Cover Girl: Turning Experience Into Empowerment

Lynn Nicole Turner, CLC, CNLP

In my early twenties, I began working with young girls in an after-school program, where I discovered the transformative power of dance as a medium for fostering self-esteem and body positivity. I started the "Remix Kids" dance team, creating a space where girls could express themselves and celebrate their uniqueness through movement.

Recognizing the importance of education, I took the initiative to bring the girls with me to my college classes at Wayne State University, encouraging them to take notes and participate in lectures, which instilled a sense of aspiration and academic engagement.

Additionally, I emphasized the significance of giving back to the community by organizing monthly volunteer activities at nursing homes, soup kitchens, and drives to support children in need at their schools. This commitment to service laid the groundwork for my next role, where I worked with at-risk girls at a juvenile detention facility. It was here that my passion for mental health truly blossomed, as I witnessed firsthand the struggles faced by these young women who lacked the love and support they deserved. This experience ignited my dedication to advocating for women and girls, ensuring they find the encouragement and resources necessary to thrive.

From these experiences I transitioned into various sectors of mental health and education. I advocated for proper mental health services and developed programming focused on self-esteem, body positivity, conflict resolution, job readiness, and college preparation. After becoming a victim of a violent crime, I felt compelled to empower women further by offering free self-defense classes, teaching them skills to help avoid becoming victims themselves.

From a young age, I felt a strong calling to help people, but it was during high school that I truly recognized how family dynamics profoundly affected both me and my classmates. This awareness ignited a desire within me to make a meaningful difference in the lives of others. To equip myself for this mission, I studied diligently, obtaining over 42 professional certifications from some of the country’s top universities, including Yale, Johns Hopkins University, Stanford School of Medicine, and Columbia University, among others. I am a lifelong learner, deeply passionate about understanding the ever-changing dynamics of mental health.

This commitment to education enables me to provide the best support possible, ensuring that I can empower individuals as they navigate their own challenges. I believe that by continually expanding my knowledge, I can be a more effective advocate and ally for those seeking help and understanding.

Losing 350 pounds was a monumental achievement, yet it opened my eyes to how differently I was treated in the world. Despite having amazing friends who accepted me for who I was, I often felt like I didn’t fit in because I struggled to accept myself. Even after my drastic transformation, I found it difficult to like what I saw in the mirror, and this internal battle weighed heavily on me. I knew there were countless women who felt just like I did, silently grappling with their self-image and worth. This realization fueled my desire to write my books, "The Confidence Chronicles" and "Girl, You Got This", as a heartfelt message for all of us who have faced similar struggles. I wanted to create a sense of community and understanding, reminding women that they are not alone in their journey toward self-acceptance and empowerment. These books are for anyone who has ever felt unseen or unloved, encouraging them to embrace their unique beauty and strength. I have published six books, but these two hold a special place in my heart as they are specifically aimed at women. I often wish I’d had something like this during my own struggles—a resource that could guide me toward self-love, acceptance, and empowerment.

My hope is to create a safe space where women can embark on their own journeys of rediscovery. I understand the negativity, stigma, and societal pressures that can weigh heavily on us, drowning out our inner voices. These books are meant to inspire women to reconnect with their true selves, set meaningful goals, and embrace their unique qualities. They represent my belief that every woman deserves to find her power and voice. I want readers to know they are not alone in their struggles and that they have the strength within to rise above challenges and celebrate who they are. Empowering women to rediscover their worth is not just a passion for me; it's a mission that comes from my own experiences and a deep desire to uplift others. I draw strength from the incredible women who have raised and supported me throughout my life. My mom, LaDonna Epperson, and my Godmother, Dr. Patricia

Edwards, have been guiding lights, instilling in me the values of resilience and compassion. My best friend of over 38 years, Arlynn Hill, has been my sister, my shoulder to lean on, and my biggest cheerleader since kindergarten. I am also grateful for my mentor, Sabrina Cesaire, who took me under her wing and taught me the fundamentals of diagnostics and dispositions in the clinical mental health space. Additionally, Marjorie Miskey showed me immense love and acceptance during one of the most challenging moments of my adult career. Last but not least, my son, David Christian Taylor, is my reason for never giving up. His presence motivates me every day to strive for greatness and be a source of strength for others. I feel truly blessed to be surrounded by such a plethora of strong women and my amazing son, who have nurtured me, taught me, and continuously remind me of the importance of being authentically myself while striving to be the best person I can be. Their unwavering support inspires me to uplift others in the same way.

I want every woman who hears my story to understand that it’s never too late to become the person you’ve always been destined to be. Life is a beautiful tapestry woven from blessings that enrich us and lessons that guide us away from what doesn’t serve us. Each moment, whether joyous or challenging, contributes to your growth and resilience. Embrace these experiences; they are the building blocks of your strength. Even in those times when you feel unworthy or insufficient, remember that you have the power to make a difference—both in your own life and in the lives of others. Your journey is unique, and every step you take, no matter how small, is a testament to your courage and potential. Trust in your ability to evolve and shine, because you are enough, and your story is still unfolding.

Today, I run PsychBae LLC, a life-coaching business dedicated to supporting women and girls in various areas, including mental health, emotional regulation, and school and job readiness. Additionally, I serve as the Director of Community Relations and a Board Member at Large for Simiya's Equine Services, a Black woman-owned Detroit-based nonprofit that integrates horses into mental health services. Through these roles, I continue to advocate for the empowerment and support of women and girls, ensuring they have the tools and resources they need to thrive.

About my books: Imagine embarking on a transformative journey with two incredible companions: "Girl, You Got This" and  THE Confidence CHRONICLES: 30-Day Self-Appreciation Journal. In "Girl, You Got This," you’ll explore the heartfelt story of a woman who navigates the highs and lows of life with authenticity and humor. Her experiences reflect the joys and challenges we all face, celebrating resilience and the power of self-love. Through her journey, you'll find inspiration to laugh, cry, and believe in your own strength.

Complementing this uplifting narrative is  THE Confidence CHRONICLES. This engaging 30-day self-appreciation journal acts as your personal guide to recognizing and celebrating your unique strengths. With daily prompts designed to encourage reflection, you’ll acknowledge your victories, big and small. The purposeful exercises and affirmations within will help you cultivate the confidence needed to tackle life’s challenges and reveal the empowered version of yourself.

Together, these two works offer a powerful toolkit for any woman looking to enhance her life.

These books, plus my four others, can be found on Amazon by searching Lynn Nicole Turner along with the title of the book. You can also use this link: www.amazon.com/s?k=lynn+nicole+turner &crid=2Y5DJGEIL3J0V&sprefix=lynn+nicole +turner%2Caps%2C119&ref=nb_sb_noss

Lynn Nicole Turner is a seasoned mental health professional with 20+ years of experience. Specializing in suicide prevention and high acuity patients, she is a trusted counselor, addiction treatment specialist, and certified life coach. Lynn's dedication extends to mentoring young women and advocating for the vulnerable in mental health. www.linkedin.com/in/lynnnturner