Blog Layout

Voyage ATL Magazine Interview

Shannon Mimbs • Apr 13, 2024

Interview

Today, we’d like to introduce you to Shannon Mimbs.

Hi Shannon, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.

Though not en vogue in some circles, admittedly, our narratives oftentimes consist of contrasts and polarities. In many ways, this has characterized my story to this point in my life. Much of what I am passionate about facilitating and sharing with others is due to the contrasting experiences I had while growing up in South Georgia.

Over the years, through various influential factors and relationships, I learned more and more the importance of being mindful of our choices, intentional concerning healthy habits, and the transformative power of love (the essence of which is uncontrolling). The context of the interconnectedness of everything, and the ongoing processes both within and around us, have become a vital part of my vocational, academic and day-to-day explorations. What does this mean practically? It underscores that cultivating and nurturing healthier relationships, to me, is at the heart of contentment, purpose, and living wisely.

While I could list various factors, actors, and forces at play along the journey thus far, I’m grateful for the shaping role my family has in my life. When asked about my favorite “super-hero,” it isn’t Marvel or DC that comes to mind. I see the faces of so many loved ones that have traversed hard times while continuing to build the best version of themselves possible, moment-to-moment. As for my current field, many years ago, I was afforded the opportunity to serve within a counseling agency that connected me with persons from all walks of life. My heart had found its home. This lit a fire within me to come alongside persons and families to journey towards wholeness or well-being (as defined by their values). Also, I sought to understand better the shaping influences (and interplay) of culture, philosophy, psychology, neuroscience, religions, and various sectors of meaning-making in our communities. This led to the completion of two graduate degrees and my current dissertation, in which I am exploring an “open and relational” view of psychotherapy (from a transdisciplinary approach).

Beginning my own practice has been an intensifying passion – a dream – and now a reality. I am beyond words grateful to have the privilege of doing that which I love. My office is located in East Cobb (Marietta), and my clients primarily span the Atlanta Metropolitan area. I’m also able to reach persons via telehealth, so the approach is flexible and customized to my clients’ needs. It’s also a joy to work near colleagues in the field who also run private practices from our shared space (East Cobb Counseling) in Providence Park. Some exciting things are ahead, so definitely stay tuned for coming updates this year as to new developments and partnerships for our community.

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?

I wouldn’t say it’s been a “smooth road,” but a voyage of gratitude. Gratitude, for me, is not only something that we may feel on occasion, but it’s a practice. Like many others, I have faced my share of loss, tragedies, rejection, betrayal, and the like. We live in a world that is beautiful, awe-inspiring, and wonderful while at the same time, full of deep-seated struggles, storms, violence, and injustices. This is one of the reasons I hold to the mindset of looking for teachable moments, leaning upon an “inner circle” of family and friends who truly care, and practicing mindfulness concerning what truly matters.

Clients will oftentimes hear me reference “1440”; that there are 1440 minutes in a day. The limitation of 1440 doesn’t have to be a discouraging reality. It can help us infuse significance and value into the moments we do have, aiming to promote overall well-being (for self, others and the World). Big picture: I want to invest my time, energy, and resources into what matters the most, no matter what comes our way. In the words of Richard Rohr, “How you get there determines where you arrive.”

Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about Shannon D Mimbs LLC?

I chose to start my practice in what’s sometimes called an “independent group practice model” or “sublease model.” This means a few other therapists are in the same building (East Cobb Counseling), but we each own and operate private practices. This offers a sense of community while affording individuality to be fully in charge of your business. It also gives room both for a personal “brand” but shared space and “branding” that’s bigger than us individually.

As for my personal brand, I resonate with the quote by Jay Danzie that says, “Your smile is your logo, your personality is your business card, how you leave others feeling after an experience with you becomes your trademark.” It captures well my commitment to reaching people, building community and fostering well-being in this area. This is one of the reasons why I believe that customizing services to the needs of a community is essential. There are many exciting developments and ventures ahead that are percolating. So, there’s more to be revealed soon concerning branding that will flow from my story and vision as it unfolds. For now, my focus continues to be cultivating solid relationships in our community and capturing the ethos of metro Atlanta.

I have an transdisciplinary academic background in psychology, philosophy, theology, and science. So, I draw from various modalities and frameworks to customize client services. From working professionals facing the daily grind of pressure to perform, teenagers struggling with questions of identity and belonging, and families or couples seeking to strengthen their connectedness in practical ways, I offer an integrative, relational, open-minded approach to the therapeutic journey.

What’s next?

That’s a great question, as I believe the future is open to our choices and creativity. I’m excited to work towards completing my doctoral dissertation this year. It has been a joyous venture thus far under the supervision of Dr. Thomas Jay Oord. Once completed, I look forward to more time to write (a way that I process), travel and speak, which are all passions of mine.

Most recently, I have been approached by one of the fastest-growing fitness clubs in the country, brainstorming ways to partner in our community to facilitate and promote overall health and wellness. Having worked as a personal trainer through college, and as someone you may see at the gym each day around 5 a.m., health and fitness are an integral part of my life. It helps me calibrate the day.

Additionally, I’ve been in conversation with a graduate school in formulating a certification program for psychotherapists. So, there are various plans underway to reach the community with resources about which I’m hopeful and excited (e.g. trainings, app-development, virtual groups, etc.). My hope of incredible things extends to you as well. As you’re reading this, know that your choices count. No matter the obstacles, and our past notwithstanding, you can work towards building the future that you deeply desire.

Contact Info: