Rising Stars: Meet Dr. April Givens of Scottsdale

Today we’d like to introduce you to Dr. April Givens.

Hi, Dr. April. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I was born in Dallas, TX, to Ron Robertson and Debra Givens; my mom became a single parent and took me back to Louisiana with her to live with my grandparents, who greatly influenced my upbringing. My grandmother and my grandfather were my second parents. I grew up watching my grandmother cook, clean, go to work, and manage the household and all of the kids. My mom was more like my sister because we lived there with my aunt, two uncles, and cousin (my aunt’s son). We were all the children, and my grandparents were the parents. My grandfather would go to work every day and come home late in the evenings. My grandfather was disabled. He had no hands, just arms, but he would always say. He could do anything a man with hands could do and he did. He was a fantastic person and a great role model to me. He passed away in 2006. It was watching my grandmother and grandfather’s work ethic that motivated me to achieve everything that I wanted to achieve in life. I graduated from high school in the top 20 percent of my class.

After graduation, I enlisted in the Army and completed basic training. After completing my training, I went to college and studied Biology/Pre-Medicine. I graduated with honors and obtained my Bachelor of Science in Biology Pre-medicine. After contemplating what I wanted to do, I decided not to go to medical school and instead get my masters in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. After years of college and internships, I became licensed and worked in various settings.

In 2015, I founded Urban Counseling Clique, located in Dallas, TX. It is a 501c3 nonprofit organization that counsels teens and their families. Urban Counseling Clique promotes diversity and multi-cultures; after establishing the nonprofit, I began recruiting like-minded therapists to work with me. We are known as one of the top counseling practices in Texas.

In 2019, I launched my social media channels and became an influencer for brands worldwide. I have done numerous campaigns, podcasts, and speaking events and have started a coaching and consultation practice in June of this year in Scottsdale, AZ, Atlanta, GA, and Orlando, FL. I am living my purpose. My purpose is to encourage, empower, and motivate people. Kindness and empathy are qualities I exhibit on my Instagram and Threads page. I always provide others with tools and tips to help them move forward. Mental Health can be a struggle for everyone at some point in their lives, and someone needs to provide encouragement. I have also published a self-help book, Strategies and Tips To Improve Your Well-Being. It is a self-help journal that provides practical tips, tools, affirmations, and strategies about anything you can face in your life. It is available on all bookstore platforms.

Can you talk to us about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned? Looking back, would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Experience is your best teacher. There were challenges, but challenges to me are only potholes. They may slow me down, but they never stop me. Because of these experiences, I am the person I am today. Challenges only help you grow and allow you to apply what you have learned to be an even better person.

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
What sets me apart from others is I provide a straightforward approach to therapy. I pride myself on telling people the truth rather than what they want to hear. I do it in a caring, empathetic way, and it helps people to gain clarity and look at their situation through a different lens. My role is to provide an alternative perspective that could be better or at least give someone more insight into their decision-making. Sometimes, we look at life as the glass being half empty; if you look at it at all times as half full, that motivation can ultimately turn your life around. I empower individuals to use their talents and be great. I want you to succeed, I want you to win, I do care. I am trained in many healing modalities, such as cognitive behavioral therapy, trauma therapy, positive psychology, mindfulness, hypnotherapy, and herbal medicine.

What do you like best about our city? What do you like least?
I love the beauty in Scottsdale, the people, the environment, and the healing energy I feel there. I love the mountains and the parks. The only thing I like the least is the heat, but it is not a deal breaker.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://lokiapp.page.link/1gna
• Instagram: instragram.com/dr.aprilgivens
• Other: https://www.lulu.com/shop/dr-april-givens/strategies-and-tips-to-improve-your-overall-well-being/paperback/product-jgre28.html?q=Dr.+April+Givens&page=1&pageSize=4