Kristeona Pitts Watkins - Mind Your Journey Counseling Services

By Terry L. Watson

Photos Provided by Kristeon a Pitts Watkins

Kristeona Pitts Watkins is, first and foremost, a believer of Christ Jesus and knows without a doubt that her path is orchestrated by and through Him. “It is in Him that I can fulfill my roles as a daughter of two amazing parents, Gene and Joyce Pitts, and wife to the love of my life, Terry Watkins II,” she says. Kristeona is also a devoted friend, mental health advocate, and business owner.

Kristeona is the face and founder of Huntsville, AL, based Mind Your Journey Counseling Services. The products and services offered by MYJCS include individual counseling services for children, adolescents, and adults. They also offer virtual and in-person services to accommodate their clients’ needs. Kristeona says that MYJCS is in the process of developing a mindful self-directed journal that is designed for their clients and others who want to become more self aware. The goal is to release this product in February 2023.

Kristeona was born in Clarksdale, MS, and raised in Mound Bayou, MS, also referred to as “The Delta”. Kristeona says “I grew up as an only child to parents who were married 14 years, even before I was conceived. I would like to think that I had an idea of what I wanted to do early in life, which was helping people.”

In 2007, she entered her first year at Mississippi Valley State University, where she initially studied Speech and Communication. By the end of that year, Kreisteona decided that was not the path for her. Not only did she change her major, she transferred schools and became a proud alumna of Jackson State University after graduating with a Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology. She went on to attend Alabama A&M University and received her Master of Science degree in Clinical Psychology and Educational Specialist in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. After completing her required hours as an Associate Licensed Counselor, she became a Licensed Professional Counselor in the state of Alabama.

Kristeona says it’s her belief that if a person changes their mindset, their thoughts, behaviors, and how they navigate life will then follow. “We are all on our own individual journeys in life. If we are mindful, if we are intentional, our journeys can be one of peace, happiness, and fulfillment.

MYJC was established in September 2021. However, Kristeona says it was created in her mind long before its physical manifestation. “I knew that before I could be the leader of my own business, it was important to serve under others and gain much-needed experience. I began my mental health career as a Youth Care Worker and gained experience working with adolescents placed in a residential treatment facility for behavioral, addiction, psychiatric, emotional, and conduct disorders. From there, I worked at a local mental health agency, a children’s advocacy center, a hospital, and a private group practice and serviced children, adolescents, and adults. Working in different areas of mental health equipped me with the experience needed to manage a diverse group of clientele effectively, but it wasn’t until I went through and completed almost three years of supervision as an Associate Licensed Counselor that I acquired what was needed to be an effective business owner. Under my supervisor, I learned what counselors aren’t taught throughout their matriculation in school. She encouraged and helped me step out on faith, reminding me not to allow my fears to stand in the way of my goals,” she says.

In regards to inspiration, Kristeona says there is a “who” and there is a “what” that gets credit for doing so. “The “what”, is my purpose. My purpose drives my everyday life. My purpose and the pursuit of has impacted how I’ve navigated my life and helped me secure a career that provides me with much fulfillment and joy. My “what” has led me to find purpose, and my purpose led me to the field of counseling,” she shared. My “who” is my father, unequivocally. Growing up, I watched my father, with limited education, find a way not to let his circumstances from childhood limit how he shows up in the world. He was comfortable becoming a doctor, but he realized his purpose was to become a self-employed farmer. You see, the thing about purpose is it’s usually attached in some way to things we enjoy. Although being a doctor allows lives to be saved and helps aid people in need, farming does the same, but he gets more enjoyment outside working as a farmer versus being inside as a doctor. God made a way and gave my father a sense of purpose that he couldn’t find by being a doctor. You can’t tell him that farming isn’t his purpose. You can’t tell him that it isn’t at the essence of his being and that he doesn’t do it well. As a counselor, I feel the same.”

When asked what she would change about her journey in life and her career, Kristeona says, “If I’m honest, I don’t believe anything in life happens by chance or circumstance. Therefore, when I reflect on my journey of things that have happened, I know that they were all things that prepared me for this journey in business. I have no doubt that these experiences will be key to my success.”

Kristeona’s advice to future entrepreneurs and others who may follow a journey similar to hers is, “Don’t ever be afraid to ask questions. When you’re in college pursuing the degrees, talk to your academic advisor and let them know your specific plans for your career. Seek out people who are already where you want to be and ask them to mentor you. Don’t be afraid to put yourself out there and network with others; this will get you far. Be open to exploring different areas of counseling to see which works best for you. Recognize that being a counselor is not easy. Pay it forward. Remember, even if you don’t see things grow to fruition with clients, you know that you planted a seed. And finally, remember to implement self-care because it is essential.”

Moving forward, Kristeona plans to continue being an advocate for mental health. “We teach everything in school, from math and science to home economics and vocational school. Although these are important subjects, is mental health not as important? Mental health aids in how we show up in the world, and we should provide education on it. This is needed to further our efforts in decreasing stigmas and assist in looking at mental health as a positive thing, not a negative one.” Please visit their website to learn more about Kristeona and Mind Your Journey Counseling Services.

www.mindyourjrny.com