Today we’d like to introduce you to Lakota Summer.
Hi Lakota, 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 backstories with our readers.
My story began as a teen mother at 14; I carried a pregnancy in secret (for nine months), then, as a young mother, internalized “functional” depression. From my adolescence through my young adulthood, I struggled with mental health and the demands of motherhood. Later the discovery that my baby boy was diagnosed with autism and a learning disability pushed me under a cloud of shame within strict cultural norms (I am of West Indian origin) which kept me from trusting myself to trust others to reveal what I was going through. My solace was writing and dance; I would go so far as to say that both creative outlets “saved” me. As I got older, I slowly realized that I was drowning and could not be suitable for my son as a mother. I sought clinical intervention, which was life-changing for me and inspired me to go into mental health and education, which has led me to my current work-Mental Health Coaching, with an emphasis on Social-Emotional Learning and Mindfulness Movement.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
As I open up with the interview, smooth it has not been. I was a woman-child, under constant scrutiny. I did not speak my truth; I bottled everything in and “played” the good girl post-pregnancy-yes, I continued going to school, came home, took care of my baby, and repeat. As stated, it was a pregnancy in secret; not even my friends knew-I think if I were to show up at my high school reunion with my son, everyone would be in complete shock! The mind is very powerful and when I needed it to help me stay focused and get through school, it pushed me to be resilient….no 14 year old should ever go through what I went through; however, there were so many layers that led to my situation, it was not as simple as “just getting pregnant”
We’ve been impressed with Lakota Moon Mental Health Coaching & Mindfulness Movement, 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?
My business began at the rise of the Covid pandemic and is now entering its 4th year. I am a certified mental health coach. Mental Health Coaching is an evidence-based treatment focused on strengths-based support for adults and youth with mental and behavioral health difficulties. I center my practice on Social-Emotional Learning and the five competencies: Self-awareness, Social Awareness, Relationship Skills, Responsible Decision-making, and Self-Management (we live these competencies daily-either, functionally or dysfunctional). My practice also consists of Mindfulness Movement; this is for individuals who want to utilize their bodies as a tool to deal with trauma via movement (I am a certified clinical trauma practitioner). What I am known for and what sets me apart is that I am unorthodox in my practice; this is a partnership between myself and the client, where we are active members in the healing process-you are not coming to me to talk-it is interactive; there is homework, projects, I push you, I challenge you within the five competencies to dig deep, to discover and peel your layers. I do not look to your past-I; focus on what is holding you back NOW, so that your future is manageable and something to work towards.
Do you have any advice for those looking to network or find a mentor?
Do your RESEARCH, interview potential therapists and coaches (there is a difference), and do not be afraid to ask questions; if it does not work, it is your responsibility to say so. I have had clients that I referred to either other coaches or felt needed a higher, more intensive level of intervention. My role is not to have you with me long term-again, the difference between coaching and therapy; I want to get you to a space of functionality in an efficient period.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.lakotamoon.org
Image Credits
Antoine Bennett Photography
