Today we’d like to introduce you to Shanta Jackson.
Shanta, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
Honestly, I’m not sure how all of this started. I went to a law magnet here in Dallas, then off to TWU in Denton as a Criminal Justice major, I was going to be the lawyer of the family. Being the first to graduate from college, I took that role seriously in hopes of changing the trajectory of my families history. However, the universe had a different plan, and I ultimately became the therapist of the family after taking a psychology elective during undergrad, that left me heading straight to my advisor’s office and switching my major from Criminal Justice to Psychology. I didn’t know that I wanted to be a therapist, I just knew I was always intrigued by how people’s mind’s worked, how their stories are connected to their perspective, and ultimately how they behave, react, and respond to most things that happened to them in life.
Fast forward… I started out in my field after becoming licensed as a Professional Counselor working in the community, from clinics to hospitals, to working with probationers and parolees, and individuals addicted to opioids I noticed that my field was a little dated, there was this cookie-cutter idea of how the therapist is supposed to be. I tried fitting into that mold, and my personality constantly seeped out. I remember my mom asking me how I was as a therapist, and I would always say… “I am like your homegirl, I can relate to you, like your homegirl.” And my mom said, “The Homegirl Therapist.” I said… yes exactly! And Boom! Here I am, “The Homegirl Therapist.” Thanks, Mom!
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc. – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
Nope! It was all bumpy, it still is bumpy! But I am learning to love myself through it, and know that the road isn’t meant to be easy, and its all a part of the process.
I struggle mostly with the business side of things, being aware of my numbers, knowing my trends, identifying what marketing tools work and what doesn’t. I wasn’t taught those things, so I am having to figure it out along the way. So, sometimes, I can be pretty hard on myself, and I fail to see how far I’ve come. I’m learning to get out of my own way!
What I would tell other women starting their journey is to…expect some failures, they’re coming. But know that it is a part of the process, and you MUST love yourself through it. And when things get a little overwhelming, it’s okay to pause, take a minute, gather what you got, get it together, and press play when you’re ready. Notice I didn’t say stop, just pause. Remember to show yourself grace, speak kindly to yourself, and every once in a while, walk away and remember who the hell you are! You got this!
Please tell us more about your work, what you are currently focused on and most proud of.
I am a Licensed Professional Counselor and I currently run my private practice in Dallas with my business partner, full time. I provide individual therapy, couples/marriage therapy, and family therapy. I specialize in working with individuals who are dealing with Depression and Anxiety, relationship issues, stress, women’s issues, postpartum depression, as well as self-discovery, learning self-love, and setting boundaries. I also have life coach services, as well as transitional services to assist high school seniors to transition into college.
Also, we have exciting services that I call The Homegirl Therapy groups, where you can get together with a group of your friends or family members in a safe space to learn, grow, unite, and feel supported. I will be there to facilitate activities and discussions and teaching on popular topics. Think of a girls night in, but with a therapist!
I also do speaking engagements discussing the importance of therapy, mental health, and self-love. I utilize my social media to educate about therapy & mental health while encouraging self-love, and self-care. I work extremely hard to normalize therapy, to change the perception of what we think therapy is, or what a therapist looks like. I want my clients to know that I see them, I hear them, and that they are worthy of happiness, of joy, and love.
I can’t say what sets me apart from others, I don’t focus on that at all. I know that in life and in business, not everyone will pick up what you’re putting down, and that is okay… I have to focus on being me. My husband said it best, “you can never go wrong with just being you.” The Homegirl Therapist lives by that!
For good reason, society often focuses more on the problems rather than the opportunities that exist, because the problems need to be solved. However, we’d probably also benefit from looking for and recognizing the opportunities that women are better positioned to capitalize on. Have you discovered such opportunities?
Women are well-positioned for ALL opportunities! But the beautiful thing of what’s going on right now, is women are creating the opportunities. Women are on fire and will continue to be, there are so many bomb women walking around Dallas running businesses, brands, creating events, hosting events, killing it in the corporate world, amazing artists, and creatives who are all women doing amazing things!
I think this is why I am also so passionate about my brand, I want to unify women, I want to uplift, and create a sisterhood of women who support one another while working to assist the generation coming behind us to be better.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.thehomegirltherapist.com
- Email: thehomegirltherapist@gmail.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thehomegirltherapist/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sjacksonlpcintern/
Getting in touch: VoyageDallas is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
