It might not be easy, but it'll be worth it.
Transformative therapy for personal growth and healing.
It might not be easy, but it'll be worth it.
Transformative therapy for personal growth and healing.
Focusing on the Wellness of BIPOC Women, Adolescents & Men
We See You Sis...
Dealing with all the ups, downs, highs and lows of life can feel heavy and overwhelming at times. We often find ourselves feeling stuck, questioning our purpose, trying to figure out how to adult all while wearing several different hats and being expected to show up as our best selves. Some of our experiences have taken a negative toll and started to impact how we function...enters depression, anxiety, low self esteem, decreased self worth, intrusive thoughts, trust issues, unhealthy relationships, bad habits, identity issues, etc.
What are your traumas? What issues are plaguing you on a daily? What things/experiences have left you feeling stuck? Who or what are you grieving? What are your set backs? What things are keeping you from reaching your full potential?
We see you sis and we are here to help. You've already taken the first step by being on this website. Reach out and talk to us! We want you to heal, prosper, grow and become the healthiest version of yourself...your T.R.U.E. Self.
We Gotchu Bro...
For Our Brothas that Served Time...
Going to prison is a major life-altering event that not only creates barriers to building stable lives, but also wreaks havoc on one's mental health. You served your time, so why do you still feel imprisoned? Doing time should not equate to a lifetime sentence of internal imprisonment.
Whether you served time or not...
Are you finding it difficult to sleep? Are you experiencing nightmares? Do you find it difficult to adjust? - things may seem extremely different than what you remembered when you went in. Are you suffering in silence? - feeling angry, sad, depressed, anxious, paranoid, hypervigilant, uneasy, disappointed, stuck, unhappy. Are these feelings/experiences messing with you and your relationships? We gotchu bro...Come talk to us! Allow us to help and support you as you navigate all of what you are feeling and experiencing. Trauma is a real thing that we often experience more than we realize so it becomes a normalized experience...let's stop normalizing our trauma. We want you to experience both internal and external growth and wellness, so come see about us.
Youth Have Struggles Too...
Just because you're young doesn't mean you should only be seen and not heard. We know you have your own challenges in life. Just because you don't pay rent doesn't mean you don't have struggles.
School is overwhelming...trying to make the grades, have a decent social life, participate in extracurricular activities all while trying to not fold under peer pressure. If you are a senior in high school... you have to figure out what to do after you graduate. Maybe you are headed to college but feeling anxious about it or perhaps college is not for you so you need to figure out what's next..it's A LOT!
At home you sometimes feel invisible, unheard and unseen. Maybe you've had negative or traumatic encounters; now you're left feeling anxious and depressed. Maybe you're feeling the pressures of your guardian's expectations. You have chores, tasks, responsibilities but feeling disorganized and can't seem to keep up.
Perhaps you've had a recent break up or you want to date but not sure what that even means. Life is coming at you hard...you're trying to figure out who you are, what you like/dislike, what you want to do with you life. Perhaps you are unsure how to navigate your emotions and need to learn effective ways of coping. No matter the challenge, we are here to help you figure things out. While life is life-ing...we want you to be able to grow into the best version of yourself. It's giving...you don't have to be on the struggle bus because we gotchu!
Our Practice & Approach
T.R.U.E. 2 Self Counseling PLLC (T2SC) prides itself on providing trauma-informed care that aides in the healing and mental wellness of BIPOC people. Our compassion and empathy for the individualized experiences of life's journey informs our treatment plan. We understand that no two experiences are alike and therefore our approach is unique to each individual. We provide a safe and non judgmental space to explore your past, present and future difficulties, goals and endeavors. Our 20+ years of experience enables us to offer and provide effective outpatient, individualized, psychological care. We treat a number of mental health disorders, and provide a neutral ground to individuals, families, and couples.
Our main focus is in supporting you! We aide in your healing journey as you Transform. Restore. Understand. Embrace yourself; thus being T.R.U.E. 2 Self. We are passionate about being the support individuals need to heal, energize, realize and actualize their inner strengths. We achieve this by providing a neutral and safe space, listening to your concerns, and customizing treatment to fit individualized and unique needs. We utilize different modalities to include talk therapy, process oriented therapy, insight therapy, psychodynamic therapy, movement therapy, narrative therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, dialectical behavioral therapy, etc. Healing can also be experienced spiritually and we embrace this part of your journey as well.
Our Mission
We value openness, honesty and transparency in our relationship with you fostering a foundation built on trust. Our vow is to be present with you in your healing journey. Our goal is to support and hold a sacred space for you as you grow from your struggles, heal from your pain, and evolve into the best version of yourself. Our greatest reward is baring witness as you Transform, Restore, Understand and Embrace yourself.
Our Services
Individual Therapy
Individual therapy at T.R.U.E. 2 Self Counseling provides a safe, supportive space for personal growth and healing. Whether you're navigating anxiety, depression, life transitions, or simply seeking greater self-awareness, our skilled therapists tailor sessions to your unique needs. Through compassionate guidance and evidence-based approaches, we help you uncover strengths, develop coping strategies, and create meaningful change. Your journey to a more empowered and authentic life starts here.
Couples/Marriage Therapy
Marriage and couples therapy at T2CS Self Counseling helps partners strengthen their connection, improve communication, and navigate challenges together. Whether you're facing conflict, rebuilding trust, or simply looking to deepen your bond, our therapists provide a supportive and unbiased space to explore your relationship dynamics. Using proven therapeutic approaches, we guide couples toward healthier patterns, greater understanding, and a stronger, more fulfilling partnership.
Family Therapy
Our family therapy fosters healthier relationships by improving communication, resolving conflicts, and strengthening family bonds. Whether dealing with parenting challenges, life transitions, or ongoing tensions, our therapists provide a supportive space for each family member to be heard and understood. Through collaborative and solution-focused approaches, we help families navigate challenges, build resilience, and create a more connected and harmonious home environment.
Group Therapy
Our Group therapy offers a supportive community where individuals can connect, share experiences, and grow together. Led by skilled therapists, our groups provide a safe space to explore challenges, gain new perspectives, and develop coping strategies. Whether focused on anxiety, trauma, relationships, or personal growth, group therapy fosters connection, validation, and empowerment on your journey toward healing and self-discovery.
Clinical Supervision
Clinical supervision at T.R.U.E. 2 Self provides guidance, support, and professional development for emerging therapists. Our experienced supervisors create a collaborative space to enhance clinical skills, navigate ethical challenges, and build confidence in therapeutic practice. Whether you're working toward licensure or seeking ongoing growth, we offer insightful feedback and mentorship to help you become a competent, reflective, and effective clinician.
We accept...
- Aetna
- Optum
- United Health Care
- Cigna
- Medicaid
- Self Pay
Meet Our Psychotherapists
Nicole Wilson-Faniel Ph.D, LCSW
Founder/Psychotherapist
I hold a Bachelor's Degree in Social Work from Saint Josephs College, CT; a Master's Degree in Social Work from Fordham University, NY and I am a PH.D candidate (2025) at Smith College, MA.
I bring with me over 20 years of experience working as a Clinician across diverse domains, settings, ages and populations. My clinical experience includes time spent as an in-home Therapist with MST at Wheeler Clinic, a crisis Clinician with CHR's Emergency Mobile Psychiatric Services; a Clinical School Social Worker with CREC's Farmington Valley Diagnostic Center, an outpatient Clinician with The Institute of Living's Partial Hospital (PHP) and Intensive Outpatient (IOP) Services and as a Therapist working in Private Practice.
At TSC, I specialize in working with adolescents, young adults and adults. I also spend time pouring into Clinicians and Interns; teaching, supervising and supporting them as they grow in their clinical careers.
Look, this thing called life can be a hot mess at times and we find ourselves in situations and/or experiencing things we probably wouldn't wish on our worst enemies...but here we still stand! Whether we know it or not, whether we acknowledge it or not, we are resilient people. However, our resiliency is only half the battle, now we need to learn how to navigate life, set appropriate boundaries, cope, heal and embrace our evolution of self. The good news... you are not alone and do not need to embark this journey alone.
Yolanda Johnson Ph.D, LMSW
Psychotherapist
Yolanda Johnson, Ph.D. earned her BA in Psychology from Philander Smith University, a Master’s in Social Work from Yeshiva University, and a Master’s in Criminal Justice from University of Arkansas at Little Rock. She has defended two theses and wrote scholarly publications that have been delivered in ProQuest. Dr. Johnson serves clients in individual and group settings and has facilitated numerous groups focused on cognitive behavior therapy, dialect behavior therapy, substance abuse, art and music therapy, and BIPOC support groups. She has taught adjunct criminal justice courses at Ouachita Technical College in Malvern, Arkansas. Dr. Johnson is a licensed alcohol dependency counselor in the state of Texas, as well as an agency affiliated counselor in Washington State.
Outside of her professional activities, Dr. Johnson likes to travel with her family and sorority, shop, and read.
Meet Our Staff
Rashada Davidson
Administrative & Clinical Coordinator
Rashada is a native; born and raised in Hartford, CT. She’s a graduate of Cortiva Institute of Massage Therapy as a Massage Therapist. She has been working in the administrative field for over 15 years and has a heart of service. She enjoys working with people and thrives to give great client care. R
Administrative & Clinical Coordinator
Rashada is a native; born and raised in Hartford, CT. She’s a graduate of Cortiva Institute of Massage Therapy as a Massage Therapist. She has been working in the administrative field for over 15 years and has a heart of service. She enjoys working with people and thrives to give great client care. Rashada decided to work for a mental health office because it aligns with her holistic belief that the mind, body and soul works together in providing therapeutic release and healing.
Rashada prides herself on being family oriented; her daughter and siblings are the source of her motivation and drive to elevate in life.
Rashada hobbies include, reading, writing poetry, dance and all outdoor activities. Her favorite quote; one that not only embodies but lives by is "you define your own life, don't let others write your script" - Oprah Winfrey