-
Thank you to everyone who came out to our Inner Strength Workshop on August 16, 2025!
If you would like to give us your feedback on this event or a previous one you attended, please do so here: Write a Review for Relational Growth Services
Inner Strength
Screenshot 
Screenshot 
Screenshot 
Passionate. Experienced. Purpose-Driven.
At the heart of our work is a team of dedicated professionals who bring a unique blend of expertise, compassion, and commitment to every person we serve. From clinical therapy and life coaching to youth advocacy and crisis support, our team is united by a shared mission: to empower individuals, strengthen communities, and foster lasting transformation.
Meet the Team
Jermel Dortch
Mr. Jermel Dortch – Founder of Relational Growth Services LLC, Certified Anger Management Consultant, Level II Georgia State Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor, Certified Clinical Trauma Professional, and Clinical Therapist. Jermel’s mission is to foster mental wellness by equipping individuals, leaders, and communities with the tools to navigate life’s storms with resilience, understanding, and strength.
Ronney Hamilton
Mr. Ronney “Coach” Hamilton – President and CEO of Life Schematics and Life Schematics Foundation, Inc., and multiple other businesses, including Customized Fitness and a nonprofit organization dedicated to youth awareness. He is also a Life and Fitness Coach, Certified Anger Management Specialist, and the newest member of Relational Growth Services LLC. With a unique blend of mental health and fitness coaching, Coach Hamilton empowers individuals to overcome barriers, cultivate self-discipline, and build mental toughness in their healing journey.
Tiarra Pailin
Mrs. Tiarra Pailin – A Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) in Colorado and Georgia, Certified Anger Management Specialist, and the newest team member of Relational Growth Services LLC. Tiarra brings a trauma-informed, client-centered approach to her work with individuals and groups, focusing on healing, empowerment, and resilience.
Burrell Pope
Dr. Burrell Pope – Founder of A Better Counselor, Co-Founder of Relational Growth Services LLC, Licensed Life Coach, Certified Anger Management Specialist, Certified Cognitive Disabilities K-12 Consultant/Teacher, Certified Trauma STR Counselor, and Marriage and Family Pastoral Counselor. Dr. Pope is a leading voice in mental health education, integrating faith, culture, and clinical strategies to support individuals and communities in navigating trauma and life challenges.
Phyllis Hamilton
The Director of Events & Project Management oversees the strategic planning, execution, and evaluation of events and projects across the organization. In this role she ensures alignment with organizational goals, manages cross-functional teams, and drives operational excellence through effective budgeting, scheduling, and stakeholder coordination. She also leads innovation in event experiences and project delivery, ensuring high-impact outcomes and continuous improvement.
How We Operate:
Flexible delivery: in-person or virtual
Customized workshops designed for your specific context
Certified training programs available
We specialize in serving four key communities:
Relational Growth Services
At Relational Growth Services, our goal is to elevate mental wellness through transformative workshops and trainings that empower individuals and organizations. Through our expert team, The Elevate Minds Network, we create space for emotional growth, relational health, and professional excellence.
-
The Gift of Gratitude: A Practice for Every Season
Jermel Dortch
As the year draws gently toward its close and the air turns crisp with the promise of the holidays, we find ourselves surrounded by the familiar rhythm of gratitude. The glow of string lights, the laughter at family tables, the quiet moments spent in reflection — all remind us to pause and give thanks. It’s a beautiful season, one that invites us to look back with appreciation and look forward with hope.
But gratitude, when truly understood, is not meant to live only within the boundaries of a season. It is a companion for all days — the bright and the difficult, the ordinary and the extraordinary. It’s the gentle whisper that says “this moment matters”, no matter how small.
The Quiet Power of Gratitude
Gratitude has a way of softening life’s edges. It shifts our gaze from what’s missing to what’s already here — the laughter that lingers, the lessons we’ve learned, the simple kindness of a stranger. It grounds us, reminding us that even amid chaos or uncertainty, there are always reasons to be thankful.
When we nurture gratitude daily, it becomes less of a reaction and more of a rhythm. It hums quietly beneath the surface of our lives, turning ordinary routines into moments of quiet grace.
Ways to Live in Gratitude
There are countless ways to let gratitude flow through our days:
1. Keep a gratitude journal. Write down what touched your heart — a smile, a sunrise, a soft word at the right time. These small remembrances become treasures over time.
2. Speak your thanks aloud. A simple “thank you” carries warmth and connection. Let others know they are seen, valued, and appreciated.
3. Give generously. Gratitude often finds its fullest expression when shared — through kindness, time, or compassion.
4. Be still and present. Sometimes, the best way to show gratitude is to simply notice — the scent of rain, the laughter of a child, the comfort of silence.
5. End each day in reflection. Before sleep, name one thing that brought light to your day. Let that be your closing thought, your quiet goodnight.
Final Reflections
As the holidays approach, may we remember that gratitude is not confined to festive tables or wrapped in ribbons. It is a daily practice, a gentle turning of the heart toward what is good and meaningful.
To live with gratitude is to walk through the world awake — aware of beauty, resilient in hardship, and open to joy. And when we choose to see life this way, every day becomes a celebration, every season a reason to give thanks.
Relational Growth Services LLC Team,
Jermel Dortch, Relational Growth Services LLC Founder
-
Rising Strong: The Power of Being an Overcomer
Jermel Dortch
October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month — a time of pink ribbons, stories of survival, and moments of reflection on courage, resilience, and hope. But beyond the awareness campaigns and fundraisers lies a deeper truth: being an overcomer is not just about surviving breast cancer — it’s about thriving beyond the struggle, finding purpose through pain, and rediscovering strength you didn’t know you had.Every woman and man who has faced this battle carries a story — not just of diagnosis and treatment, but of transformation. And whether you are a survivor, a fighter in the middle of your journey, or someone supporting a loved one, this message is for you.
1. Overcoming Begins with Belief
Being an overcomer doesn’t mean never feeling afraid — it means choosing hope even when fear is present. It’s waking up on the hardest days and deciding, “I’m still here. I’m still fighting.”
Belief is powerful. It shifts the focus from “Why me?” to “What now?” It turns moments of uncertainty into opportunities for courage. Every treatment, every doctor’s visit, every scar — they all tell a story of perseverance. Overcomers don’t just face the storm; they learn to dance in the rain.
2. Strength Looks Different Every Day
Sometimes, strength looks like showing up for chemotherapy with a smile. Sometimes, it looks like resting when your body says “enough.” Being strong doesn’t mean being unbreakable — it means continuing, even in small ways, when life feels heavy.
Healing is not linear. Some days are filled with energy and optimism; others bring tears and exhaustion. And both are okay. Overcomers give themselves permission to feel, to rest, and to heal at their own pace.
3. Finding Purpose in the Process
Many survivors say that breast cancer changed them — not just physically but emotionally and spiritually. For some, it revealed the power of community and connection. For others, it reignited appreciation for life’s smallest joys — a sunrise, a laugh with a friend, a quiet moment of gratitude.
Being an overcomer means finding meaning in the journey, even when it’s painful. It’s realizing that strength is not only about fighting through the hard times but about allowing those experiences to transform you into someone wiser, more compassionate, and deeply resilient.
4. The Power of Support
No one overcomes alone. Behind every survivor is a network of friends, family, medical professionals, and supporters who offer love, strength, and encouragement. Support reminds us that even in our weakest moments, we are never truly alone.
Whether it’s a kind word, a meal delivered, or simply sitting in silence with someone — these acts of love help carry the weight. They remind every fighter that they are seen, valued, and supported.
5. Life After the Fight
For many survivors, life after breast cancer brings a mix of emotions — joy, relief, gratitude, and sometimes fear of recurrence. But being an overcomer means choosing to live fully, to celebrate each new day as a victory.
It means embracing your body, your scars, your new normal — and understanding that strength doesn’t fade when the treatment ends. You are still evolving, still healing, still inspiring others through your courage.
Final Thoughts: The Heart of an Overcomer
To be an overcomer is to rise, again and again, no matter how many times life tries to knock you down. It’s about owning your story — the pain, the perseverance, and the power it carries. Breast Cancer Awareness Month isn’t just about remembering the fight — it’s about honoring the survivors, supporting the fighters, and standing strong in hope for those we’ve lost.
You are more than your diagnosis!
You are more than your scars!
You are an overcomer!
And your story continues to inspire others to rise, to believe, and to keep fighting!
Many blessings to all who are overcomers,
Relational Growth Services LLC Team,
Jermel Dortch, Relational Growth Services LLC Founder
What an inspiring event!
Thank you to all the men and women who attended the Domestic Violence Conference and thank you Mt. Zion Missionary for having me as a keynote speaker on October 4, 2025, in Carrollton, GA!
It was an incredible experience. I had the honor of meeting courageous women who have survived domestic violence and hearing their powerful testimonies filled with strength and hope. During my speech, I encouraged them to shift the label from “Survivor” to “Overcomer,” emphasizing the journey of healing and empowerment. I spoke to a large audience — mostly women, with a few men in attendance — and shared insights on the deep connection between domestic violence, trauma, and mental health. I also introduced six transformative steps to help individuals move from surviving to truly overcoming.
To further support the cause, generous donations were gifted to a local women’s shelter, helping provide resources and refuge for those in need. https://www.westgadv.org/
~ J. Dortch
-
The Amazing Phenomena of Peace
Jermel Dortch
Peace. It is one of those profound words that carries far more depth than the simplicity of its five letters. For many of us, peace is not just the absence of conflict, but the presence of something greater calmness in the storm, clarity in chaos, and strength in surrender. It is both a destination we long for and a practice we cultivate daily.In a world filled with distractions, constant noise, and unending demands, peace can feel rare—almost like a miracle. Yet when it arrives, even in fleeting moments, it has the power to shift everything: our mood, our perspective, and even our relationships. The amazing thing about peace is that it is both internal and external. It begins within us, but when nurtured, it radiates outward, influencing the spaces we inhabit and the people around us.
The Many Dimensions of Peace
Peace shows up in different ways in our lives, each carrying its own beauty and purpose:
Inner Peace: The quiet strength within us that allows us to breathe deeply, think clearly, and rest in the assurance that we are enough—even when life is uncertain.
Relational Peace: The bond of harmony between people, where forgiveness, compassion, and respect outweigh our pride or offense.
Spiritual Peace: The deep sense of grounding and connection to God, our faith, or higher meaning that keeps us centered despite the storms.
Environmental Peace: The serenity of nature—the rustling of leaves, the calming waves of the ocean, or the stillness of early morning—that reminds us of life’s simplicity.Each form of peace is a phenomenon in its own right, transforming our ordinary experiences into extraordinary moments of calm and clarity.
Why Peace Feels So Phenomenal
Peace is so amazing because it isn’t dependent on perfect circumstances. In fact, peace often shows up most powerfully in our imperfect situations. Consider how a deep breath in the middle of an argument can reset the tone of a conversation. Or how a quiet prayer at the end
of a long day can bring comfort to an anxious heart. Peace is not about avoiding life’s challenges but about facing them with balance and resilience.Peace also has ripple effects. When we find it within ourselves, it becomes easier to extend it to others. A peaceful parent can create a stable environment for their children. A peaceful leader can foster unity in a divided team. A peaceful mind can bring clarity in moments of decision-making.
Cultivating Peace in Everyday Life
Though peace may feel miraculous at times, it is not unreachable. We can cultivate it with intention through practices such as: Mindfulness and Reflection – Taking time to pause, breathe, and become aware of
our inner state.
Forgiveness – Releasing grudges that weigh on our spirit. Remember forgiveness is us
setting ourselves free.
Gratitude – Focusing on what is good and present in our lives, instead of what is
lacking.
Faith and Prayer – Anchoring our spirit in something greater than ourselves.
Rest – Allowing our bodies and minds the gift of slowing down.When practiced consistently, these simple habits can transform our peace from an occasional phenomenon into a daily lifestyle.
Final Thoughts
Peace is not just an ideal—it is a living, breathing force that can transform our inner world and ripple into the lives of others. It is a gift we receive, a choice we make, and a practice we nurture. The amazing phenomena of peace remind us that even in the loudest seasons of life, there is always a quiet place within us waiting to be discovered.Blessings!
Corporate Organizations
Workplace wellness & burnout prevention
Leadership mental health training
Emotional intelligence in teams
Education Professionals
Mental health in the classroom
Trauma-informed practices
Teacher wellness and resilience
Counseling Professionals
Continuing education & skills development
Ethical and culturally competent care
Peer-to-peer growth networks
Faith-Based Communities
Integrating faith and mental wellness
Clergy and ministry support
Navigating trauma, grief, and healing
Contact Us
We’d love to hear from you! We’re here to answer your questions, listen to your suggestions, or help with your reservations.
Get in touch
We’re here to answer your questions and listen to your suggestions.
Your message has been sent
