Today we’d like to introduce you to Charisse Huey.
Hi Charisse, so excited to have you on the platform. So, before we get into questions about your work life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today.
I am the oldest of five daughters. I love saying that! Lol! I am a mother of three and grandmother of six. My husband has a tribe of his own. He has four children and A LOT of grandchildren. Yep, we are a huge family, something like the Brady Bunch. I also have 16 nieces and nephews. I was a young mother, having two daughters of my own, when I walked across my high school graduation stage. I DID IT! Not only did I complete high school with two children, but I went on to achieve three college degrees: Associate of Criminal Justice, Bachelor of Social Work, and Master of Social Work. After I graduated with my bachelor’s degree, I knew I had to move away from my hometown in Lubbock to get my Master’s. In 2008 my family and I decided to move to the DFW. We planned to stay long enough for me to graduate from UTA. But after seeing all of the opportunities, we decided to remain planted in the DFW.
A big question I always ask other Social Workers is why you became a Social Worker. I want to answer that for you. I grew up in the “hood” in the 90s, and if you come from that era and neighborhood, you know that our perspectives about the criminal justice system are very different. Before moving to Arlington, I lived in Austin and went to UT. I spoke with an advisor who took the time to hear my values, interests, and goals there. She educated me about the vast opportunities a Social Work degree would afford me. She changed the trajectory of my life just by listening. I know there may be people who say she was doing her job. I say there are people who don’t take the time to listen and understand a different perspective, even if it is their job. I thank that UT Advisor. She broadened my mind to the possibilities.
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey has been a fairly smooth road?
I am a small business owner, and I prefer to believe the majority of small business owners have similar challenges. My biggest one is balancing work, family, friends, and myself. I love all of my roles, but I know that any percentage of time spent in one could equal less time in another. I’m still learning how to balance and ensure “me time” is on the agenda.
Thanks – so, what else should our readers know about Transitions of Life Services, LLC?
I am the owner/psychotherapist of Transitions of Life Services (TOLS), located in Lancaster, TX. My client population is aged 15 older adults. I see clients having difficulty coping with stress, anxiety, depression, relationship concerns, work issues, LGBTQI+ concerns, grief, and trauma. I am certified in trauma and grief therapy. I see clients in person and virtually.
In addition to my therapy practice, I am a state-recognized Supervisor. For Social Workers to become licensed to operate independently as Licensed Clinical Social Workers, we must have 24 months of supervision by a state-approved LCSW-S. I am recognized as a Social Worker in Texas who can supervise Social Workers looking to upgrade their license.
In Texas, to be approved to adopt children, you must complete a Home Study with a Social Worker. I am state approved to conduct adoption home studies.
What quality or characteristic do you feel is most important to your success?
Good Social Workers have a desire in their heart to impact people, families, and/or institutions and policies. You must be an advocate because the world is not equal. Like my advisor, you must want to understand to learn about a person’s challenges, in turn, will make you want to stand up against inequality and injustice.
As a therapist, you have to be able to listen. Most people want to be heard and sometimes vent. As a therapist, I listen to my clients and try to see the picture they are not showing. There are multiple reasons a client doesn’t show the whole picture, but primarily it is to mask hurt, shame, guilt, fear, loneliness, and/or sadness. The first couple of sessions is the most important because rapport is being built. If you cannot build a steady ground for the client/therapist relationship, nine times out of ten, you won’t be able to grow your practice. That relationship is the most important transaction that takes place in a session. It is how clients allow vulnerability to happen. Once a client becomes vulnerable, true healing and coping begin.
I needed a massive amount of faith to get to where I am, and I continue to need it to get to where I am going.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.charissehueysolutions.com
Image Credits
NJ Stevenson
Ebby’s Touch
