Today we’d like to introduce you to Jamiya Reese
Hi Jamiya, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
During my studies in college, I learned about a man named Abraham Maslow and his theory called a hierarchy of needs. He believed humans had 5 basic needs and he identified these needs in a layered pyramid. At the very bottom of the pyramid was safety and from there I knew how important safe spaces and experiences were. As a young African American female, I was already challenged with the question of, “where and when do people feel safe?”. As I continued my studies and took on internships at different organizations, I was then challenged with another question, “How can they grow past life’s challenges and feel safe again if they don’t?”. Like a gardener who needs various tools and elements to help a plant grow, I too took up as many skills, experiences, and certifications to help people grow! No matter what your background was or what you were dealing with, I knew that anyone could grow into the version of themselves they genuinely aspired to be with the right elements. However, as I acquired all these tools, I noticed there was still a need for me to cultivate the element of safety in order for individuals to truly see change. If we think about it, a gardener can have all the tools in their belt, but it doesn’t matter if the important environmental elements are missing! From there Growtopia was born. A therapeutic safe place that meets you where you are with quality service and no judgement. A safe space where you can grow into the version of yourself that you aspire to be. Are you feeling like a cactus stranded in the desert? We got you, we can help you grow! Do you feel like a wildflower in the middle of a storm? Don’t worry, we can help you grow too!
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
There were some challenges along the way, but I like to see them as growing points. There have been moments throughout my education and professional career that have encouraged me to grow into the person that you see today. Having the courage to plant the seed and starting Growtopia was something I had to overcome. The images and perception of mental health providers are changing; however, African American mental health providers only make up about 11.3% of the population and the average age is about 44 years of age. So, being a young multifaceted African American female offering a new wave of therapy called emotional transformation therapy can present great benefits as well as challenges. Also, graduate school does not necessarily include business or entrepreneur skills. I had the to overcome trying to access resources or acquire equipment to provide quality therapy that other big clinics already had. Starting out as a solo private practice owner, you wear many hats that you’ve never worn before. You find yourself at the office until 2AM trying to put up wallpaper while trying to make sure you get enough sleep for the next workday full of therapy sessions. Even when the tears or yawns come, I take immense joy when my client walk in and smells the new lavender oil I bought for the diffuser. Or when I watch their shoulders drop as their tears flow while they curl up on a couch I stayed up until late hours helping construct. Challenges just give me the opportunity to grow and I’m grateful for them.
As you know, we’re big fans of Growtopia. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
My name is Jamiya Reese, and I am a mental health therapist located in Dallas TX. I am the sole practitioner and founder of Growtopia. I started Growtopia as a private practice offering mental health services to individuals in the local DFW area. Growtopia is a unique place I cultivated for individuals seeking safe spaces to grow past life challenges and to explore a variety of mental spaces! I provide mental health services to individuals from ages 12 to 50 plus years of age. I am certified in emotional transformation therapy which is a therapeutic method incorporating the use of light, color wavelengths, and eye movements, aiming to rapidly transform emotional distress and related physical pain into a positive emotional state. I am also certified in Sandtray therapy, which is a therapeutic technique that uses a tray of sand along with small tools, toys, or figurines to help people express themselves without words. It allows individuals to create scenes that reflect their inner thoughts, feelings, and experiences. And one of my recent certifications I have obtained is anger management.
What makes you happy?
I try to find happiness in everything, so there are an eclectic variety of things that make me happy. Finding a name brand sweater at the thrift store for a good deal makes me happy! My client telling me how they were able to finally face their fears sends me over the moon! Sitting down over a hot meal with friends or loved ones after a long day of sessions makes me happy! Life is unpredictable so I’m going to find the happiness no matter the circumstances. This is harder said than done. So, my last sentiment on what genuinely makes me happy is when other people remind me why I do what I do. When it’s hard for me to smile it definitely helps when you have other people in your life that love to see you smile as well!
Contact Info:
- Instagram: @growtopia.mentalhealth
- Facebook: @growtopia.mentalhealth
- Other: https://www.psychologytoday.com/profile/1428643
Image Credits
@visionsbyken
