“I am a writer who encourages others to heal and grow. I tell personal stories of overcoming in my poetry. And I write poems that direct others to see themselves as the creative or the dreamer.”
Q & A with Monica D. Vance
Monica, thanks for joining us on Ocean State Stories. Can you please begin with an overview of your work as a licensed mental health therapist?
I have been working as a therapist since 2017. I went through the process of becoming a licensed clinician. I am a LICSW (licensed independent clinical social worker). I have spent my time in the community mental health field. I currently work at a community health center in which I counsel individuals who come from marginalized/lower resourced communities. I practice from attachment and trauma based modalities.
On your website, you write that you support “others in discovering they are worthy of experiencing emotional wholeness.” Can you elaborate on what emotional wellness is?
When we talk about emotional wholeness, we are talking about the state of our emotions. Are we feeling happy? Are we feeling sad? Are we experiencing an episode of “ups and downs” in our emotions. Are we healed from our traumatic experiences? When we are able to identify our emotions and manage them in a healthy way, we are experiencing emotional wholeness.
Elaborate please also on your role as a writer who “inspires people to seek transformation instead of stagnation.”
I am a writer who encourages others to heal and grow. I tell personal stories of overcoming in my poetry. And I write poems that direct others to see themselves as the creative or the dreamer. As a writer, I want others to know that growth and healing are possibilities in their lives.
You are also a creative. What does that mean?
As a creative, I create in many forms. I write. I enjoy singing and dancing. Primarily, I write poetry that encourages people to heal and to grow. I perform my poetry at open mics and have had multiple poetry features this year.
And you are a speaker, too. Details, please.
I believe that I have been speaking for most of my life. Last year, I went on a journey to officially call myself a speaker. I was granted the opportunity to speak at a work fundraiser. I speak about mindset and mental health matters. I am available to speak in community settings or online via podcasts.
You state on your website that “Identity is a gift. Often when we experience loss or a traumatic experience, our identity becomes muddled. Shame, guilt, and even unworthiness crawl into our identity, causing us to question who we truly are.” Sadly, this is particularly relevant in the wake of the terrible mass shooting at Brown University. What guidance do you offer those affected: the victims and their families, the Brown community, and residents of Rhode Island.
I’m a Rhode Island transplant. I have been living in the state for four years. When I heard about the mass shooting on a late Saturday, my heart became so heavy for the state.
Firstly, I have to send my love, prayers and condolences to the families of the victims and the Brown community. Secondly, I would offer all that have been affected to be gentle towards themselves at this time. I would offer that affected individuals find a trusted person to talk to about what they are currently experiencing. A trusted person could be a therapist or it could be another community member. It’s just important that people do not function in isolation during this time and lean on each other. We, heal and grow best in community and not in isolation.
Can you tell us about your childhood, which influenced your career path? Medicine and writing interested you from an early age.
I grew up watching medical dramas and hearing stories about the Civil Rights movement. I grew up around parents who cared deeply about others. I wanted to become a doctor so that I could help people. But I later realized that I didn’t need to become a doctor to help others.
I have been writing since I was in elementary/middle school. I have always adored words and hearing people speak. Growing up, I wrote and performed poetry. In my adulthood, I took a break from writing poetry. Being in Rhode Island and around mentors reignited the passion to write again. I have been writing poetry and reading at open mics and features in the New England area.
You also liked to listen to an uncle, who told stories of his participation in the Civil Rights movement. What did he do back then?
My uncle participated in Civil Rights marches. He was very active in the movement. My parents grew up in this generation. Hearing stories from my family members provided me with a sense of resiliency. They overcome many obstacles and it showed me the power of overcoming in my own life.
What did you study in college and what degreees did you earn?
In undergrad, I started off as a pre-med major but then I changed my major twice. I majored in English but then changed to African American Studies. I have my Bachelor’s degree in that. I also have my Master of Social Work degree.
Anything we missed?
If you want to be encouraged by mindset, mental health, and poetry content, you can find me hanging out on most social media platforms. I’m on IG and TikTok as @monicadvancetherapist. I’m on Facebook and LinkedIn as Monica D. Vance, LICSW.
If you are someone in need of a poet or speaker, feel free to DM me on any of my social media platforms or email me at hello@monicadvance.com
