Providential Counseling & Consulting Services, PLLC

11/17/2025

Transparency.
My oldest son is almost taller than me, and while I know that makes him happy, it’s a reminder that he’s growing into a young man.
With that comes fear for me, knowing how the world will perceive him. These, I’m sure, are the same fears shared by so many mothers of African American sons.
I know I can’t hold onto him so tightly that he doesn’t experience life, but it’s hard not to want to keep him protected for as long as I can.
So, I’m learning to release and rely, to release my fears and rely on God’s covering. To trust that what I’ve poured into him will rise up when it’s needed most.
Every day, I remind myself that raising sons isn’t just about preparing them for the world, but preparing the world to see the greatness within them.

11/14/2025

Let’s be real for a moment, moms…

Being a boy mom is beautiful, but it’s not always
easy. There are days filled with laughter and pride and others filled with questions, worry, and wondering if you’re doing enough.

As we move through this Challenge, I want to create space for honesty and gratitude. Because both can coexist, the struggle and the joy.

Share in the comments below, not for judgment, but for connection. You never know who needs to hear, “me too.”

Let’s remind each other that even in the hard moments, we’re still showing up. And that matters.

11/10/2025

Motherhood has a way of stretching us, humbling us, and shaping us into women we never imagined we could be.
Whether you became a mom through birth, adoption, or by pouring into the lives of the boys around you,your love and presence matter deeply.

As we continue our Challenge, take a moment today to reflect:
How has motherhood changed you?
Maybe it made you more patient.
Maybe it showed you your strength.
Maybe it helped you see the world through gentler eyes.
Whatever your answer, share it below in the comments. Let’s celebrate the ways motherhood has grown us and the gratitude we carry because of it.

11/07/2025

You know those moments that catch you off guard?

When your son does something that makes your heart so full you could burst? Maybe it’s something he said, a kindness he showed, or just the way he belly-laughed at his own joke.

I would love to hear about it, share below!

11/03/2025

A friend recently asked me to name 8 things I’m thankful for and I decided to share them with you all, so here goes.

1. The ability to move my body. I don’t take this for granted.
2. Being in my right mind. You’d be amazed how many struggle in their mind.
3. My family
4. My relationship with God- many people still don’t know Him.
5. Entrepreneurship. It’s not easy but it gives me flexibility and the ability to present for my sons.
6. Friends
7. Food. So many people are struggling right now with this basic need.
8. Joy. This is different from happiness because that changes. Joy is a deep sense of knowing who and whose I am and knowing I have purpose.

What are you thankful for? I’d love to hear your 8 things

10/31/2025

“Man up. Don’t show emotion.”

I asked a college student what stereotype he heard as a male growing up. His answer? He was told not to show emotion, to just “be a man.” So he bottled everything inside, knowing it wasn’t healthy but having no safe space to share.

This National Bullying Prevention Month, let’s change the narrative.

Our boys deserve to know that strength includes vulnerability. That real men feel, love, and aren’t afraid to ask for help.

That’s why I’m thrilled to share Season 4 of the Raising Sons podcast now with VIDEO!

This season: real case studies, insights from my book Strong Men Start Here, and practical tools to raise sons who are both strong AND emotionally whole.

Watch the trailer and subscribe! [https://youtu.be/OTPa_X21xT4]

💙 Drop a heart if you’re ready to raise boys differently.

10/03/2025

We often hear about a child being bullied, the pain of the words, the scars from the actions. And while those stories matter deeply, there’s another side we can’t ignore.
Statistically, boys are more likely to be physical or verbal bullies. But here’s the real question.
👉 Has anyone stopped to ask what’s behind the behavior?
Bullying is often a symptom, not the root. It can come from hurt, unmet needs, or a lack of healthy ways to express emotions.
October is National Bullying Prevention Month, a reminder that prevention isn’t only about stopping harmful behavior. It’s about understanding what fuels it, helping boys find better ways to express themselves, and giving them the tools to choose kindness.
What do you think is often overlooked when we talk about bullying?

09/29/2025

Saturday was such a blessing!
I had the honor of sharing with parents at the Academic Advantage Symposium at Wheeler Avenue about:

✨ Building healthy communication with our kids
✨ Advocating for them at school
✨ Understanding 504s & IEPs

And what made it even more special, I got to bring my son with me, and he captured the event through photography. Watching him use his gifts while I walked in mine was truly a full-circle moment.

Here’s what I believe ➡️ the words we speak at home don’t just stay at home ,they show up in the classroom. When we strengthen communication + advocacy, our children are better equipped to thrive academically and emotionally.

If your church, school, or organization is looking for a speaker to empower parents in these areas, I’d love to connect!

👉 Learn more at www.richellewhittaker.com
or send me a DM to book.

08/25/2025

This weekend’s Raising Sons event was extra special!

We gathered at an all-boys middle and high school because we believe in creating spaces that see and serve our young men.

These two young men are a perfect example of what’s possible when boys are given opportunities to apply what they’re learning in meaningful ways. After taking a digital media class and working closely with their teacher, they launched their own business: Twins Media 🎥📸

At a time when so many say our young men aren’t engaged, they’re proving otherwise. They’re creative, entrepreneurial, and eager to lead when given the chance.

This is exactly what we want to keep doing with our boys—providing access, mentorship, and opportunities that empower them to thrive not just in school, but in life.

Because when we invest in our sons’ gifts, they rise. Stay tuned to see more of their work from this weekend’s event!


Media

07/19/2025

This week on the Raising Sons podcast, I sat down with my son to talk about his upcoming transition into high school.

Spoiler alert: He’s nervous.
And so am I.

But we’re talking about it. Openly. Honestly. And together.

In this episode, we share:
💬 His fears and hopes as he enters this new chapter
💬 My quiet worries as a mom doing her best to support him
💬 Why it’s okay to feel all the feelings and not rush through them

If you’ve ever wondered how to get your son to open up…
Or you’re navigating your own emotions while helping him with his…

This one’s for you. 💛

🎧 Listen now wherever you get your podcasts.
🎙️ Raising Sons with Dr. Richelle Whittaker
Link: https://www.richellewhittaker.com/podcast/episode/1f91c2cb/how-to-navigate-change-with-your-son-a-mother-son-talk-on-starting-high-school

If you’d like to start the conversation or keep the one you’re having with your son about his upcoming transition, grab your ticket today to the Raising Sons: Back to School Experience (https://bit.ly/raisingsonsexperience)

07/16/2025

Both of my sons are transitioning this year… and honestly, I’m nervous.

One is starting middle school.
The other is heading into high school.
And while they’re growing, stretching, and stepping into new seasons, so am I.

Will they make friends?
Will they make good choices?
Will they be seen, supported, and understood?

All of these questions swirl in my mind, sometimes at 2 a.m.

So I do what I know how to do:
I pray for them.
I pray for myself.
I pray for this transition.

And I lean into community. That’s why I created the Back to School Experience for Moms & Sons because I knew I couldn’t be the only one holding all these feelings.

This experience is about more than just school supplies and schedules.
It’s about connection, courage, and confidence for both of you.

Real conversations
Tools to navigate this new season
A space where both moms and sons feel seen

We’re doing it again and this time, the boys are coming too.
🎟️ Get your ticket early and save.
Let’s walk through this transition together.
🔗 in Bio

Here at Providential Counseling & Consulting, we provide individualized assessments and independent educational evaluations (IEEs). We also provide behavioral management, social-emotional programs, and trainings to schools, agencies, and organizations. Our goal is to empower parents and transform th...

07/09/2025

We’re doing it again… but this time, we’re bringing the boys!

Last time, it was all about empowering moms.
This time, we’re making it a full-circle moment.

Raising Sons: The Back-to-School Experience now includes a powerful session just for your son, led by a licensed male therapist, Michael Dangerfield!

Because he’s growing and so are you.

Let’s prepare for the new school year with intention, connection, and confidence.

Don’t miss it. Space is limited- only 12 mother/son pairs. * Exception if you have more than one son.

Let’s raise confident, emotionally whole boys and do it in community.

Tag a mom who needs to be in the room with us.

Grab your ticket: 🔗 in Bio

Here at Providential Counseling & Consulting, we provide individualized assessments and independent educational evaluations (IEEs). We also provide behavioral management, social-emotional programs, and trainings to schools, agencies, and organizations. Our goal is to empower parents and transform th...