Memories of a Counselor

In June 2000, forty-three-year-old M. P. Henson I decided to shun his tumultuous past and begin a new chapter, ordained by the Holy Spirit. Now free of drugs, foolishness, and the despair that had taken over his life, in one form or the other, for over thirty years, Henson was finally ready to stop the madness.

Henson begins by sharing personal essays that offer a candid glimpse into his loving yet challenging childhood experiences, his eventual plunge into addiction, and his journey to overcome his addictions and find freedom through his faith. After providing illuminating insight into his path through life and the reasons behind his choices, Henson lyrically invites others into his thought processes and feelings through over sixty original poems that reflect on the themes of addiction, current events in America, dance class, thoughts of retirement, pandemic lockdown, a war of hate, the definition of Black, and much more.

Memories of a Counselor is a collection of personal essays and poetry that explore the past, present, and future of an African American man as he discovers the power of faith, hope, perseverance, and love to overcome all obstacles.