I would like to introduce you all to Ebony Belt! She is a certified trauma support specialist, coach, author, philanthropist, and speaker. Ebony holds a bachelor’s degree in psychology and a master’s degree in management. Yes, Queen!! She is the CEO/Founder of Divine by Design Mentoring, a nonprofit organization dedicated to helping at-risk young women in less marginalized communities. Ebony is a bright light—a powerful gem who is a very imperative fixture in the community. She has selflessly helped to empower so many others.

Ebony leads not only by her skills obtained through education but also by her own personal experiences. She was met with trauma at an early age and used her personal experiences as a stepping stool to lift others up, to support others through their healing journeys, and to achieve greatness. Learn more and check out her interview below!

What inspired you to become a Certified Trauma Support Specialist? 

My own life experiences and journey healing with God lead me here. I wasn’t raised by either parent; I have never met my biological mother. My grandmother raised me, and she was much older with health issues. My childhood and much of my adult life were marked by trauma, yet through it all, I’ve always felt a deep calling to help others. I’ve always had a heart for God’s people and a desire to make a difference in any way I could. When I began college, I wanted to understand why people behave the way they do, why they think the way they think. That curiosity led me to pursue degrees in psychology, hoping to gain insight into the reasons behind how people treated me.

Throughout this journey, I learned that many people are still grappling with their own unresolved childhood trauma, which often gets projected onto others. The saying, ‘hurt people hurt people,’ is so incredibly true.

Starting my nonprofit, Divine by Design Mentoring Co., was a natural extension of my desire to support those who are facing trauma. I always say, ‘Girl, hold my hand—I’ve already walked through the fire.’ It’s my way of reminding people that healing is possible, and no one has to go through it alone.

I think what you’re doing is SO amazing and very imperative!! There are so many people walking around with suppressed trauma. Sometimes, they don’t feel like there are many comfortable spaces where they can release what burdens them. Sometimes, it’s because people don’t know where to begin to rebuild. As a result, it gets swept under the rug. For those who may not know, what does your work entail? 

Thank you and I wholeheartedly agree! My goal is to support you on your journey to your breakthrough—whatever that may look like for you. For some, it might mean simply making it through the week. For others, it could involve navigating a major decision or uncovering what might be hidden in your heart and mind, holding you back from living fully.

I offer various packages, ranging from a single session to 12 weeks of support. Sessions are available both in-person and virtually, because I believe that healing should be accessible to everyone.

Not everyone experiences or heals from trauma the same way. That’s why my coaching is tailored to meet your unique needs. Healing is not a one-size-fits-all process, and I’m here to walk with you every step of the way.

What specific services do you offer? 

I offer a range of services designed to support both teens and adults in their healing journey. Through my nonprofit, we provide mentorship for youth who have been exposed to trauma. Even if a young person hasn’t personally experienced trauma, we have programs in place that equip them with the tools and skills they need to overcome challenges and thrive in life.

In addition to my work with the youth, I also focus on philanthropic initiatives. My heart is to serve and strengthen the community, which is why I’m involved in food drives, toy drives, and an upcoming community pantry—resources designed to give back and support those in need.

I also provide trauma and breakthrough coaching, which focuses on healing from the inside out. This coaching helps individuals address deep emotional wounds, guiding them to break free from the past and step into their true potential.

Lastly, I’m available for speaking engagements, particularly for audiences seeking to reach their breakthrough. Whether it’s a group of teens, parents, or professionals, I’m passionate about sharing the tools and insights that can transform lives and help people heal, grow, and thrive.

For some of us, trauma begins really early in life. As developing children, we are already so impressionable. When it meets us so early in life, it can be hard to even comprehend it, let alone the effects that it has on us for years to come. How is your approach unique in the way that you approach trauma, specifically with someone who has been sitting with it for a long time and needs a breakthrough?  

I know about this all too well! As a certified trauma support specialist and coach, I bring not just book knowledge but also a deep well of personal experience to my work. I’ve walked the path of trauma and healing myself, which allows me to empathize with and truly understand the struggles my clients face. My own faith is also a cornerstone of my approach. I believe in the transformative power of faith and trust that healing is not just a psychological process but also a spiritual journey.

I also understand that healing from long-held trauma is not just about addressing the symptoms but about understanding the root. I take an approach that integrates both practical strategies and deep emotional exploration, especially when someone has been sitting with their trauma for a long time. My work isn’t just about what can be ‘fixed’—it’s about walking alongside you, at your pace, and helping you rediscover your strength and identity, often in ways you haven’t yet imagined.

One of the key elements of my approach is the recognition that everyone’s trauma and healing journey is unique. For someone who’s been living with trauma for a long time, it’s not about forcing a quick fix but about creating a safe space where you can begin to understand the deep layers of your experiences. Together, we’ll uncover what’s been buried and develop a path forward that aligns with your values, your faith, and your personal goals.

I understand that you have a book coming out called “Spoken with Intention: Teaching Parents and Teens How to Talk Through Trauma.” Tell us about your book and when it will be released. 

This book is incredibly special to me, as it reflects my own journey and the lessons I’ve learned along the way. Growing up, I didn’t have a parent or caregiver who could recognize what I was going through and help me navigate it. My story is unique, and ultimately, it was through prayer and trusting God that I found the strength to push forward. But when I became a mom at 19, I knew I wanted to break the generational cycles of trauma I had experienced. However, having my first son so young, while still carrying my own childhood trauma, meant that we were, in many ways, growing up together. This led to a lot of mistakes on my part as I struggled to figure things out.

One of the most important things I’ve learned is the power of apologizing to your children. It’s crucial for their healing, just as it is for your own. In this book, Spoken with Intention, I share the tools I’ve developed over the years to help teens feel comfortable expressing their pain and asking for help. This book is more than just advice—it’s a resource for parents to understand how to support their children through trauma, even when that trauma might have been caused by them. It’s about equipping both parents and teens with the language to address pain and trauma openly and the confidence to say ‘I’m sorry’ when necessary, as part of the healing process.

I hope this book will empower families to heal together, with honesty, compassion, and understanding. Spoken with Intention will be released in July 2025, and I’m so excited for it to be out there to help others on their journey toward healing.

As you pour into others, what are some of your self-care practices that you like to do in order to maintain your well-being? 

Honestly, my faith is my anchor. Since I was young, I’ve learned to lean on God, and those quiet moments where I can truly rest in His presence bring me peace and recharge my spirit. Journaling is another practice I’ve found really helpful—it allows me to release the day and not go to bed holding onto anything. I’ve learned that letting go before rest is essential for maintaining balance.

Family time is also a huge part of my self-care. My husband and children are a constant source of renewal for me. Home truly is your first ministry, and I cherish those moments with my loved ones because they help me recharge and reconnect with what matters most.

In addition to these spiritual and family practices, I also make time for more personal care, like getting massages and treating myself to a fresh set of nails. One of my absolute favorite things to do is get in the car, turn on some praise and worship music, and have a session just me and God. It’s like a moving sanctuary where I can fully immerse myself in His presence and reset.

Unpacking Her Thoughts: 

“Life can be full of twist and turns but ultimately every dark place, every trial, every good or bad thing is building a story that only you can tell! You were made for everything that has happened! Everything you will ever need is on the inside you and when you’re ready to share your story there will be someone needing to hear that overcoming is possible!”~Ebony Belt

Thank you so much, Ebony!

Connect with Ebony:⁣
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Websites: http://www.dbdmenoringco.org and http://www.ebonybeltspeaks.com⁣
Email: info@dbdmentoringco.org and eb@ebonybeltspeaks.com⁣
IG: Divine by Design Mentoring & ebonybeltspeaks⁣
TikTok: eb_speaks⁣
Youtube: eb_speaks