Raphael D. Bosley

Raphael D. BOSLEY By: Latoya Wilson

Raphael completed his Master’s degree in Counselor Education from Purdue University- Fort Wayne with a focus on Mental Health. He also received the Purdue Fort Wayne Counselor Education Clinical Excellence Award in April 2019. Raphael has a passion for advocacy, serving, and empowering the underserved and underrepresented populations of his community. He brings over 7 years of experience working with various populations, including but not limited to homeless individuals, juveniles, adult offenders, at-risk youth populations, and individuals with mental illnesses. Raphael operates with an optimistic perspective. He believes despite the darkness there is in any situation or individual- GOOD CAN BE discovered and used as a tool of motivation to rebuild, reorganize, and rebrand. Raphael has dedicated himself to helping others grow personally, professionally, and spiritually, in hopes that a ripple effect will start of individuals committing to doing the work it takes to be a better version of themselves. Outside of the counseling office Raphael enjoys spending time with his wife and their two beautiful children. Raphael is also a member of the American Counseling Association and an associate minister at Greater Progressive Baptist Church.

What is your passion?

I aspire to inspire others to become the best version of themselves despite any possible past barriers, traumas, and/or failures. At this stage of my career, I’m passionate about truly advocating, serving, and empowering the underserved and underrepresented populations of our community.

I come to life when I’m able to serve in a space that allows me to empower others through the avenues of encouragement, enlightenment, and enrichment.

As a counselor, how do you unpack everyone else's baggage?

As a counselor, I use traditional talk therapy to join and journey with a client to address anything that is directly impacting and/or impairing their current functioning or emotional health. I’m very intentional about fostering a space that allows the person I’m talking to feel secure in sharing and exploring their emotions and thought processes. From there we evaluate, process, and categorize what’s healthy vs. unhealthy. Then, we reinterpret and redistribute meaning and/or perspective in a way that empowers the client to move in a direction towards peace and healing.

How do you manage the ups and downs of being a counselor?

Any career that consists of serving others holds the potential to be taxing and/or overwhelming. Three habits that I utilized for coping with the ups and downs of this field are (1) I lean into my support system, (2) I regularly check in with supervisors and colleagues (3) prioritize self-care.

Personally, I believe a person can be as gifted and skill as they want to be, but the fact remains that an individual cannot pour from an empty cup.

Working with underprivileged communities is a blessing in itself. What do you see as one of the main things suppressing communities?

The list of things that plays into the suppression of underserved communities is broad, but I would say limited access to resources and services is one that stands out to me. Most underserved communities don’t have direct or quick access to things in comparison to their counterparts; whether that’s food, employment, mental health offices, top-tier education, and transportation. Etc.

What is the main thing you want readers to know about you?

I’m human. Despite the titles, degrees, and reputation I’m no different than any other person. At moments, like some of the readers, I question and doubt my intellect, judgment, gifts, abilities, and struggles to move beyond the past experience.

How can readers help connect with you?

I can be found on most Social media platforms:

Usernames: Instagram: raphaelbosley Facebook: @RaphaelBosleylmhca Twitter: @RaphaelBosley Linkedin: Raphael Bosley, LMHCA

Bosleyenterprise.be@gmail.com

Another way to contact me is through email:

How do you balance ministry and your career?

As a person of integrity, I have to lead this response with authenticity- I STILL STRUGGLE in this area. I’m learning from others in the field that scheduling is a MUST and don’t try to do all the work on your own (ask for help).

What is your definition of a man who hustles?

A man who hustles is a person who goes after what they want with a by any means necessary attitude and works ethic until they get it.

What and who has been your greatest influence?

There are a lot of people that have made impressions, but the influence has to go to my uncle Cedric Cheatham. My uncle Cedric is six years older than me so the closeness in age allowed the relationship to mirror one of the brothers. Throughout my life, he’s been intentional about speaking life into me and highlighting my gifts and the potential he sees. He didn’t just talk about it, but he put his resources (time, money, and living space) behind it to make sure I felt and had support to do whatever it is I was setting out to do. The influence or impact he has had on my life doesn’t just come from the things he did, but it comes from the things he didn’t do. He didn’t keep me from seeing that you can be gifted and still have to deal with the unfairness of life, the trials and tribulations that come uninvited, and the tragedy of success. He loved me enough to allow me to keep courtside seats to his life throughout different phases to learn how to navigate life. I value and appreciate more than what words could ever let him know.