Meet Karen Cummings

We had the good fortune of connecting with Karen Cummings and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Karen, is your business focused on helping the community? If so, how?
As a professional counselor, my business is rooted in the belief that mental healthcare should be accessible, supportive, and culturally responsive. As a Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) provider, I recognize the unique barriers that exist in minority communities when it comes to seeking care, including stigma, fear, and generational silence. I view my work as purpose and with a mission to create “change for good”—by helping to dismantle those barriers and normalize mental wellness as a necessary and courageous step rather than a sign of weakness.
My impact is intentional: I strive to hold space for individuals whose life experiences may be shaped by marginalization, spiritual values, or both. As a Christian, I also understand the delicate line many walk between faith and mental health, especially in communities where therapy has long been misunderstood. I do not impose my faith but rather seek to meet people where they are while ensuring they feel seen, heard, and validated.
Ultimately, I believe the ripple effect of what I do changes families, communities, and futures. Healing one person can shift generations. And honestly, it is my honor to have been chosen, to play a role in that transformation.

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
I was the first of my siblings to pursue higher education, and from the moment I took a psychology course in high school, I knew I wanted to become a professional counselor. That dream never left me, even when others tried to dim it.

College came with the usual challenges, but what shook me most was hearing a professor, during my senior year, tell me that my degree wouldn’t amount to much unless I pursued a doctorate. It was discouraging, confusing, and frustrating, especially since no one had ever offered clear direction. I remember speaking with another professor who basically suggested that maybe I should alter my dream. That moment could’ve crushed me, but it didn’t. Instead, I took a leap of faith and worked at a summer camp after graduation.

That leap turned out to be a divine setup. One of the camp chaperones, who happened to be the dean of counselors at a Dallas charter school, heard my story and encouraged me to apply for an open position at their campus. I got the job. After two years there, I knew it was time to pursue my graduate degree in mental health counseling. And again, God showed up—this time through a former clinical director who not only provided internship opportunities but also fully covered my supervision costs. I didn’t see any of that coming, but every step prepared me for the next.

One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned is this: never let anyone else dictate your dream. Other people may not always see your vision, and that’s okay. The right doors will open when you’re committed, aligned with your purpose, and faithful in the process.

What I want the world to know about me and my brand is that I’m rooted in purpose. I’m not just a mental health professional—I’m someone who believes deeply in empowerment, self-identity, and the value of every voice and story. I walk with people through their toughest seasons, not because it’s a job, but because I know what it feels like to keep pushing through the unknown. My journey is proof that delays do not mean denials.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
We are “foodies” so straight from the airport on day one, we are grabbing some Fuel City tacos! The remainder of the week would include visits to the Dallas Arboretum with lunch at the Smoky Rose, brunch at The FIVEE Bistro & Bar on the southside then an afternoon at Klyde Warren Park then dinner at Perry’s or Kitchen and Kocktails. At some point, we would visit Dee Lincoln’s in Frisco, the Frisco Fresh Market and get some goodies at The Cookie Society. I’d love to show her some of Dallas’ most popular landmarks, of course. Back in the “day”, it would have been a week of Sankofa’s, Sambuca’s and Stonetrail. )

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I grew up in very humble beginnings, where the belief that “it takes a village” wasn’t just a saying—it was a way of life. First and foremost, I would not be where I am today without the grace of God and the many vessels He used to guide, protect, and uplift me along the way. I dedicate my shoutout to that village, especially the strong Black women in my life—my great-grandmother, my mother, my aunts, and educators (Thank you, Mrs. West) as well as Godly women from all walks of life who poured into me.

Each of them left a lasting impression, whether they were in my life for a season or remain to this day.
They showed me what resilience looks like. They modeled wisdom, grace, and unconditional love in a way that made me believe I could pursue any goal I set my heart on. Their voices still echo in the choices I make, and their legacy lives through me. Words alone could never fully capture the depth of my gratitude, but I hope my life’s work reflects the power of their presence in my story.

Website: https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/therapists/karen-cummings-lpc-s-plano-tx/280712