About Mia
Hi! I’m Mia Bush, Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC)
I sometimes feel like I was destined for this profession. From as far back as middle school, I enjoyed talking to other people about their problems and helping in any way I could. I was a bit shy as a child, so I often listened more than I talked. The people around me seemed to appreciate that, and would often seek me out when they needed to talk something through. At the time, I didn’t know how my aptitudes might translate into a career, and it was a long journey from that point to where I am today.
My Background
Initially, I thought a career in criminal justice would be a good way to leverage my natural talents, so I earned a bachelor’s degree in sociology from Louisiana Tech University. My success there earned me a scholarship at Oklahoma City University’s criminal justice administration master’s program. At the time, I thought I might work for the FBI or within the prison systems, so I pursued the opportunity.
Everything changed when I got to Oklahoma City. I grew up in a predominantly black community in Louisiana, and up until this point, I had never lived outside the state. On my first day in OKC, I didn’t see a single black person, trying to make my way to OCU (Oklahoma City University). My professors and fellow students treated me kindly, but it was isolating, and disorienting being pulled out of the rich cultural environment I grew up in. For the first time, I found out what it was like to be “the only one” not only academically but professionally as well. I developed a strong sense of empathy for the unique struggles of minorities, women, and other marginalized groups.
My perspective of my ideal career path also changed at OCU when I started work at a local juvenile prison. The director of the program, a clinical social worker, introduced me to the idea of a career path in mental health. I had been approaching my career with curiosity and an attitude of exploration up until this point, but when I began counseling these youths, I fell in love with therapy as a profession.
When I make up my mind about something, I really go for it. After completing my criminal justice master’s, I went back for a second master’s in human relations. From there, I spent six years in the military, two of which I spent serving as a therapist. By the time I completed my service, I had achieved the rank of captain and acquired enough supervised hours as a counselor to take the licensed professional counselor (LPC) exam.
At this point, my life took yet another turn. I moved back to Oklahoma to be nearer to my family with little more than a few possessions, an education, and my young daughter. I didn’t yet have an OK therapy license, since my NC license didn’t transfer across state lines.
Surviving and growing my career as a single mom wasn’t easy. But the experience taught me that anything is possible, and that hard work will get you a lot farther than excuses. Thanks to many long hours spent studying and simultaneously holding several odd jobs online, my fingers would ache at the end of the day. My sister teased me about repeatedly wearing the same outfit and my refusal to spend money on something so frivolous as new clothes. It was a difficult time, but my hard work paid off.
Within a relatively short time, I became a licensed counselor in the state of Oklahoma and opened my private therapy practice. I’m living proof that it’s possible to live a happy, successful life, even if you’re a single parent, minority, woman, or all three. My experiences also show that there’s nothing wrong with getting a bit of help along the way. The guidance and support I received from my family, my mentors, and the other wonderful people I’ve met along the way empowered me to do things I could never have done alone.
My Approach
I view my work as a therapist through a multicultural lens, and I customize my approach depending on the unique needs of every individual I work with. Many people have told me they’ve been frustrated by therapists in the past who sat quietly and provided very little feedback. In response, I’ve developed a forthright, solutions-oriented style of engaging with my clients that encourages them to set goals for themselves and empowers them to work toward them. I also have experience working with clients who prefer a softer, less structured approach, so I can customize the therapy experience to each person.
I work well with people who want to channel negative experiences in a more positive direction. During my work in prison systems and in the military, I observed the many self-destructive behaviors that people use in an attempt to cope with difficult situations. I’ve helped people overcome a wide variety of addictive behaviors related to shopping, sex, substance abuse, and more. I am a certified Licensed Alcohol Drug Counselor, Alcohol and Drug Substance Abuse Course (ADSAC) assessor, and Substance Abuse Professional, giving me unique insight into addiction and how to overcome it.
To change self-destructive behaviors, I believe that people must first change how they think. As a cognitive-behavioral therapist (CBT), I leverage the innate connections between a person’s thoughts, feelings, and actions to enact positive change. By encouraging my clients to question the truth of negative thoughts (such as “people are judging me” or “I’m such a failure”), I help them break out of painful patterns.
I also help them focus on their strengths. Using positive psychology and motivational interviewing, I help my clients reframe their thoughts and view themselves in a more positive light. I encourage them to channel their anger, sadness, and other difficult emotions in a way that helps them overcome life’s challenges rather than becoming more deeply entrenched. I believe everyone has the strength to make positive changes. My goal is to help each person I work with cultivate the courage, resiliency, and potential that is already inside them.
My Life Outside Of Work
I love to travel, particularly to outdoor destinations. I’d like to see more of our national parks if given the opportunity. We take a big family trip every year. Sometimes we visit well-known destinations and sometimes all we need to be happy is a cabin in the woods. I love the sense of peace, tranquility, and cleansing I feel when I’m near water, so rivers and lakes have a special place in my heart. I’m not very good at it, but I also dabble in photography.
Connect With Me
If you’re struggling, there’s nothing wrong with getting a bit of help. If you’re ready to take charge of your life and your future, reach out to me today to schedule your first session.
