Community Highlights: Meet Audra Adu of Grade A Counseling & Consulting Services, LLC

Today we’d like to introduce you to Audra Adu

Hi Audra, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
Born in Detroit, MI, I spent the early years of my life in Tennessee before relocating back to Detroit. I experienced a lot of trauma at a very young age. I guess that’s why I really didn’t like talking or expressing myself as a child. I was incredibly shy; the thought of speaking to strangers or unfamiliar faces would often bring me to tears. Though I was quiet, I was always watching and observing the world around me. As I matured, I became more comfortable expressing my thoughts, but still had tremendous anxiety around public speaking. Interestingly, while I wasn’t very vocal, people found it easy to confide in me, sharing their deepest secrets. It wasn’t until college that I realized this was not a common experience for everyone.

I always wanted to make a difference in the world, but I wasn’t quite sure how. Then, everything changed when I took my first psychology class. It was like a light bulb went off! I learned so much about myself and my family, and it inspired me to switch my major. I ended up graduating with a degree in psychology from Michigan State University. After college, I began working in a school as a paraprofessional and I found myself working with students who had various needs. It was rewarding, but it also broke my heart to see the challenges they faced. I spent a lot of time making sure they felt safe and supported, which made me realize I wanted to work more closely with students and families. I then went back to school and got my Masters in Counseling in 2019 from the University of Detroit Mercy. I’ve worked as a school counselor and as an outpatient therapist. I’m excited to apply what I have learned from these experiences to my role as founder of Grade A Counseling & Consulting Services, LLC. It’s been quite a journey, and I’m excited to keep making a difference!

I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
I have faced my share of challenges, but some of those challenges have helped me to be a better person and business owner. Launching my private practice has been incredibly tough. Working a full-time job and fulfilling my roles as a wife and mother leaves little time to run a business, let alone grow a business. Not to mention, there is so much to learn along the way, from credentialing and insurance to marketing, and at times it feels tempting to throw in the towel.

Additionally, working in the mental health field presents its own unique challenges, as clients often come and go. They reach out during tough times, and when they start feeling better, it’s common not to hear from them for a while. This inconsistency can make it difficult to maintain a therapeutic relationship and can have a negative impact on the business.

Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
Grade A Counseling & Consulting Services, LLC (GACC) is a private mental health organization focused on helping people reach their mental health goals. We offer a unique counseling experience that is customized to meet each client’s needs. As a therapist, I specialize in helping individuals who are dealing with anxiety and depression. I especially enjoy working with women who are exploring their identities after major life changes, like becoming a mother. What makes GACC special is our commitment to putting people first. I totally understand how brave it is to open up to someone new, and I see it as a true privilege to be part of your journey.

At Grade A, I offer individual counseling, business solutions, personal career consultations, and will soon be offering group therapy. I provide a free consultation to all clients to make sure that I am a good fit for their counseling needs. I recently began partnering with the Boris L. Henson foundation, which offers 5 free counseling sessions to those in need. I am excited to continue growing and expanding our offerings. I love being able to use my gift to help others and do good in this world. My hope is that GACC will help destigmatize mental health in my community.

Let’s talk about our city – what do you love? What do you not love?
My favorite aspect of Ypsilanti is the warm and welcoming community. I truly appreciate how the residents are committed to improving our neighborhood. I love all of the community events and how people value showing up to support one another. Ypsilanti gives me small town charm, while still allowing me to embrace city life. On the flip side, my least favorite thing would have to be the food choices, haha. Coming from Detroit, I’m accustomed to a wider variety of dining options. I’m still on the lookout for a great West African restaurant!

Contact Info:

• Website: https://gradeacounseling.com/
• Instagram: https://instagram.com/gradeacounseling
• Facebook: https://facebook.com/gradeacounseling

Image Credits
Ademola Adu