About Us
Have you ever been on your way somewhere only to encounter a work zone or accident that requires you to take a detour to your destination?
Ugh! Many times, these detours are more than a simple inconvenience. The times when detours, barriers, and distractions are also known as life events take an individual on an alternative route to their destination, the individual must pivot. When we pivot, we are required to change, adjust, or modify how we approach getting to our destination.
According to Eric Ries, entrepreneur and author of The Lean Startup, a pivot is a change in strategy without a change in vision. Living through this current pandemic has caused us as human beings to adjust or modify how we approach our daily lives while maintaining focus on our main goals (our vision). Although we know these adaptations to constant change are meant to improve our lives, they may cause us to become overwhelmed and encounter experiences that require the development of new coping mechanisms and support systems. Everyone needs help every now and then especially in situations that require significant pivots.
Pivot for Life Counseling & Wellness, LLC offers exceptional therapeutic services to individuals and couples encountering difficult life experiences and transitions. We are committed to providing a variety of services and resources that speak to the holistic needs of individual clients as they pursue healing, wellness (emotional, spiritual, and mental), and wholeness.
Meet Your New Counselor
I am Yalonda Smith, a daughter, sister, aunt, friend, caregiver, widow, minister, and counselor. I was raised in Fayetteville, NC. I have always had a heart for helping others, which made pursuing my dreams of becoming a counselor a natural transition. My past and current life experiences have taught me to pivot when life throws curveballs, allowing me to regroup and stay on track to pursue my dreams.
I am a former government auditor and transitioned from full-time government employment to working full-time as the Youth & Young Adult Pastor at my church. My experiences in full-time ministry ignited a fire in me to prepare professionally to become a licensed professional counselor (LPC). I truly believe it is never too late to pursue your dreams or start over. I believe this comes from my experience growing up in a military family and learning to embrace change and transition. Military family life taught me to pivot.
I am extremely passionate about helping individuals work through the rough, uncomfortable, and even traumatic experiences of their lives. I believe every person comes to therapy with their own individual needs, and my role is to help facilitate their individual needs. Therefore, I adapt my interventions based on a comprehensive assessment of who an individual is and exactly what they need.
Practice Areas
Depression
Anxiety and Phobias
Relationship Difficulties
Marital/Pre-marital
Life Transitions
Difficulties with Self-Esteem
Eating Issues
Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
Professional/Career Issues
College/Graduate School Issues
Medical and Health Concerns
Stress Management
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
Sexual Abuse
Spirituality
Grief, Loss, or Bereavement
Other Issues
Education
I earned my Master of Clinical Mental Health Counseling from the Chicago School of Professional Psychology. I also hold a Doctor of Ministry from Virginia University of Lynchburg; Master of Divinity from Virginia Union University; Certificate in Youth and Theology from Princeton Theological Seminary; and a Bachelors of Arts Business Administration with a concentration in Accounting from North Carolina Central University.
Accreditations and Affiliations
National Certified Counselor
Certified Clinical Trauma Professional
Certified Professional Telemental Health Provider
Certified EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing) Therapist
Membership in American Counseling Association (ACA)
Prepare-Enrich Facilitator
Saving Your Marriage Before It Starts (SYMBIS) Certified Facilitator
Certified Youth Mental Health First Aid Instructor
