HER Vision: Shanika Torres

Please introduce yourself and brand to our readers: 
Shanika Torres [pronounced Shawn-Nick-Uh]  is a dedicated and knowledgeable Mental Health Therapist who specializes in Solution-Focused Brief Therapy and Crisis Intervention. Born in San Diego, California and now residing in Houston Texas, she has worked with a plethora clients from diverse age groups, cultural experiences and socio-economic backgrounds. After recognizing a lack of counselors of color in her community, she was inspired to launch her own business "Del Torres Behavioral Health and Wellness" and prides herself in counseling clients who have never engaged in therapy before

As an extension of her work, she will be launching her YouTube based talk show "The Shanika Show" which will discuss entrepreneurship, mental health topics, social justice issues, and stories of every day people who have triumphantly overcome adversities. There will be occassional celebrity interviews, but the heart of the show will feature real people with real struggles. On a personal level, Shanika hopes to inspire 1000 people of color from all cultural backgrounds to consider a career in mental health counseling as she advocates that the need for diverse voices in the field is painfully needed.  She plans on expanding her counseling practice to incorporate a holistic health approach to address the mind, body and soul. Through wellness retreats, seminars, motivational speaking, and business development coaching, Shanika will continue to spread messages of self-care and personal elevation to the masses in the near future and beyond.

What inspired you to pursue this area of interest?
I come from a family of 7 children. As the middle child, I had three older brothers who graduated from juvenile halls to prison walls. I knew I did not want to go the route they did, but I also wanted to better understand what contributed to their choices psychologically. I discovered significant trauma was the root cause of their often violent and impulsive behaviors. I wanted to help my brothers and others in my family heal in a way that praying alone could not. God lead me to the field of counseling and I truly believe I am walking in my purpose by helping others change their lives.
 
What 2 professional tips would you share with readers who desire to be successful in your industry? 
​1) When in doubt consult, consult, consult! 2) Bring your true authentic self into every session with your client.
 
If you could give yourself one piece of advice 10 years ago, what would that be? 
Network frequently with those who share your same frequency!

What is next for you in 2021 and how can readers connect with you online?
To connect with Shanika Torres visit:  
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shanikatorres
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shanika_show
Clubhouse: @shanikashow