Today we’d like to introduce you to Aja King.
Aja, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I started in Birmingham, AL and I was always told that I was a great secret keeper. I learned early on that I was good at listening to people and watching them and understanding people’s pain. When I entered High School, we had an opportunity to participate in a work study program. I had the chance to follow Audrey Lampkin, LICSW and she taught me the true essence of being a therapist. From there I never chose another profession. My whole life has been dedicated to mental health.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Absolutely NOT!!! There were so many struggles with becoming a psychologist. Life, divorce, isolation, finances, life (lol), raising children, moving from Alabama, Washington, D.C. to Minnesota, battling your own wellness and not being triggered. I’ve been in mental health 26 years and I’ve learned alot about forgiveness, self-care and not being everyone’s hero.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I’m a counseling psychologist with over 25 years in the mental-health field, licensed as a Professional Clinical Counselor in Minnesota, Alabama, and Florida. My heart and my work center around helping high-performing professionals navigate burnout, loneliness, and the daily work of staying well in a world that often feels overwhelming.
In addition to therapy, I host transformative retreats for couples and individuals—deep, immersive experiences designed to help people return to themselves, strengthen their relationships, and reconnect with their own self-love.
My entire business is built around my motto: Bridge the Gap, Find Your Tribe, Conquer Loneliness.
Bridge the Gap is where we look inward understanding who you are, embracing the good, the bad, and the uncomfortable parts, and building the foundation of true self-love.
Find Your Tribe is about connection—strengthening the relationships and resources within yourself, your community, your friendships, your family, and building the boundaries and safeguards you need on your wellness journey.
Conquer Loneliness is the outcome of doing the deep work: feeling connected to yourself, connected to others, and grounded in your community and your higher power.
At the core of everything I do is this belief: wellness is the wellness of the mind. None of us—rich or poor, young or old—is exempt from mental health. If you are living this life, you are navigating your mind. We are all trying to stay grounded and stable in an unstable world.
I believe deeply in mental-health access, advocacy, and the journey of wellness. Everyone deserves to feel whole, supported, and connected—and that is the work I am committed to every single day.
I am proud of my integration of sound healing, Reiki, Healing Touch and Retreats to the accompany mental health component. I am looking to expand my private practice to a group practice Summer 2026. I am known in my community for sound baths, retreats and straightforward collaboration.
I’m proud that I am able to give voice to my clients and help normalize their world. Brave Defiance is built on having bravery to be yourself every day without apology. This is about facing ourselves and how we navigate the world, and being comfortable with our lives no matter what. We were all designed for a purpose. So, my work is based on spirituality, identifying self and the parts that drive us, and finding healthy community to help guide us to some type of center.
What would you say have been one of the most important lessons you’ve learned?
Be brave. Maya Angelou said it best, “Courage is the most important of all the virtues because without courage, you can’t practice any other virtue consistently.” You have to have courage to show up everyday and practice being you. We get to decide. Brave Defiance was built on the notion that you have to have courage to keep being you. Courage to face yourself with love and kindness, every single day. We have a duty to. Stay curious. I don’t care how much education you have, you are not always the expert. And even when you are, you are always a student. Stay humble. The same hurt you support, might be the same hurt you endure yourself. So be kind.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.brave-defiance.online
- Instagram: @bravedefiance
- Facebook: Aja BeGreat Dionna
