Meet Dr. Aretha Steele, PsyD
Founder and Licensed Clinical Psychologist
“All people at any given moment are doing the best they can”
— Marsha Linehan
Meet the Founder
Hi, I’m Dr. Aretha Steele (she/her), and I’m so glad you’re here.
I’m a Licensed Clinical Psychologist and the Founder of Mindful Healing Counseling, but more importantly, I’m someone who truly believes in the power of healing, connection, and growth.
Welcome
Beyond titles, I’m also a mama, a wife, a high-achiever learning to let go — and a human doing her best.
Like many of the people I support, I know what it’s like to carry a lot and still feel like it’s not enough. That lived experience shapes how I show up in the therapy space: with honesty, compassion, and zero judgment.
I’m deeply passionate about this work. I’ve been doing this for over 15 years, and I truly believe in the power of therapy to change lives — not in dramatic, overnight ways, but in the steady, meaningful ways that help people feel more grounded, connected, and like themselves again.
Over the years, I’ve had the privilege of sitting with deeply courageous people — people who kept going when things were heavy, and who learned how to survive long before they ever had space to heal. Being trusted with those stories is something I never take lightly.
As the founder, I see a limited number of clients and have intentionally built a team of therapists who share my values and approach to care.
Whether you work directly with me or with one of the clinicians on our team, you’ll receive support that is thoughtful, culturally responsive, and grounded in respect.
My mission is to create a space where you don’t have to explain or shrink yourself. A space where you can be fully seen, supported, and empowered to heal in your own time and your own way.
A Note for Those Raised to Be “Strong”
In many Black families (and other communities of color), we’re taught to hold it all together, not ask for help, and definitely to never air our dirty laundry.
But what happens when holding it all in starts to break you apart?
Here’s the truth:
Silence doesn’t equal strength.
Suppressing your pain doesn’t make it disappear.
And you don’t have to keep carrying it alone.
This is the heart of why I built this practice — so people could receive support that honors their strength without asking them to suffer in silence.
Healing takes courage, yes — but it’s also a radical act of self-love. And you deserve support along the way.
Being strong shouldn’t mean being alone.
Why I Founded Mindful Healing Counseling
I founded Mindful Healing Counseling to be a space where culture, identity, and lived experience matter — not just in theory, but in practice.
A space where therapy isn’t about being “fixed,” because you were never broken to begin with.
It’s about finding clarity, support, and tools that help you live in alignment with who you truly are — not who the world told you to be.
Every therapist on our team is chosen and supported with this same intention.
Who We Serve
At Mindful Healing Counseling, we support individuals and families navigating:
Anxiety, trauma, and emotional overwhelm
Life transitions, burnout, and perfectionism
Relationship challenges and attachment wounds
Generational and cultural stressors
Postpartum mental health and parenthood transitions
Our practice specializes in providing affirming care for:
Black and Brown people and LGBTQ+ individuals seeking affirming support
High-achieving professionals juggling high expectations, burnout, and the pressure to “do it all”
Parents and caregivers
People who have spent a long time being “the strong one”
If you’re not sure which therapist would be the best fit, our team will help guide you — thoughtfully and with care.
How We Help
Therapy here is a partnership — collaborative, honest, and rooted in real connection. Our clinicians bring warmth, directness, and humanity into the room, meeting you where you are.
Across the practice, we blend evidence-based approaches with heart-centered care, including:
Strengths-Based Therapy
Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)
As Clinical Lead, I work closely with our therapists to ensure the care you receive reflects the same values I bring into my own work.
Therapy isn’t just about reflecting — it’s about real, meaningful change. Everyone’s journey is different, and we’ll help you find a therapist and approach that feels right for you.
What It’s Like in Session
Therapy isn’t all tears and trauma dumps. Yes, the work can be deep — but there’s room for laughter too.
Sessions often feel like catching up with someone who gets it — someone who’s walking alongside you. Whether you’re working with me or another therapist on our team, the focus is on creating a space that feels safe, supportive, and grounded.
This is your time. And it’s treated with care.
Beyond Therapy: Additional Ways to Be Supported
Healing doesn’t only happen in the therapy room.
For some people, starting therapy feels like too much right now — or they want additional support alongside their sessions.
That’s why I’ve created other resources to meet people where they are, including:
A private podcast focused on boundaries, family dynamics, and healing from emotional patterns
Guided reflections and tools designed to help you feel less alone and more grounded between sessions
These offerings are meant to support — not replace — therapy, and can be a gentle entry point for those who aren’t quite ready to begin counseling.
More About Me
When I’m not supporting clients, I’m soaking up time with my three kids, my husband, and our two dogs.
I love reading, traveling, and quiet mornings with a hot chai tea. Originally from Detroit, I carry a deep appreciation for the strength and resilience of the communities that shaped me.
I’m always up for a beach vacation with warm, tropical vibes—bonus points if there’s a breathtaking sunset! And when I’m home, you can bet I’m curled up on the couch, fully invested in a Law and Order: SVU marathon—because really, who doesn’t love Olivia Benson?
If You’re Still Reading…
That probably means something here resonated. So take that as your sign — you don’t have to keep carrying everything alone.
Whether you end up working with me or with one of the therapists on our team, our goal is the same: to help you feel supported, understood, and more like yourself again.
With care,
—Dr. Aretha Steele, Licensed Clinical Psychologist