Today we’d like to introduce you to Gerreka Gilliam.
Gerreka Gilliam is from Irving, Texas and has resided in Los Angeles for eight years. She received her Bachelor of Arts degree from Clark-Atlanta University and Masters of Arts degree in Clinical Psychology from Pepperdine University. Currently, Miss Gilliam is a therapist and mental health clinician servicing the Watts, Compton, Longbeach and surrounding cities in Los Angeles County. She is also the co-owner of a security business in Dallas, Texas. Gerreka believes in fighting social injustice and giving back to her community and has been a member of the Los Angeles Urban League for over six years where she has served on the Executive Board as Parliamentarian and Marketing chair. In the last six months, Miss Gilliam has reached over 500k people speaking on celebrity lives, panels and bringing awareness to mental health during this pandemic. Miss Gilliam has also commentated on TMZ Live throughout the last 5 years.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
One of the most challenging time in my life was losing my father who was my backbone in 2014. After seeing how his death affected our loved ones and his friends, I realized the importance of healing from grief, trauma and going to therapy. I had a revelation that I’ve always been the one that family, friends and even strangers go to for support, advice or just a listening ear. Statistically, people of color do not go to therapy because of the stigma, shame and lack of diversity in the mental health field.
I’m very thankful I’ve had the opportunity to provide a safe space for individuals and families to help process life challenges in my current profession.
Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about G&G Protection/ Mental Health Therapist – what should we know?
I am co-owner of G&G Protection & Assoc., an armed and unarmed security guard company located in Dallas, Texas and surrounding cities. My sister and I took over the company when my father passed away to continue his legacy. Running a family business is not easy but it is rewarding to see the fruits of your labor manifest. G&G Protection & Assoc. maintains a continuing personal involvement in community development through affiliations with various civic groups and professional associations. We are best known for providing security services for construction sites, movie theaters and small businesses. We also do private events. In Los Angeles, I am a mental health therapist where I provide therapy to individuals, couples and families in the Los Angeles California area. My specialty is children, youth and young adults. I am able to connect with most young minds and it is one of my passions in doing so. I am also drawn to the unique strength and struggles of women. What has made me successful thus far is my ability to connect with people despite age, demographic or socio economic status. In addition, I have an open-minded approach to therapy and incorporate interests, belief and value systems to help them better reach their treatment goals.
I believe in the importance of utilizing coping mechanisms, setting boundaries and protecting your peace.
Any shoutouts? Who else deserves credit in this story – who has played a meaningful role?
My father, was such an influential part of my life as he taught me the importance of networking, building relationships and running a business. He taught me resilience and strength and there’s no way I would have been able to live and flourish in LA without the life lessons he instilled in me. I am also blessed to have my mother and sister who encourage me to do my best, pray for me and uplift me on my worst days. My family has helped me navigate some challenging times. I’m grateful to have a large loving family of amazing aunts, funny cousins and crazy uncles lol. My college friends have also been big support systems for me and I appreciate my friends in Los Angeles, Charlotte, NC and Phoenix, AZ who have been big supporters in my journey. Lastly, my colleague and mentor Ginger Lavender Wilkerson has been such an influential part of my mental health career. I have been blessed to work with her on a professional level completing trauma-informed training and learning private practice under her leadership. She taught me a lot about this field in a short amount of time and I’m forever grateful. It is so important to have people in your life that believe in you and want to see you flourish. It is also important to have a mentor for advisement on the goals you wish to accomplish.
Thank you VoyageLA for featuring me. I am honored and grateful.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.ggprotection.com/about/
- Instagram: My therapy professional Instagram is @mytherapistisdope.
- Other: My personal social media is @heymissgilliam.
Security company page is @ggprotection.
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