Today we’d like to introduce you to Dr. Stacia Alexander.
So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
In the 7th grade, I saw a book on the shelf in our living room simply labeled Psychology. The book was some of the few things my father left behind when my parents divorced. This particular day was hard for me because my mom and I were arguing.
I picked up the book in hopes of understanding why family was so messed up. I read segments of the book consistently for years looking for answers. It also sparked a passion in me to help other families. I studied child development, family systems, and psychology fervently from that point on.
Both of my grandfathers were entrepreneurs so I owning a business was ingrained in me from childhood. However, starting and managing a private practice was different from running a store. It took me years to develop the program, and we have helped over 10,000 people in the Dallas and Ft. Worth metroplex.
Great, 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?
This has not been a smooth road. Mental health services are impacted by the economy and the community just like any other business. There have been times when funding for such programs was slashed by over 50% or entire programs eliminated because one politician or another did not believe in the usefulness of the services.
The changing perspectives on the importance of mental health in recent years has been positive, and the changes are felt overall. More people are receptive to coming to counseling, and we have been in the position to help them.
Personally, raising a family and running a practice has been a challenge. I am thankful for the support of a husband who understands my late night and weekend schedules. And my children fully embrace the work I do in the community. I have been able to maintain a reasonable balance because of the trust and respect we have amongst us.
Please tell us about Positive Influences.
Positive Influences maintains a professionally trained staff of mental health professionals. Each clinician and facilitator practicing at our centers have extensive training in working with clients in both individual and group settings. I am blessed to have developed and provided these services to people in Dallas/Ft. Worth communities for almost twenty years.
When we calculated the stats approximately seven years ago, we learned over 10,000 people had been helped through the offices. This is an impact. And we continue the work today. Our work is primarily with families as we are able to offer counseling services to families with children between 0 and 17 at no charge to the family.
With the growth of my business, I have expanded my platform to include speaking and consulting. A passion project I host annually is August Accountability: 31 Days of Action. It is a fully interactive month-long workshop every August filled with activities for each of the four quadrants. Each quadrant is extensively discussed to help participants identify the areas of their every day routines them of their peace.
The harmony that we all seek is established by having high levels of accountability in the quadrants. Every woman needs to know that while our goals do not have feelings (meaning deal with your feelings so that you can achieve your goals) that GOALS ARE IMPORTANT! #GAI
Recently, my husband, children and I settled down and wrote a book, “The Balancing Act Family Guide.” All four of us have transparent discussions about the core principles necessary to raise a healthy family. The opportunity to share our stories have helped hundreds of families because it offers not only the perspectives of the parents but also how children view what they observe in the home.
Do you look back particularly fondly on any memories from childhood?
There are so many happy memories from my childhood. I had the treasure of growing up in the city and spending summers in the country. We were a close-knit family that always stressed the importance of education. I appreciate most the spirit of the village raising the child. I was the only child between my mother and father, so I was always in someone else’s house spending time with them when my mama had to work.
Talking to “old people” never intimidated me and I had so many questions. And honestly, I can not recall anyone treating me as a child when I asked the questions. My father appreciated my ability to think and inquire. My mother was drained by creativeness that called on every measure of energy she had daily. My grandmothers picked me up regularly, and I often write about my times with them.
Both of my grandmothers are named Rosie (Rosye). So, I thought everyone’s grandmother was named Rosie until I was in kindergarten. But my Rosies were the best grandmothers for me. One was a maid, and one was an accountant. Between the two of them, there was no way I could fail because they told me constantly that I was put here on this earth for a purpose!
Contact Info:
- Website: www.PositiveInfluences.org
- Phone: 4692277847
- Instagram: drstaciaalexander
- Facebook: Positive Influences
- Twitter: Stacia_PI
- Yelp: www.StaciaAlexander.com
- Other: www.AlexandersBalancingAct.com
Image Credit:
Taylor Alexander, Chris Booth, Percy Bryant III
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.
