Today we’d like to introduce you to Bernice Patterson, PhD.
Hi Bernice, 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 backstory with our readers?
To be real, my story starts with a deep knowing that I was called to help people heal; especially in the areas they don’t talk about. From a very young age, I knew what it was like to show up one way, but carry secrets that did not align with my joyful presentation. As a Christian African American woman, I knew, firsthand, how much people could be holding, and I knew early on that I wanted to be part of their healing because of my own desire to heal.
In my late teens, that calling became clearer, and I made a decision to fully pursue it. I went on to earn multiple degrees in psychology, while also answering my call to ministry as a licensed and ordained preacher. For me, those weren’t two separate paths, they were a sacred formula built to care for the entire person.
Over time, God began to show me what that integration could look like. I’ve been blessed to serve as a bridge between the world of psychology and the church; two spaces that don’t always connect, but deeply need each other. This has been especially true within the walls of traditionally African-American churches. Through my group therapy practice and consultation work, I’ve had the opportunity to support individuals, organizations, and faith communities in ways that are both clinically sound and spiritually grounded.
Now, when I look at where I am, I see the beauty of those two passions coming together. My work is centered on helping people do the hard, sacred work of healing; so they can grow into who they truly are and learn to love themselves well, without shame and without apology.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It definitely has not been a smooth road. There have been moments along the way where I’ve had to keep showing up while navigating my own mental, emotional, physical, and spiritual battles.
I’ve lived with chronic health issues that bring both pain and fatigue, for the majority of my life. These challenges have made it difficult to stay present, let alone build and sustain a business. There were seasons when just getting through the day required everything I had. And in the midst of my doctoral program, I experienced the unexpected loss of my mother. This was and remains a grief that changed me and stretched me in ways I wasn’t prepared for then and now. I wish she would have been able to see what the Lord has done in and through me through ICG.
There were many moments when it would have been easier to choose a more predictable path, like accept a position in a traditional 9 to 5 and lay down the weight of building what God had called me to build. Though I would have preferred an easier path, I knew that this assignment was bigger than my discomfort, bigger than my fear, and even bigger than my pain. It was my calling and legacy.
Through it all, my husband, Anthony, has been an anchor. He has reminded me, especially in the hardest seasons, that this calling is greater than any single moment of struggle. He’s been the kind of husband and best friend who doesn’t just stand on the sidelines, but one who walks through the fire with me, making it clear that I never have to carry any of it alone.
So no, it hasn’t been smooth, but it has been purposeful. Every challenge has strengthened my capacity to serve others with both compassion and authenticity, and that has produced a joy that makes it all worthwhile. As the old saints would often say, “I wouldn’t take nothing for my journey now”.
Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about Infinity Consultation Group?
Infinity Consultation Group (ICG) is more than a business to me, it’s a calling brought to life. It was founded on Christian principles with a heart-centered mission: to help people and organizations heal, grow, and function at their highest level, both personally and professionally.
Within our clinical practice, we offer a full range of mental health and wellness services, including individual, couples, and family therapy, substance abuse counseling, and pastoral counseling. We provide both in-person and telehealth options to meet people where they are. What I’m most proud of in this space, is our ability to walk alongside individuals during some of the most difficult seasons of their lives. We don’t just provide services: we create a safe compassionate space where people can process, heal, and rediscover what it means to live a full and meaningful life.
On the consultation side, we partner with a wide range of organizations; from hospital systems and legal offices to higher education, K–12 institutions, businesses, and faith-based organizations. What sets us apart is our commitment to truly understanding each organization’s culture before offering solutions. We don’t believe in one-size-fits-all approaches. Instead, we design interactive workshops, seminars, and keynote experiences that speak directly to the real challenges people are facing; whether that’s burnout, workplace fatigue, work-based trauma, meaningful self-care, or building resilience.
We’ve had the privilege of working with organizations across the country, and one thing that consistently sets us apart is our ability to bridge insight with action. We don’t just help people understand their struggles: we equip them with practical, sustainable tools to create healthier, more fulfilling lives and work environments.
At its core, ICG is about transformation. It’s about doing the deep work while also providing real-world strategies that people can actually use. That balance, between compassion and clinical excellence, between faith and evidence-based practice, is what defines our brand and what I’m most proud of as the founder and CEO.
Any advice for finding a mentor or networking in general?
I’ve been intentional about seeking out individuals who lead with integrity, wisdom, and faith. They have been people who not only excel in what they do, but who genuinely desire to see others grow.
The mentors who have impacted me the most are those who weren’t afraid to stretch me. They’ve held me accountable to the vision and calling on my life, even in moments when I felt uncertain or overwhelmed. They didn’t allow me to shrink back from hard things or downplay my dreams just because they felt intimidating. Instead, they consistently reminded me of who I am and what I’m capable of; sometimes before I could fully see it for myself.
What has worked well for me is being both intentional and bold. I’ve identified individuals who are either currently doing what I aspire to do or who have already walked that path, and I’ve simply asked. Sometimes we overcomplicate networking, but there is power in a genuine, respectful ask. Being clear about your desire to learn and grow, and being open to both guidance and correction, can open doors to meaningful mentorship.
I would also say that mentorship is not just about what you can receive, but how you show up. Being consistent, teachable, and appreciative of someone’s time and wisdom goes a long way. The right mentors don’t just add to your success: they shape your character, your confidence, and your capacity to walk fully in your purpose.
At the end of the day, my advice is simple: be intentional about who you connect with, be courageous enough to ask for what you need, and be committed to doing the work when guidance is given. The right mentor won’t just help you get where you’re going, they will help you become who you’re called to be.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.infinityconsultationgroup.com and www.bernicepatterson.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drpempowers/
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bernice-patterson-phd-306339aa
- Twitter: https://x.com/drpempowers
- Other: https://a.co/d/0btQcFFG
