Today we’d like to introduce you to Jasmine Ricks.
Jasmine, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
My name is Jasmine Ricks, Licensed Therapist, and Professional Counselor. From humble beginnings in Louisiana, being raised solely by my mother, to ambitious entrepreneur, mother, and owner of my own virtual practice. I created my practice with women like myself in mind. Women determined to be their own definition of success. However, needing additional support to overcome challenges which have or currently impact them and hinder them from becoming their highest version of self. As a licensed professional and a woman who has personally overcome her own trauma experiences and struggles with self-worth, my mission is to help other individuals utilizing my professional expertise and awareness to heal, grow, and overcome their own barriers to access a more meaningful and satisfying life.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not, what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
It has not been an easy road. The greatest challenges I faced were learning how to run a business while also finding a balance to managing the separate roles I occupy. As a therapist, I went to college to become a therapist and typically therapist are not taught how to navigate the business world which is essential to being a successful practice owner. It is a great asset even if you do delegate some of the business responsibilities to others, so you can have a basic understanding of what’s going on with your own business and not blindly trusting someone to do it for you. The second challenge was balancing my different roles. Initially, when I started my business, I didn’t know anything about business as mentioned earlier lol, which means it required a great deal of commitment to develop skills while being a therapist, mother, and individual requiring self-care. I struggled to find a balance until I started established boundaries and limitations. Time management & boundaries are a saving grace. I organized my schedule to make sure I scheduled time to work on my business, see client and time doing activities with my son and things I enjoy as an individual. Most importantly, I set boundaries with myself by honoring my commitments I have made, which means when I have identified a specific day or time I will focus on a task or activity. I make sure I am present and focused only on that task or role. I also learned to let go, ask for help, and delegate. I am not going to become an accountant overnight and magically develop expertise in that area. I found it best to ask for help from skilled professionals to alleviate stressors so I can focus on what I enjoy doing.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I am a Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist and Professional Counselor. I provide several specialty therapeutic services including working with individuals, couples, and families with a focus on multiculturalism, trauma, and relationships. As a LMFT, I received a formal education and extensive training to uniquely equip me to work with clients by understanding the importance of the broader influences impacting an individual’s life such as family, community, society, race, gender, and orientation. I also understand the direct and indirect impact of being a member of a marginalized group today. I am most proud of myself for being able to create a therapy space that is inclusive to the unique experiences of Black and Brown communities. I am also proud I get to serve as representation for my community while changing the image and narrative of mental health. Everyone deserves a space where they can see themselves, feel seen, and heard. I enjoy the work I do in contributing to others’ healing, growth, and helping increase the awareness of the importance of taking care of your mental health.
Is there any advice you’d like to share with our readers who might just be starting out?
I have a few tips. My first tip would be identify small practical goals. There is no medal for burning yourself out. The second tip would be seeking helpful encouraging and positive support. People who pour into you, in the form of (not limited to) mentors in your field, Business coaches, and therapists. The third tip I would say is be open to evolving and changing. As people, we are constantly changing and it’s o
Contact Info:
- Email: Jasmine@Jasminericks.com
- Website: Jasminericks.com
- Instagram: JasmineRicksLPCLMFT
- Facebook: JasmineRicksLPCLMFT
