Creating a Community of Healing: Dr. Estrelita Bruce’s Impact on Emotional Wellness
In the world of counseling and coaching, one woman stands out for her passion and dedication to helping others transform their traumas and losses into opportunities for growth and healing. Meet Dr. Estrelita Bruce, the founder, and CEO of A NEW ME Counseling & Consulting, LLC.
Dr. Bruce’s journey toward becoming a counselor and life coach began in college when she had a professor who sparked her interest in psychology and the complexities of the human mind. She explains, “It was something about her voice and the subject matter that really drew me in. It captured my attention and my love for how a person was created or wired. That was one pivotal moment for me.”
But it wasn’t just her academic pursuits that shaped her career path. Dr. Bruce also had personal experiences that led her towards counseling and coaching. She shares, “I had some life experiences that impacted my life that led me on the road to personal healing. I believe those experiences prepared me to pursue counseling and life coaching. I needed both the education and my personal life’s experiences to be effective in the areas of mental health and it infused my passion to help others along their life’s journey.”
Dr. Bruce’s memoir, “My Journey Towards A NEW ME,” delves into her journey of turning trauma and loss into opportunities. She opens up about living with a father diagnosed with schizophrenia, experiencing molestation and abandonment, and losing her first husband. Through it all, her faith played a crucial role in her healing process. She says, “My faith was also manifested in the darkest moments and it was then when God allowed me to experience His hope, love, and restoration through Christ. He turned my traumas into triumphs, therefore allowing me to see those losses and traumas as opportunities.”
In her counseling and coaching services, Dr. Bruce integrates Christian values and principles. She emphasizes the importance of addressing the spiritual component alongside the mental and emotional aspects of a person’s well-being. She explains, “It’s important that I offer a well-rounded or holistic approach to my services so my clients can get a full picture of how our spiritual beliefs can impact our emotions, thoughts, and body or vice versa.”
As a Christian woman and professional counselor, Dr. Bruce understands the unique challenges that women face in today’s society. She believes it is important for women to prioritize self-care and address their needs. She says, “Getting women to identify those unique challenges and helping them to understand their needs are important and really places an emphasis on their personal self-care. As women, we are natural nurturers, often placing our needs on the backburner, which leads to burnout.”
Through her work, Dr. Bruce has witnessed numerous success stories. She has seen individuals experience personal growth, healing, and purpose. She says, “When my clients are experiencing those personal changes because we’ve met their counseling goals, it’s the best feeling in the world. It truly makes my work fulfilling to share in their ‘aha-moments’ or to observe their countenance change from initial depression and hopelessness to complete hope and joy!”
Maintaining emotional wellness amidst various responsibilities can be challenging, but Dr. Bruce prioritizes self-care and emotional well-being. She stresses the importance of having a support system and finding time for personal activities. She explains, “My support system (including my family/friend circle) is paramount to my well-being because it allows me to unplug when necessary. Spending time with God daily through reading my bible, prayer, and worship are also essential to my self-care.”
In addition to individual counseling and coaching, Dr. Bruce has provided services to faith-based organizations, corporate settings, and mental health organizations. She has collaborated on various projects and initiatives aimed at promoting mental health and wellness. She shares, “I’ve worked with my church and other churches to educate the congregation about the importance of self-care and provide trauma-informed seminars. I’ve also worked with colleges and corporations by providing workshops about self-care, burnout prevention, and the importance of ongoing mental health maintenance.”
Faith plays a significant role in Dr. Bruce’s life and work. She encourages individuals to maintain their faith and seek emotional wellness in today’s fast-paced and stressful world. She believes in leading with compassion and extending grace to oneself and others. She says, “I want others to be impacted by transformation. I want others to know it’s never too late to grow, heal, or change and no matter what they’ve done, redemption is a possibility for them.”
Looking ahead, Dr. Bruce has ambitious goals and aspirations. She is currently revamping her Self-Care Course and working on a new book. She is excited about providing a safe space for a small group of women to experience healing and transformation. She is also leaning into media more, with upcoming plans to expand her reach through podcasts and online platforms. She envisions creating a community where individuals can gather and support each other on their journey toward emotional wellness.
Dr. Estrelita Bruce’s passion for helping others heal and grow is evident in everything she does. Through her counseling and coaching services, she provides a safe and nurturing environment for individuals to explore their traumas, losses, and challenges. Her integration of Christian values and principles offers a holistic approach that addresses the spiritual, mental, and emotional aspects of a person’s well-being.
Her personal experiences and faith serve as a foundation for her work, allowing her to connect with clients on a deeper level. She understands women’s unique challenges and encourages them to prioritize self-care and address their needs.
Dr. Bruce’s ultimate goal is to empower individuals to transform their traumas and losses into opportunities for growth and healing. Through her memoir, counseling and coaching services, workshops, and future projects, she aims to impact lives and promote emotional wellness in a world that often neglects mental health.
With her unwavering dedication and commitment to her clients, Dr. Estrelita Bruce is a beacon of hope and healing for those seeking transformation and restoration. Her journey and work serve as an inspiration for anyone facing adversities and looking to create a new and empowered version of themselves.
