About Queen Watson, LPCC

My name is Queen Watson (yes that's my real name) and I’m a Cincinnati, OH native. I love the Cincinnati Reds and Pittsburgh Steelers (sorry not sorry!). When I’m not providing therapy, I’m likely cooking, gardening, trying some exotic food, or hoping to complete some sort of DIY project. My family and friends mean the world to me and undoubtedly contribute to the woman I am.

I attended The Ohio State University for my bachelor's degree in psychology in 2016 and obtained my master's degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from the University of Cincinnati in 2022. My passion for exploring and supporting people rooted before I knew what “mental health” truly was. I've always been fascinated at how we as people are so uniquely affected by the intersection of our many identities. My personal connection with the field runs deep as many of my loved ones and peers have worked in mental health settings and/or have been affected by mental health challenges. Proudly I’ve worked in the mental health field for over a decade. Needless to say, I’m no stranger to either side of the counseling couch.

The Need and The Choice

Why be a therapist you ask? I’ve directly seen the damaging impact of mental health-related stigma in minority communities, across generations. As a Black therapist, I take pride in providing a safe space for individuals to address the impact of a system that villainizes those experiencing side effects of the human condition, who happen to have darker skin or have identities that “don’t fit” the status quo. I enjoy bringing another perspective to care that isn’t restricted by the stereotype of what therapists should look/act like.

The Culture Helps and Can Hurt

Our culture quite literally defines who we are and how we navigate the world. It is what joins us as community members and differentiates us from others. Culture influences our perception and adds richness to our human experience. Conversely, I believe that if we let it, culture can restrict our experience based on expectations, rituals, etc. Too often people are discouraged from pursuing therapeutic work because of cultural views that encourage us “to keep it in”, “don’t trust outsiders”, “leave therapy to the ‘rich/privileged’ people”, “suck it up”, “just pray on it and move on”, “leave it in the past”, “be strong'“ etc. While I understand where these notions are rooted, I’ve witnessed them dim people’s light who were actually ready to do the work. I chose to become a therapist to help lights shine brighter, despite the forces attempting to put them out.

Connection

Coming from both a personal and therapeutic standpoint, I believe connection is one of the most powerful healing factors. It’s important for me to include my genuine personality, which can include humor, challenging questions, authentic reactions, and honest observations. Connection and all of its offshoots have been the common factors in my personal and professional growth. Influenced by my own journey and those I have supported, I understand how our personal histories influence our story to date. However, we can retell that story in an empowering way, thus creating an unimaginably hopeful future. Furthermore, as someone who has navigated this space in its many facets, I can attest to the healing effects of connection as layers of vulnerability are exposed over the course of treatment.

Previous Clinical Experience

For the past 12 years I have worked in various aspects of mental health, from research to direct client care. My work has included supporting clients individually and as part of a group in community mental health settings, private practice, in-patient settings, and hospital out-patient settings for individuals across the life span, ranging from 3 years old to 65 years old, presenting with a multitude of concerns.

If you would like to know my experience with a specific population or presenting concern, please feel free to schedule a free 15-minute consultation to ask any related questions.