Honour Sithole arrived in the United States from Zimbabwe in 2000 with just $100 in his pocket, a modest start for the man who would become one of America’s leading mental health advocates. Today, Sithole is a Licensed Professional Counselor-Supervisor, known for his pioneering work in mental health and advocacy for the Black community. His new book, Dare to Be, traces his journey from immigrant to trusted expert in the field, offering practical guidance on personal growth and resilience.
Sithole’s early years in the U.S. were marked by perseverance. He pursued education and licensure as a mental health professional, determined to create a space where underrepresented voices would feel supported and understood.
In 2012, he founded Inside Fitness 360 Professional Counseling and Life Coaching, a practice focused on providing culturally sensitive mental health care. Over the past decade, Sithole has transformed over 30,000 lives through counseling sessions that blend a focus on emotional wellness with physical health—a philosophy rooted in his belief that mind, body, and spirit are interconnected.
Inside Fitness 360 was recognized as the “Face of Mental Health” in 2018 for its innovative approach, bringing a holistic perspective to therapy that resonates with clients from all walks of life. Sithole’s work and personal journey have also made him a sought-after speaker, including an appearance in 2022 on the Dear Future Wifey podcast, where he discussed his career and the challenges he faced as an immigrant in the mental health field. In his book, Dare to Be, he weaves together his personal experiences with insights on building confidence, finding purpose, and staying authentic in a world full of pressures to conform.
Reflecting on his early challenges, Sithole said, “Coming to America with just $100 and building a practice that has received recognition from the Texas State Senate taught me profound lessons about resilience and self-belief.” Dare to Be, he explained, is his way of sharing those lessons with others, hoping to inspire people to overcome their own obstacles.
Sithole’s contributions have not gone unnoticed. In addition to his recognition from the Texas State Senate, he was named among the top 100 Black therapists in 2022 by the Boris Lawrence Henson Foundation, an organization founded by actress Taraji P. Henson to promote mental health awareness in the Black community. He also received the 2020 Richard E. Hopkins “Torch” Award for his ongoing support of men’s mental health.
Beyond individual counseling, Sithole has extended his impact to corporate environments, where he consults on creating psychologically safe workplaces. His corporate training programs address critical aspects of workplace wellness, from reducing employee burnout to fostering emotionally intelligent leadership. “My goal is to help organizations build environments where employees feel safe, understood, and valued,” Sithole said. “When people feel supported, they perform better, communicate more effectively, and experience less stress.”
Sithole’s approach has led to significant improvements in employee satisfaction and retention for several of his clients. Companies that have adopted his strategies report higher levels of team collaboration and improved morale, along with decreased stress and burnout—a critical need as mental health concerns in the workplace continue to rise.
Over his 20-year career, Sithole has advised government agencies, professional athletes, and corporations on best practices in mental health and wellness. His experience in leadership development and corporate wellness has made him a trusted advisor, with insights that resonate well beyond the confines of traditional counseling. Sithole’s emphasis on psychological safety and well-being has helped shape policies and practices that are increasingly being adopted by organizations across the country.
With Dare to Be, Sithole hopes to reach an even broader audience. The book, he says, is not just a story of his journey but a guide for anyone looking to take control of their life, embrace their strengths, and find their purpose. It’s a message that has been a driving force throughout his career: the belief that with resilience, courage, and self-awareness, anyone can overcome their challenges and achieve meaningful change.
