Today we’d like to introduce you to Ursula Robinson.
Hi Ursula, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
My journey to becoming a mental health therapist began after losing my father at age 11, I witnessed first hand how trauma and grief can impact lives. This inspired me to help others facing similar challenges.
I began my career working with individuals with mental disabilities and later earned a Bachelor’s in Psychology. I then became a substance abuse therapist, supporting those dealing with trauma and addiction, as well as their families.
After earning my Master’s in Mental Health Counseling, I worked as a School-Based Therapist, helping children process trauma and manage emotions.
In 2016, I founded A Better You Counseling to provide deeper support, eventually expanding into a group practice. Since then, we’ve helped over 10,000 individuals with issues like trauma, depression, and anxiety.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Some of the most significant obstacles I faced along the way came during the period when I was a single mother of two young children, working full time and attending graduate school in the evenings. I still remember discovering that I was pregnant with my second child just days before receiving my graduate school acceptance letter. I cried, overwhelmed with uncertainty, and even met with my advisor at the time to express my fears about managing pregnancy, single parenthood, and the demands of a graduate program.
My counselor offered words of encouragement that stayed with me, and because of that support, I made the decision to move forward and enroll in the program. When I arrived, I quickly realized that I was one of the only African American faces in the cohort and one of the only single parents. I felt like I stood out in every way possible. Still, I was determined to earn my degree and create a better life for my children.
My mother was a tremendous support during that time. She picked my children up from daycare every day, made sure they were fed, and helped maintain stability in our routine. My days often started at 7 a.m., and I frequently picked my children up at 9 p.m. or later. Many nights, they were already asleep by the time I arrived.
During that period, my finances were extremely tight. I remember times when I could not afford to pay our internet bill. I would park in the lot outside the public library—even after they had closed—just to use the Wi-Fi so I could finish my assignments. Those moments were difficult, but they were also a reminder of how deeply committed I was to completing my education
Despite the exhaustion and the emotional weight of that season, I continued pushing forward—because I envisioned a better future for my family, and that vision kept me going.
We’ve been impressed with A Better You Counseling, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
Our private practice provides therapy for individuals, families, couples, and groups. We support clients in managing life stressors and mental health challenges, and we specialize in creating personalized therapy plans tailored to each person’s needs. We offer guidance and support to anyone seeking clarity around their goals and help in turning those goals into reality.
Our services are available both in person and through remote sessions, ensuring accessibility and flexibility for the clients we serve. I am trained in EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing), an evidence-based approach often used to address trauma and other distressing experiences. We offer individual, couples, family, and group therapy, as well as wellness retreats, including specialized retreats for women who have survived childhood sexual abuse, providing a safe space to heal and reconnect with themselves.
In addition, our practice offers a support group for adults who are estranged from their families, titled Broken Bonds. This group provides a safe and supportive environment for individuals navigating the emotional impact of family estrangement. We accept Medicaid and most commercial insurance plans, and we also offer self-pay options for clients who choose not to use insurance benefits.
What makes you happy?
I enjoy traveling and visiting other areas of the world. It allows me to see how others live in their space. I also enjoy spending time with my family and friends.
Pricing:
- Individual therapy -$140 per session
- Group Therapy- $40 per session
- Wellness Retreat -$2,997-3,497) payment plans available
- Family/Couples Counseling -$140 per session
Contact Info:
- Website: www.abetterucounseling.com and www.abuwellness.com
- Instagram: @a_better_you_counseling_llc and @a_better_you_wellness_retreats
- Facebook: https://facebook.com/abetterucounseling
