Issue 1 - APRIL 2019 - THICK & CHEWY |
Mini Interview SHAKEENA BRANTLEY Q: Introduce yourself, tell us who you are?what you do? What inspired you to help couples and women with infertility? A: My name is Shakeena Brantley I am the founder and CEO of Saving Sarah - a leading-edge, fertility supportorganization. Saving Sarah is a companywhich combines faith and Clinical knowledge producing amazing results. I have obtained her Bachelor of Science degree in Social Psychology from Florida Atlantic University, Boca Raton and my Master Degree in Social Work from Florida International University, Miami FL. I then obtained my License in 2014 as a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. I believe one of the most sacred elements of womanhood is the act of giving birth to a child. Like so many other women, I learned that this cherished right of my own was threatened by infertility. It was through my own pain that God planted my purpose. I desired that no woman should have to endure this alone. I am a fertility advocate who aspires to equip women with the tools, faith , and support needed to survive infertility. I also speak to women on several platforms at local agencies and organizations. I am married to my college sweetheart and God-fearing husband and our union is blessed with 3 beautiful kids. Q: What advice would you give a couple, when there's one person in the relationship that wants out completely, and they have express to their spouse I don't love you anymore? A: I would advice/ask them what are they seeking "out" from. What is it they
are leaving or running from? I would ask them whats motivating this feeling? I would advice the couples to seek help. Speak with a counselor, an unbiased, non judgmental, and impartial perspective to sit with them both. A Counselor can help them walk through this feelings and find the root cause of "I don't love you anymore". Yes even if they have already made spin their minds that they want to leave, thats fine too but an impartial party can even assist with a healthy separation/ divorce. Q: Today looking back at your mother and father's relationship, name one thing that stuck with you that makes you successful in marriage counseling today? A: Well my mother and father are not married, however, their relationship did show me what not to do and what behavior not to display. Their toxicity is what stuck with me. Sometimes its not what we see but what we dont see that makes our marriage and relationship successful. We have to be careful to ensure we do not try too hard to make our marriage look like anyone else's marriage. Its great to look at the marriage of others but marriage is not one size fits all. What works for one marriage may not work for yours and vice versa. Through trial and error, communication and through check ins we can find out what will make our own personal marriages successful. The other part to this is the word "successful". Success is subjective and up to interpretation by each individual. What defines success for one relationship may not translate success to another. So first would be to define what suc-
cess looks like within your marriage. Q: If someone book you today for counseling? Name some of the resources you would have available for them. A: Right now we are accepting bookings for the "Couples Clinic". The "Couples Clinic" is booked by local churches, organizations, conferences, or even private couples events. The "Couples Clinic" offers exercises, worksheets, prayer, group activities, and one on one quick intense mini sessions. Our main resource is always based from scripture and faith. Couples will received a great balanced combination of clinical and faith based direction and counseling. Q: Tell us where can we contact you for all the services you. A: www.3CordCounseling.com Facebook & Instagram- 3CordCounseling www.SavingSarahs.com Facebook & Instagram- SavingSarahs
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