A Multifaceted Approach to Wellness
Theresa Brickhouse-White, MA, NCC
Certified Counselor & Personal Trainer
About Me
The Woman
I am the wife of an Operation Iraqi Freedom Veteran, Jimmy White IV, and mother to three amazing boys - ages 17, 16, & 5 years old. I am an only sister to five brothers, daughter of a Pastor, and active member and leader in The Prophetic Church of Christ.. I love God, my huge extended family, sports, exercise, reading, writing, and nature. I love to listen to, sing, and play all genres of music. And I love to dress up, eat, and laugh.
The Professional
I served all my life as a member and officer in multiple departments of The Prophetic Church of Christ in South Philly. With my B.A. in Psychology from Villanova University (Go Wildcats!), I supported children in schools and homes for 7 years, most of whom were diagnosed on the autism spectrum or with other special needs. I also worked as a certified personal trainer within major brand facilities, and taught Gospel Aerobic kickboxing and weight-training classes in my community for three years. 12 years after undergrad I decided to go back to school to receive my M.A. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Immaculata University. I am a member of various Counseling Organizations - Chi Sigma Iota, American Counseling Association, Pennsylvania Counseling Association, Greater Philadelphia Area Counseling Association, & Pennsylvania Association for Spiritual, Ethical and Religious Values in Counseling.
The Vision
After the passing of my mother/best friend in 2013, I realized a lack of emotional and mental health support in the Black Christian community. I was inspired by the memory of my mother’s voice to “Fill the Void”. The vision was given to me to help close this gap between mental health and spirituality. That led me to go back to school for my Master's in Counseling to learn how to offer that support to people, which I did not know was available and had longed for in my difficult times. I began with offering presentations and encouragement to the Women's groups of The Prophetic Church of Christ, and have been a key speaker for our Women's Conventions for four consecutive years, challenging stigmas and promoting wellness and self-care.
The Mission
My mission is to reduce the shame of being vulnerable and speaking our truths about our unseen pains and illnesses; to reduce the stigma associated with seeking professional help; and to change the language we use about all of it. I strive to provide a holistic counseling and training program that addresses the mental, physical, and spiritual health needs of the community. I take on a person-centered approach that values the whole client, and I aim to provide professional services with an emphasis on safety, trust, genuineness, and respect. I emphasize transparency and that it is okay not to be okay, but it is not okay to feel you have to go through these painful experiences alone.
Credentials
B.A. Psychology from Villanova University, 2003
M.A. Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Immaculata University, 2019
NBCC National Certified Counselor, 2020/ #1140173
AAAI-ISMA Fitness (American Aerobic Association International-International Sports Medicine Association) / #117519
Pursuant of LPC under the Supervision of Dr. Taunya Marie Tinsley, D.Min., Ph.D., NCC, LPC. PA License #: PC004362