own Private Practice – Sunflower Counseling Collaborative. I also am proud to work part-time at THE Savannah State University in the Counseling Department and I love connecting with the students. They are such a reminder of the future, they keep me young at heart and I am grateful for the opportunity to provide mental health support at such a critical time in their lives. I truly enjoy being a Counselor and consider it a high honor to support individuals, couples, and families in this wonderful journey of life.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Becoming a Counselor has definitely not been smooth! Some of the hardest parts of my journey included trying to complete classes for my Masters Degree online during 2020 and Covid while working fulltime, homeschooling my oldest son, and chasing around my 3 year old. That was a tough season but I made it through! Another difficult time that other counselors can probably agree with is during the journey to apply for full licensure. Counselors have to continue with education and acquire supervised counseling hours even after completing their Master degrees and submit a lengthy packet to the state of Georgia for approval. So the journey to become fully licensed is about 5 years total. Not for the faint of heart. From the beginning to where I am today I am so thankful I did not give up!
Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about
I am a Licensed Professional Counselor and I support men, women, couples, teens, and LGBTQIA+ individuals. Currently, a large population of the clients I treat are seeking support from living in high control environments or recovering from the impact of religious trauma. I enjoy working with clients to help them identify their strength stories and to use these facts to address challenges in life. When clients attend therapy sessions with me they can expect to be comfortable, become more in tune with themselves, notice how their body is affected by their life experiences, and have support with goals set in session. I am most proud that so many of my clients refer other individuals to me. I am deeply grateful for each client that walks into our doors. Starting therapy is such a huge step of bravery.
What’s next?
My future plans include: Becoming a little braver at Public speaking, I am much more confident one on one with clients in the therapy room. Additionally, I would like to continue with community impact efforts to take therapy beyond the office and integrate it into the community. This looks like attending community garden efforts, saying yes to almost every volunteer opportunity, and supporting other like minded individuals around Savannah. Future, future goals include owning a building where counselors have access to outdoor spaces, movement rooms, and collaborative spaces for mental health awareness and services.
Pricing:
- I accept insurance
- Individual & Couples sessions $125
- Family sessions $130
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.maspazcounseling.com/camille
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/maspazcounseling/
