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

Hi Geries, is your business focused on helping the community? If so, how?
I started my business out of a desire to better shape the mental health industry in my local area. I realized after 10 years in the non profit industry that mental health as business and mental health as a non profit entity could work together to impact the community. At that time, larger agencies practiced this, but smaller private practices were fearful to engage in this manner.

My business is not large, it is not far reaching but it does help the community and the world. Pioneer Counseling provides mental health services to people of all walks of life. If a person looking for these services is struggling financially, the non profit arm of the practice “Client ‘X’ Initiative” is able to cover the cost!

Another element of this industry to know is that it can be territorial. Both among agencies, private practices and even between States!

Each state has developed its own guidelines of what it means to be a counselor or therapist. This creates a barrier to provide services if you are not residing in the same area as you’re clients!

This industry talks about unity often, but has continued difficulty practicing it.

To leave an impact worldwide, Pioneer Counseling is able to operate as a life coaching service. By operating under a life coaching certificate, helpful services can be provided globally! If increased services are required, Pioneer Counseling can provide a referral within that persons local area.

The beauty of having this sort of flexibility is that you can remove any barrier a client may have, thus focusing on providing genuine and authentic care.

Operating this sort of model relies less on government aid, and more on a strong community of passionate ambassadors! Donating on the Pioneer-Counseling.com website allows the non profit to grow and thus cover costs of those who can’t afford therapy!

Grants and donations from community based business, churches and organizations moves us into the future of unrestricted care.

Our services are largely remote, providing telehealth. As we continue to grow, we are able to provide in person sessions. Pioneer Counseling is based out of the charming and historic town of St Charles Missouri.

Leaving an impact on the community means being present and available/ accessible when the community is hurting. Pioneer Counseling meets that need! Our practice has provided hundreds of no cost sessions when people have needed it most.

The Pioneer Counseling logo is an Astrolabe. Pioneers would use this tool to measure angles and heights. It gives the ability to survey and get a layout of ones land and surroundings. This tool was the perfect symbol for the our services! The counseling journey and the therapists goal is to aid in navigating and surveying a persons life!

To learn more about Pioneer Counseling, find us on Facebook, Tik Tok, Instagram or visit Pioneer-Counseling.com

Geries Shaheen is the owner of Pioneer Counseling and the Founder/ Executive Director of Client ‘X’ Initiative. Geries is a Licensed Professional Counselor and Nationally Certified Counselor operating in and around St. Louis Missouri. Geries holds his MA in Professional Counseling from Lindenwood University, BA in Intercultural Studies from Lincoln Christian University, and holds a certificate in Life Coaching, Geries provides life coaching services to clients online globally.

What should our readers know about your business?
I’ve learned that in this line of work you’ll get easy burnt out if you are in it to solely make money. If you are passionate about impacting people’s lives and caring for the community, then your clinical framework and practice will help alleviate burnout. This industry can be very rewarding if you are able to define reward as more than just a monetary amount.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Regardless if it was for business or pleasure, there are few iconic stops for food and views in Arizona. The food and drink of Old Scottsdale is unmatched. The landscape is a different world waiting to be explored…with the national parks and trails that each provide a unique experience.

Our home base in St.Charles, MO is a quaint town with its own spot in history as the starting point for the Lewis and Clark’s expedition out west. As the first state capitol, Main Street St. Charles provided wonderful art exhibits at the Art Foundry. Delicious food at our favorite mom and pop venue La Belle Vie. As well as uniquely restored coworking buildings through The OPO (The Old Post Office). Swing by and say hello if you are in town!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Id like to give a shout-out to a mentor who poured into me and sparked my path of adult maturity. Brian Mills is a Pastor and former Vice President of Lincoln Christian University. I would also like to share that without an incredible community my practice would not function. St Charles Missouri is known to meet a need when it finds it.

Website: pioneer-counseling.com

Instagram: pioneercounselingstl

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/geriesshaheen

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

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