Today we’d like to introduce you to Lakeysha Ward.
Hi Lakeysha, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I get asked the question of how did you get started and how all the time. Simply put this is the only gift and talent that I possess and in high school people always asked me for my opinion. When the advice worked out as I stated, people were impressed so I took notice of it. I then began to question how I could make a living from this and started researching my sophomore year in high school. The college path was identified and a game plan was set forth.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Earning the privilege to be a licensed professional counselor supervisor (LPCS) has had its life challenges however academia was always desired because I love to learn a little bit about a lot of bit if that makes sense. There was no guidance in my path in life due to being the first in my immediate family to graduate with a Masters degree, thank you to those that supported me through those trying but interesting times lol. I tend to be astonished at how inquisitive I have always been. My mom will tell anyone that I did not stay a baby long because I advanced through the baby stages a lot faster than she desired. She noted it was always due to my curiosity. Life struggles of working full-time, college full time and having a part time job just to make sure my game plan remained on track was the biggest struggle. If you know you know. Sometimes you have to sacrifice a small piece of time to move towards your goal. At the same time, please be gentle with yourself and provide enough space to tend to yourself just as hard as you are focused on meeting your goals.
As you know, we’re big fans of Ward Counseling. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
LPCS is a classification given to identify your training level to insurance companies. The words counselor or therapist are the typical terms utilized when seeking a trained professional in certain scientifically proven techniques to guide people to living a healthier and happier lifestyle. Since mental health awareness has spread like wild fire and people are seeking help versus suffering in silence, we need more clinicians. Being a counselor/therapist is not for everyone and it takes a special kind of person to do what I do.
I went through 8 years of college, a practicum, unpaid internship, 2 years of clinical supervision, passed 3 different exams to achieve my credentials. Every 2 years I have to accumulate 31 continuing education hours to maintain my licensure in good standing status. 5 yrs later I decided to become a supervisor=a trained clinical who has completed another 40 hours of training to become a supervisor of the non licensed clinicians (licensed professional counselor associates/LPCA) for clinical supervision.
I love what I do and I am grateful that this was my gift. I specialize in depression, anxiety, grief, life stressors, marital/relationship concerns and improving overall mental health for people 18 yrs of age and older. I provide individual and couples counseling. I recently obtained training that certified me to treat people who struggle with ADHD. This is close to my heart due to being diagnosed in my late 30’s with ADHD. This diagnosis was so revealing of a lot of my mannerisms and has taught me so much about myself. Along with my training, I pride myself on being related and making sure to have a strong rapport with my clients. My philosophy is the more a person feels safe and heard, the easier it is to allow those seeds to be planted and ready when you are ready to grow them.
Brand wise I don’t think of myself as a brand. I am an amazing clinician that finds joy in helping those that desire to help themselves with the tools given in session. You can find all my information at www.wardcounseling.net. The best way to reach me is email.
Before we let you go, we’ve got to ask if you have any advice for those who are just starting out?
Advice for people seeking therapy, please be gentle with yourself. You started the first step which is thinking about finding a therapist. Now is the time to find one. Please don’t suffer in silence because it has been known to end in multiple ways that are not conducive to one’s health. I am here to listen, in a nonjudgemental manner and plant small seeds of knowledge to allow you to figure out when to make them grow.
Advice for my future clinicians, do not give up. If this is what you desire as a profession, a career, learn all you can and try different areas of mental health. This will allow you to determine your niche. Don’t let your fear or people pigeon hole you, try it all while in school obtaining training.
I always said I would never have my own private practice however my best friends supported me by planting that seed and I allowed it to grow. I have owned and operated Ward Counseling since 2017. Were there stumbling blocks along the way, absolutely due to there not being a guide to opening my own private practice that was up to date and straight to the point. I will read an academic type book however I did not have time for it so I started researching and piecing my own puzzle together. I later wrote a book- Clinically licensed, now what..a simple guide to starting private practice, for those interested in starting their own business from scratch but in the most simplistic manner. I am also available for consultations.
Pricing:
- Pricing is based off of the persons insurance copay.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://wardcounseling.net
- Instagram: lpcwardk
Image Credits
Dexterous LLC
Created by Paris Thompson
IG: dexterous_art_
