The Scott Manningham Story

My journey to becoming a Licensed Mental Health Counselor has been anything but straightforward. It’s been a path paved with both challenges and triumphs, a journey that has ultimately led me to where I am today – helping others navigate their own mental and emotional landscapes.

I began my professional life as a registered intern. During this time, I made some significant personal strides: I changed my name from Scott Manningham Jacobs to Scott R Manningham (a change my father would have appreciated), purchased my first home, and married the love of my life. We even barbecued during a hurricane (Irma)! I guess you could say I found a sense of peace amidst the storm.

Alone in the Crowd

Growing up as the oldest of 16 children (my mother has 13, my father 3), I often felt like I was navigating a world of my own. Raised in a devout Muslim home, I grappled with a deep sense of disconnect from the faith, feeling like an outsider even within my own family. This feeling of isolation was amplified by the fact that I didn’t share a father with any of my siblings.

We were a family of limited means, and Sunday trips to the food pantry and Goodwill were a regular part of our lives. My mother, bless her heart, did her best with what we had, but there was never enough to go around. Adding to the complexity, my father desperately wanted a relationship with me, but my mother’s sporadic moves to avoid eviction and, I suspect, to keep him at bay, made that nearly impossible.

A Fractured Family

At 12 years old, the yearning for a connection with my father led me to run away. Upon my return, I was met with a look of disappointment in my mother’s eyes that I’ll never forget. “You can go live with your father!” she declared. “Now you can see who he really is.”

The reality of living with my father was a far cry from the idealized image I had created in my mind. He was battling his own demons – addiction and a string of tumultuous relationships – that shattered the illusion of the “perfect” family I had glimpsed during weekend visits. Despite the chaos, I felt a stubborn loyalty to him. I chose my father.

A Difficult Choice

When my father and stepmother divorced, my heart felt like it was breaking. No one asked how I felt, but I buried those emotions, convinced that I needed to be “strong.” My father, perhaps sensing my vulnerability, forced me to choose between the stability of my mother’s home and the chaos of his. Again, I chose my father.

Years later, I asked him why he’d made me leave my mother’s when he knew it was the better choice. “I felt like they were going to make you like them more than me,” he confessed. His absence, fueled by his struggles with addiction and relationships, left a void in my life.

It was during this time that I found solace in music, forming a rap group called Strik 9ine with my high school friends. We poured our hearts and souls into our music, and our bond translated into an electrifying stage presence. We were trending before trending was even a thing!

From Struggles to Success

The distractions of newfound fame and the emotional turmoil of my parents’ divorce took a toll on my grades. My GPA plummeted, but thankfully, a compassionate football coach saw my potential and helped me secure a spot at a small college.

My first attempt at college was short-lived. I dropped out, convinced that I wasn’t “college material.” I took a job cutting down trees for the power company—a grueling experience that reignited my appreciation for education. With renewed determination, I returned to college, this time with a different mindset and a newfound focus.

While pursuing my degree, I continued to nurture my musical aspirations with Strik 9ine. Our fan base grew, and we even had a song hit #1 on the Billboard charts! But life had another plan in store for me.

A Turning Point

The birth of my daughter, Serenity Rayne, changed everything. Suddenly, I was gripped by a familiar feeling: fear. Fear that she would experience the same hardships I had, fear that I would repeat my father’s mistakes. I was determined to provide her with a stable and loving family.

Driven by this newfound sense of responsibility, I joined the United States Army shortly after graduating from college. Within a year, I found myself deployed to Iraq, facing the harsh realities of war. During my 19-month deployment, I witnessed the fragility of life firsthand, an experience that left an indelible mark on my soul.

A Dark Chapter

After leaving the military, I channeled my experiences into music, co-founding a record label with a close friend. But beneath the façade of strength and bravado, I was struggling. I masked my vulnerability with alcohol and fleeting relationships, ultimately leading to the breakdown of my marriage.

The birth of my son, Scott “Duce,” brought a renewed sense of purpose, but my emotional turmoil continued to simmer beneath the surface. While touring the country with my music, I experienced a health scare that forced me to confront the reality of my situation.

A Battle for Life

After months of uncertainty and numerous medical tests, I was diagnosed with a rare tumor. My world crumbled around me. As I lay in a hospital bed, facing my mortality, my wife served me with divorce papers. In that moment of vulnerability, I felt a profound sense of loneliness and regret.

But amidst the darkness, a spark ignited within me. I realized that my purpose was to prepare my children for life, even in my absence. This realization fueled my determination to heal, both physically and emotionally.

The Road to Recovery

The years that followed were a time of intense physical and emotional healing. I underwent multiple surgeries and grappled with the debilitating effects of anxiety and depression. I was forced to confront my emotions head-on, a battle that proved to be more challenging than any I had faced before.

Through therapy, self-reflection, and a relentless pursuit of knowledge, I began to understand the complexities of my own mind. I learned to identify my triggers, challenge negative thought patterns, and cultivate self-compassion.

A pivotal moment in my recovery was a long-overdue conversation with my father. We finally addressed the unresolved issues between us, and in that moment, I felt a sense of closure and forgiveness.

Turning the Page

Armed with a newfound understanding of myself and a Master’s degree in Professional Counseling, I embarked on a new chapter. I moved to Florida and began working with at-risk youth, a role that allowed me to use my experiences to help others.

The sudden death of my father brought a wave of grief and unresolved emotions. But through journaling, self-reflection, and a commitment to personal growth, I learned to navigate my grief and honor his memory.

Today, I am dedicated to helping others find their own path to healing and well-being. My journey has taught me the power of resilience, the importance of self-compassion, and the transformative potential of therapy.