Created Growth

My Story

Hello, I’m Shanita

For years, I struggled with my emotional, mental, and physical health and felt stuck in a destructive cycle.   I wrestled with how to heal and be free from all the emotional turmoil I was experiencing.   I was not only suffering from health issues, but I was dealing with the betrayal from the one I was closest to at that time.  The one thing that I did not give up on was my spiritual health.  Even though, at times, I thought God was not listening to me, I still prayed often. 

Being a people pleaser caused me to neglect myself, and I stopped caring about my life.  I knew I needed a change but did not take the time to work on my life for that change to happen.  For most of my adult life, I struggled because I was too busy being what others wanted me to be instead of discovering myself for myself.  

What Kept Me in a Bad Cycle

There were a few issues that kept me cycling in the same place.  First, besides being a people pleaser, I was always fearful and angry (which I hid behind a mask).  Because of unprocessed childhood trauma, every decision I made was rooted in fear.   Like most people, I just shoved things down and kept going with a smile, which kept me in a destructive cycle.  I spent my life trying (and failing miserably) to make others happy.  Unfortunately, I had little self-awareness then and no direction for changing and growing. 

Like most of you, I looked good to the outside world.  I was fine, and all was well, but internally I was dying.  I wanted to change, needed change, and even prayed for change. 

Because I spent so many years becoming for others, there was no sense of “me.”  It was not until later that I realized I had never developed my identity because of early abuse.  When I hit rock bottom, I made radical changes and began to work on myself and my life.  My rock bottom came when dealing with relational, physical, and mental health issues.  Attending therapy is where I started (EMDR was a game changer). 

Fast Forward to Today

Going on my healing journey was life-changing for me.  Today, I experience wholeness like never before and am free from triggers.  Despite my circumstances, I enjoy internal peace and joy and can fully help others heal.

A Little About Me

I am an entrepreneur, blogger, author, product creator, and the CEO of my company, Created Growth.  In addition, I am a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) with the State of Michigan and a Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC) with the State of Florida.  I obtained my Master of Arts degree from Oakland University in 2012 and a Master of Arts in Christian Spirituality and Formation from Regent University in 2019.

Even though I only work with adults now, I have extensive experience working with children, adolescents, and adults with mental health impairments.  I have also worked with adolescents and adults with substance use.  My previous experiences included in-home counseling, Christian counseling, outpatient, residential substance abuse counseling, and psychiatric day treatment.  

I love helping people heal from the emotional turmoil that they experience daily.  Are you ready to experience peace in your life?  Internal peace that is not dependent on your circumstances.  Are you ready to be free from constant negative thoughts that keep you anxious during the day and sleepless at night?  If this is your desire, then here is a list of self-care activities that will start you on your healing journey.  

Ready to Start a Self-Care Routine without feeling Overwhelmed?

It’s easier than you think!

  • Learn 6 benefits of self-care
  • Get started with self-care in 6 different areas of your life
  • Chose the self-care activities that bring you relaxation and peace