“Healing is a sacred gift that you get to give to yourself every day,” says licensed professional counselor Meaghan Hill.

Growing up as a Black woman in St. Louis, Hill was inspired and motivated by her mother, a professor; her grandmother, a licensed therapist; and her own therapist during her young adulthood. They sparked her passion for becoming a healer for Black and Brown women, adolescents, and young girls.

Hill began her journey at Spelman College, where she pursued her studies to become a licensed therapist. “One of my biggest accomplishments in life was passing the test to receive my license; it was the start of everything!” she said, as she freely fell into the chair’s backrest as if reliving the relief of that moment.

Slowing down, Hill explained, is essential for maintaining mental health, as it allows individuals to reduce stress, improve emotional well-being, and foster a deeper connection with themselves and their surroundings.

“Hi! I’m Meaghan, nice to meet you finally!” Hill’s energy was warm and inviting as she entered the lounge room at Vashon High School. The dimly lit space had a somber ambiance, but her confident smile and lively presence gave light to the situation.

Adjusting her two jackets, “It was pretty cold outside today, but now I’m sweating in this building,” she said with a peal of shy laugher which filled the empty room. Ecstatic for the interview to began, Hill recalled her influences. With a look of reflection in her eyes, she looked up at the ceiling immersed in thought, took a deep breath in, and said, “The biggest influence for me was recognizing that so many times, Black women must be the strong friend or family member. I wanted to create a space for them to rest and get the support they need.”

Hill spoke passionately about her practice, Melanated Healing Counseling & Consulting, which she launched in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic. “My practice is a somatic experience. I offer a safe space for women to be one with their mind and body; facing the problem head-on but still giving them that relaxation they need.”

“I quit my job, had no money, and doubted myself. I wondered if people would even find me or want to put their faith in me,” Hill admitted while clenching her teeth and her voice with emotion. “I called my friends in a panic the first day I opened myself up to the world.” She let out a relieving laughter, relaxing her jaw.

“But everything was perfect, and I am so grateful.”

Because Hill saw a similarity amongst most Black women who came to talk to her and noticed the same within herself, she emphasized the importance of teaching her clients—and herself—the value of pausing and resting without guilt.

She sat up in her chair with raised eyebrows, as passion filled her eyes; even her tone was slightly stronger as she began to speak on the subject. “Learning how to pause, rest, and not feel guilty. Understanding that they are worthy of pausing and resting,” she continued, her voice rising with conviction. “You don’t always have to look perfect or be perfect.” That sentence was so soothing; it was almost healing some unconscious self-conflict.

Hill’s personal support system also plays a critical role in her well-being. “I have an amazing support system—my mom, my big brother, and my best friend,” she said, her eyes began to glow at the mention of her closest friend. “I pray, meditate, journal, and spend time with my dog, Bishop. Whatever I need to slow down, I do it.”

For Hill, being a healer starts with herself. “I consider myself a healer, not because I can heal people, but because I am willing to do the work for myself as well,” she said. She is very easy-going and poised because she listens to her mind and body to tell her what she needs. “Finding a parking spot, coming in the building, trying to get signed in, and just doing a bunch of moving; I took a second to sit down, pause, and understand what I needed. Even when I took my jacket off to feel cooler, it is just about listening to your body and mind in a moment of need.

She concluded with a powerful message about self-prioritization: “You don’t have to keep yourself in an uncomfortable situation for the sake of what other people may say or think. You have the right to think of yourself first.” Ms. Hill sat up with an open chest, and her tone became softer. At that moment, she became a mentor instead of just doing an interview.

Recalling advice from her mother, Hill shared, “You can do it scared, and it’s okay to be afraid, but keep going.” Her words hung in the air like a mantra. She wanted to be heard clearly. There was a motivational spirit pouring into the presence of the room.

“Trust yourself and believe in your resiliency and power,” Hill said. “Nothing can stop you.”

MEAGHAN HILL

Life is a clock that ticks every second, no matter what happens. Sometimes, we get caught up trying to stay the course, but maybe missing a beat is what we need in the moment.

Ask yourself, “How might my perspective on life, happiness, and fulfillment change if I decided to slow down and take in every moment life has to offer?” Savoring the precious moments that are often overlooked leads to greater happiness and a deep sense of self-awareness.

As author Robert Brault once wrote, “Enjoy the little things, for one day you may look back and realize they were the big things.”

To connect with Meaghan Hill at Melanated Healing Counseling & Consulting, follow her on Instagram: @MHCounselingAndConsulting or visit: www.melanatedhealincounseling.com

Kiera Burns
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