Meet Crystal Ficker | Counselor, Nutrition Coach and Personal Trainer

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

Hi Crystal, every day, we about how much execution matters, but we think ideas matter as well. How did you come up with the idea for your business?
Growing up, my parents worked in children’s homes across South Carolina, Oklahoma, and North Carolina. I have had the privilege of doing life alongside those who have experienced trauma, hurt, and pain since I was just four years old. These interactions have enabled me to see God’s goodness amidst hardship and developed in me a passion for helping others grow.

For more than thirteen years now, I have worked at Black Mountain Home for Children as a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) helping kids and teens discover their potential and find healing. While my clinical background has equipped me with a strong understanding of mental health, it wasn’t until I began experiencing health issues that I became more aware of how our minds, bodies and spirits are connected.

As I have made strides in my own health journey, I have felt led to share what I’m learning with other women. God designed us in such a beautiful way. When we’re able to work through the root of our behaviors and hurts, we have a greater chance of truly thriving.

Two years ago, I decided to go back to school to become certified as a Personal Trainer and Nutrition Coach so that I could integrate holistic, whole-person therapy into my counseling practice. Then one year ago, I started working as a contractor at Black Mountain Home so that I could continue to see the children, youth and young adults I had been with for awhile and started Lifted Up Counseling and Wellness, PLLC. I now have the ability to work with women and children 8 and older.

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?
The mind, body, and spirit are all connected. Lifted Up supports holistic wellness by incorporating nutrition and fitness services into the traditional counseling model. I am passionate about supporting, encouraging and helping others find freedom, hope and fulfillment in their lives.

I was blessed to watch my parents take care of others my whole life. I noticed that true love and support from the people in your life really matters and makes the biggest impact on giving others hope. I believe we all desire for someone to truly take time to hear us. Many times, we focus our attention on people’s behaviors, but my focus is on the root of where these behaviors stem from. If we take time to listen, understand and really care about the person sitting in front of us, we have the opportunity to walk alongside someone at a whole different level. Therapy is not about what we want to “fix or solve”…I believe behavior meets a need and each individual, if they take time to work on themselves, is able to start uncovering what that real need is. This is where healing can take place.

Getting to where I am now, has taken a lifetime and lots of hard work. School was never easy for me but my desire to make a difference in others has been what has made me never give up. I am one of those “take a test 3 times” kind of person. I was determined to not go back to school once I finished my bachelors, but then I knew my heart’s desire was to counsel others so that meant going back to get my masters. After that, I spent another 4 plus years working towards my LCSW (Licensed Clinical Social Worker) and LCAS (License Clinical Addictions Specialist). Several years later, I went back to become a Certified Nutrition Coach and Certified Personal Trainer. I am hopefully done with school at this point, but I NEVER want to stop learning. I believe that each and every person we encounter, no matter their status, belief or background can teach us something…we just have to stop and listen.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Western North Carolina has so many fun places to eat, drink and visit! If you are in to hiking, there are trails every where that lead to waterfalls and amazing views of the mountains. Riding on the Blue Ridge Parkway is a must…especially if you go after dinner and find a place to watch the sunset on top of a mountain. Our favorite places to eat in the Black Mountain, NC area would be My Father’s Pizza and Okie Dokies Smokehouse. We also enjoy going to Asheville Pizza and Brewing View to watch a movie while eating yummy pizza. Saturday mornings, we enjoy a family morning out and go to the Farmer’s Market to stock up on yummy fruit and veggies. We also love supporting the Black Mountain Home for Children by shopping at their thrift store, Mountain Home Thrift Store-Cheryl’s Place.


Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
Ohhh this is a tough one because there have been so many amazing people that I have crossed paths with, that have impacted me in so many ways! But if I had to narrow it down to the two most influential people, that would be my parents, Tom and Cheryl Campbell have worked in Children’s Home’s for over 36 years! I had the privilege to grow up seeing the love they poured out to help the kids they worked with know they were worthy, loved and created with purpose. They did not just call this work, this was our life. I truly felt the kids at the Homes were like brothers and sisters to me. Almost all of my childhood memories and the way I shaped my beliefs were made at Epworth Children’s Home. My parents thought me that no matter where we come from, we have a chance to have hope moving forward. We cannot change our past but we can change how we view our future. Our choices matter, life is hard work but when you learn to pick yourself up, surround yourself with people who believe in your, and start to build your foundation on truth (which for me is my faith), we can push through anything, have hope and find motivation to build a better life for ourselves.

Website: https://liftedupcounseling.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/liftedupcounselingandwellness/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/liftedupcounselingandwellness

Image Credits
Deanna Becraft Photography