Jaclyn Fortier: A Catalyst for Mental Health Advocacy Nationwide
In an era where mental health awareness is more critical than ever, Jaclyn Fortier, founder of Carolina Counseling Wellness Associates (CCWA), is spearheading a nationwide initiative aimed at mental health advocacy through motivational speaking. Following two decades of experience as a counselor, advocate, and Navy veteran, Fortier’s mission has evolved into a comprehensive program that empowers individuals and communities to embrace their mental well-being.
The Heart of the Initiative
Launched in September 2025, the speaking initiative focuses on sharing personal stories of resilience, growth, and emotional transformation. The core message invites participants to recognize the healing power embedded in their own narratives, emphasizing that mental health advocacy begins with understanding one’s mindset and personal "why."
Fortier’s speaking series aims to provide meaningful tools for emotional connection and self-mastery, acting as a guiding light for individuals navigating their journeys toward inner peace and happiness. “Mental health matters; it starts with your mindset,” Fortier explains. “This series is about helping people recognize their voices and the deep healing that begins when we honor our stories.”
A Personal Journey
Fortier’s compelling message is rooted in her own life experiences. As a Navy veteran and licensed counselor, she brings a multifaceted perspective to her work—one shaped by overcoming adversity and a commitment to lifelong learning. Fortier has successfully founded multiple wellness centers in North Carolina, showcasing her ability to translate lived experiences into meaningful leadership.
Holistic Approach to Mental Wellness
The speaking initiative is just one part of a larger vision for CCWA, which focuses on holistic and trauma-informed counseling. The organization is renowned for its commitment to emotional safety, high-quality clinical care, and innovative workplace culture consulting. By expanding her reach beyond traditional mental health education, Fortier aims to blend inspirational storytelling with practical wisdom, ultimately breaking down barriers to mental health awareness.
Her workshops delve into the power of friendship and safe emotional spaces, fostering community building. “Whether you’re a student, a leader, or someone just trying to figure out what comes next, your story matters,” she asserts. This inclusivity ensures that her message resonates with a diverse range of audiences, emphasizing that everyone has the potential to find their voice, regardless of where they are in their healing journey.
Connecting Passion to Purpose
What distinguishes Fortier’s message is the authenticity and depth of intention behind her words. Her speaking engagements focus on essential themes such as:
- Reconnecting with Self: Encouraging participants to explore their inner lives and rediscover their passions, ultimately leading to greater self-awareness.
- Finding Strength Through Adversity: Highlighting the importance of resilience and the ability to turn personal challenges into sources of strength.
- Building Emotionally Supportive Communities: Emphasizing the value of friendships and safe spaces for emotional expression and growth.
- Purposeful Leadership: Inspiring individuals to transform their struggles into opportunities to help others, creating a ripple effect of empowerment.
The overarching message reverberates the idea that healing is not linear—it is communal and deeply personal. Through her experiences and insights, Fortier showcases how intentional self-discovery can help individuals navigate their healing journeys more effectively.
The Influence of Storytelling
At the core of her advocacy is the art of storytelling. Fortier believes that each person’s story is invaluable, serving as a source of strength and encouragement for others. “You don’t have to be fully healed to find your voice; you just have to begin,” she remarks, underscoring the importance of beginning the journey of self-exploration and narrative sharing.
Practical Takeaways
As Fortier travels nationwide to engage with various audiences, she provides practical tools that participants can immediately implement in their lives:
- Mindset Shifts: Encouraging a reframing of thoughts surrounding mental health and self-worth, leading to healthier emotional states.
- Community Engagement Techniques: Offering guidance on how to cultivate safe, supportive environments for sharing experiences and fostering connections.
- Actionable Steps for Personal Growth: Sharing steps that individuals can take, regardless of their current situation, to begin prioritizing their mental wellness.
Booking Opportunities
For those interested in learning more about Jaclyn Fortier’s speaking schedule or to book her for an engagement, details can be found on her official website. With an increasing demand for mental health advocacy, Fortier’s messages resonate deeply in today’s society—a crucial component of fostering a culture of openness and support around mental health issues.
Conclusion
Jaclyn Fortier’s initiative to roll out a nationwide mental health advocacy speaking program marks a significant step toward breaking down stigma and fostering emotional wellness. Her lived experiences, combined with professional expertise, serve as a powerful reminder of the importance of storytelling in healing. By prioritizing connection, authenticity, and purpose-driven support, Fortier is not only transforming individual lives but also paving the way for a more empathetic society focused on mental well-being. As she continues her journey to inspire others, one thing remains clear: your story matters, and healing begins when you honor your voice.
