February 7, 2025 • 24 mins
Get your step by step guide to private practice. Because you are too important to lose to not knowing the rules, going broke, burning out, and giving up. #counselorsdontquit.
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Episode Transcript
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Speaker 1 (00:03):
and I can edit anything, so don't worry about
it, I'll have cool, all right?
Hey, I'm Dr Kate Walker and Iam welcoming Nakia Roberson to
the podcast today because she isone of the finalists in our
2024 practice grant giveaway.
And also you shout out a littlebit you took the supervisor
training, so you're also agraduate of the Kate Walker
(00:26):
Training 40-Hour SupervisorTraining which is super cool.
So glad you're here and we getto highlight you today.
So I want to hear all about youtoday and so you know, this is
all part of share the love and alot of times, as counselors, we
don't know how to refer to eachother right.
We don't understand the powerof networking, we don't
(00:46):
understand the power of just,you know, promoting each other,
because, you know, we're taughtto compete with our fellow
businesses and that just doesn'twork.
So thank you so much for beinghere, thanks for entering the
practice grant giveaway and, yay, let's get started.
So you want to.
Speaker 2 (01:05):
I'm excited.
I'm excited that I won I'm soglad.
Speaker 1 (01:09):
I'm so glad you're here.
It's so neat because you havebeen I know you've been in the
step it up membership and you'veI've just I've seen you in
different groups and things likethat and you've just always
asked such great questions and II kind of I stock all those
social web things Right, and soI see that you're growing and I
see that you're asking questionsabout growing and all of these
(01:30):
things and I'm like, ooh, thatis so cool.
So, yeah, let's do more of that.
Speaker 2 (01:34):
Yes, absolutely.
I'm excited.
And just to plug in, I don'tknow if you remember, but you
were my professor in.
Oh, good Lord, I don't rememberthat.
Oh my gosh, where which youwere my professor in um grad
school for the practicum when wewere doing the behind the was
it?
Is it practicum when we'redoing behind, where you have to
see the clients and you have toview us behind the, the window
(01:56):
or whatever?
Speaker 1 (01:58):
uh-huh, uh-huh, so that was Sam Houston.
Yeah, oh my, that's been aminute, nakia, that's like
almost 10 years ago.
Oh my gosh, that's so cool.
I don't, I'm so sorry.
No, just don't even remember.
But thank you.
Speaker 2 (02:16):
That's okay.
That's okay.
But I was like, oh, youremember?
Yes, when I joined thesupervision program that you
have, and when I saw the name, Iwas like why does that name
sound familiar?
And I was like she was myprofessor.
Speaker 1 (02:31):
Small world.
See, it's a small world here.
Speaker 2 (02:34):
Full circle.
Speaker 1 (02:35):
Look at it.
I love it.
I love it.
See, this is what I tell peopleabout.
When you supervise, you aregrowing your own colleagues like
you are literally creating yourown colleagues, and that's so.
I love this.
You are growing your owncolleagues like you are
literally creating your owncolleagues, and that's so.
I love this.
I love that, thank you.
All right, I'm putting on theglasses.
So, first and foremost, whereare you located and how can
(02:57):
listeners refer clients to you?
Speaker 2 (03:10):
So talk a little bit about your ideal client and all
that good stuff.
Okay, so I work a virtualpractice in the state of Texas,
and so I see clients across thestate of Texas, and the name of
my practice is Next StageCounseling and Wellness, and so
anybody can contact me by goingto the website
nextstagecounselingcom me bygoing to the website
nextstagecounselingcom.
You can also reach us via emailby going to connect at
(03:31):
nextstagecom, and I am growingmy group practice and so I'm
super duper excited about that.
And so we see clients, we seeindividuals, we see couples
getting ready to start withgroups and things of that nature
, and I'm also a certified sextherapist and so I see clients
in that capacity as well, and sodoes the other clinicians in my
(03:53):
practice.
They see clients dealing withindividual grief, adjustment,
any type of trauma, things ofthat nature.
So my focus and my goal is justto help individuals to live
well, no matter what's happeningin life.
Right, because we can grievewell, we can do all things well
sometimes.
We just need to know how.
Speaker 1 (04:16):
And so you said the email.
But I also, in stalking yourwebsite, saw you have these
great portals, right?
You have portals for existingclients.
You also have a button for new,I think right.
So tell us like, if I'm goingto say, hey, you've got to go
check out this therapist, dothis thing.
Would they just go to yourwebsite and click a button, or
(04:36):
do they need to get on email?
Speaker 2 (04:38):
Yes.
So if you are a client lookingfor services, you would just go
to the website.
You will determine what it isthat you're looking for.
Do you want to work withsomeone for couples work?
Do you want to work withsomeone for individual work?
And so then you click thebutton and then the button is
going to take you to an intake.
Well, not an intake form, buttake you to a consultation
(04:58):
pre-consultation form For you tocomplete.
Someone from our office willcontact you.
So, after you schedule, thenyou will get contacted from
someone from our office and wewill talk to you about what your
needs and what your desires areand match you with a therapist
who will be the best person towork with you.
Speaker 1 (05:15):
That sounds easy.
Would they contact throughemail or phone?
Speaker 2 (05:19):
You will get contacted.
So, basically, when you go tothe website and you click the
link, you're going to scheduleyour appointment.
The appointments are via phoneand so someone will contact you
via phone.
So you will leave yourinformation there and you'll be
contacted via phone.
Speaker 1 (05:32):
Nice, okay.
So no chance of someone likejust sending an email and it
going to spam.
They're going to be waiting fora real person to contact them.
Kind of triage them and figureout what's going to be the best
fit at your practice and thenthey get plugged in.
Speaker 2 (05:46):
Absolutely, Absolutely.
You will be waiting for someoneto give you a phone call and
our consultations are not thetypical 15 minutes, so it's
about 20, 25 minutes, and thenfor couples, our consultation is
45 minutes.
Now for couples.
That's the only difference Forcouples the phone consultation,
the consultation.
I'm couples, that's the onlydifference For couples the phone
(06:09):
consultation, the consultation.
I'm sorry, it's not a phoneconsultation, it is a virtual
consultation.
Okay, we do ask that bothpartners are available for the
virtual consultation.
For a couple who is looking fortherapy.
Speaker 1 (06:20):
Wonderful that sounds You're dealing with two
individuals.
Speaker 2 (06:22):
Right, and so we try to make sure that both people
are on board and wanting to moveforward.
We're doing the work.
Speaker 1 (06:28):
I love that.
Ok, so next question what doyou love about your business?
Speaker 2 (06:36):
What do I love?
I love witnessing thetransformation that happens when
a client embraces their choiceright, their choice to change
and live well under any type ofcircumstance that they're going
through.
I strongly believe that we haveto make a choice to change and
(07:00):
in order to do that, we have tohave self-awareness, we have to
have clarity and we have to havea desire.
And so when I see clientstransform and they're beginning
to see that, oh my gosh, thatI'm choosing this and guess what
?
I like it.
I like this choice that I'mmaking, Because sometimes we
choose to live or to do thingsthat are not conducive or
(07:25):
aligned to where we want to goin life and we don't like it.
So when clients are able to say,oh my gosh, even the little
steps, you know, I tell clientsdon't negate the baby steps.
And so we have to take thosesmall little steps.
And so helping a client to say,hey, although you're not where
you want to be, you're not where, you're not where you were when
you first started seeing me,where you want to be, you're not
(07:46):
where you were when you firststarted seeing me, you're not
where you were last week, right,and so for them to be able to
see that and that light bulb gooff like, oh my gosh, oh, even
though it's small, that is achange, and so that is my
favorite part.
It's like you know.
So sometimes I have to bringclients back, say stop, you know
you're saying that you're notmaking progress or you're not
doing this.
Let's, let me go back in mynotes and let's look OK, session
(08:08):
five.
This is what you say.
And then when they're like ohyeah, I'm like see, look at that
, you're making progress.
I love that.
I love that.
Speaker 1 (08:20):
Well, your passion is just everywhere here.
I mean you are so encouragingand the fact that you see the
solutions where the clientsdon't, I mean you've got to be
that the butterfly because youknow, as a caterpillar you're
(08:47):
crawling and then you emergeinto this beautiful butterfly.
Speaker 2 (08:49):
But before you do that you have to go into the
cocoon phase and sometimes phase, and sometimes that's what
therapy is.
That is me getting along bymyself, going through this phase
of you know, because abutterfly they liquefy, right,
the caterpillar will liquefy.
And I tell my clients all thetime that we go through this
change process it doesn't alwaysfeel good.
It doesn't always feel good.
I have to be alone, by myself,and I have to deal with things
(09:11):
that are probably not going tofeel good and probably going to
be uncomfortable, but it is sothat I can emerge and begin to
soar and fly high.
Speaker 1 (09:20):
I love that, I love that, and so tell me kind of,
that's, that's Nakia thecounselor, but what about Nakia
the entrepreneur, business owner?
What do you think aboutbusiness?
Speaker 2 (09:34):
Yes, what do I love about the business?
I love seeing other cliniciansOne of the things because, as a
supervisor, I love seeing otherclinicians grow.
I love them being able to taketheir client from point A to
point B.
(09:54):
I love teaching.
That is my background and so,being that type of person, it
just, you know, justtransformation, to see the
transformation in my clients, tosee the transformation in
working with other clinicians,like all of that is something
that I'm very, very passionateabout right, being able to help
(10:15):
the next generation.
You love people.
Speaker 1 (10:18):
I do and you have to, and with the entrepreneur piece
, I mean you're, you're teachingthe people that you bring on
how to be sort of entrepreneursas well.
Right, because they'reresponsible for themselves,
they're responsible for you know, and that's sometime the first
time folks have been in thatposition and you've got to
(10:41):
mentor them along.
Speaker 2 (10:42):
Yes, absolutely Absolutely.
Speaker 1 (10:45):
And, side note, you do supervise associates LPC
associates in private practice,correct?
I do, okay.
So if you're listening to this,just I hope you made a little
check mark right there, becausethat's, we need those unicorns,
all right.
Next question when do youstruggle in your business and I
(11:06):
don't know.
Maybe we can brainstorm alittle bit about what you need.
Speaker 2 (11:10):
Absolutely so as a business owner.
I love being a business owner, Ilove the freedom that I have as
a business owner.
But the thing is right now,with me transitioning from being
a solopreneur to being someonewho has a group practice, I
think that is a little bit ofthe struggle, and so I would say
(11:32):
it is me having a consistent,strategic marketing plan for my
business so that I can grow itand expand it beyond myself, and
so I think that would probablybe one of the struggles that I
would say that I have is tryingto figure that out, the
(11:53):
overwhelm that that cansometimes be.
Sometimes in school we don'tlearn the business, all of the
business pieces and the businesscomponents.
And so, being someone who lovespeople, like you said, I love
people, I love working withpeople, I love the
transformation of clients andworking with other business
(12:13):
owners and things of that naturethat I sometimes can forget the
business aspect of it.
And so now that I'm growing mypractice, I think that is my
biggest struggle is themarketing and being consistent
and things like that.
Speaker 1 (12:29):
Well, what do you think would help you and I'm
going to put a caveat on thatbecause you are such an active
member in Texas CounselorsCreating Badass Businesses, the
Facebook group, and I do see youasking questions and I do see
people connecting with you andhopefully you getting answers
that way.
But what do you think would behelpful for?
Speaker 2 (12:48):
you.
So that's one of the things isbeing a part of a group of
people who are not gatekeeping,I should say, you know, people
who are open to sharing, sharingtheir experiences and not just
telling me the good, but givingme you know the bad and the ugly
(13:09):
, so that, therefore, I can knowhow to navigate.
So I think that is one of thethings learning and figuring out
some things that I couldpossibly outsource or automate
(13:31):
has been helpful, even in beingin the groups, and so I think
being in those groups theFacebook groups but then also
going to networking events whichis something that I have put on
my list of things to do forthis upcoming year is to put
myself out there and going tomore networking events and not
being afraid to ask for help.
Speaker 1 (13:50):
So when you say networking events, you mean not
just counselors, right, you'retalking about just the general
entrepreneur type of networking,and we had an episode with Mark
Tovar about that, just theimportance of networking.
Had an episode with Mark Tovarabout that, just the importance
of networking.
I'm curious which groups do youhave on?
Speaker 2 (14:09):
your list for 2025?
Well, one group I've actuallyvisited.
One of their networking eventsis called Woman CEO Project, I
think that's the name of it, andso I've been to.
I think they meet monthly andso I've been to a couple of
their maybe one, I think, one.
Some of them I've done ofonline, but I've been to one of
their events and so it was kindof interesting to listen to.
(14:31):
And the good thing I mean well,not that I shouldn't say good
like it's, but but the thingthat kind of is it normalizes
things for me and validates meas an entrepreneur is I'm not
the only one, right, and I'm notthe only one in not just this
space, but there are people inother spaces who have other
types of businesses, who havethe same problems or the same
(14:54):
struggles that I'm having, andso it was just kind of like oh
okay, it's not just me as atherapist.
Speaker 1 (15:01):
It could feel so isolating.
And then when you don't knowwhat you don't know, then we
think, oh gosh, is theresomething wrong with me and
should I have have looked harderor read more, or you know?
And it can just be so nice tohave somebody say, yeah, no, I'm
struggling this time of yeartoo, right, it's hard with the
new technology to to whatever,right.
Speaker 2 (15:24):
Exactly, exactly.
So that that was, you know.
That was comforting, to say theleast, like just in the therapy
world, right, it's also in thecandle making world and in the
you know you know, I was like oh, okay, so more networking, just
(15:56):
more information aboutstrategic marketing.
Speaker 1 (16:06):
And I'm pausing because I know you know, with
chat, gpt, all of that is justit's changing so quickly.
So I mean, have youincorporated any of that yet and
have you played around with itat all?
Speaker 2 (16:10):
Oh yeah, oh, absolutely, I'm going to step it
up.
Membership, listen, absolutelyso, um, I have definitely played
around with it and definitelytalked to chat GPT.
Like chat GPT is my personalassistant.
Speaker 1 (16:28):
Oh my gosh, and we have been on it in the Step it
Up membership.
I mean, it's just like bam it's, we're just throwing it out
there and I'm so glad to hearyou're using it.
Speaker 2 (16:38):
It's been very helpful.
It has been very, very helpful.
So, yeah, especially coming upwith things that are out the box
you know, so, yeah, good, whatside hustles can you promote?
Speaker 1 (16:53):
So you and I talked a little bit about what else you
do besides counseling, and Iasked you specifically if you
would ever, or you have ever,coached or mentored other
entrepreneurs in the therapyworld.
And you said yeah, so yes.
Speaker 2 (17:11):
I have, and so, just for entrepreneurs that are
wanting to start a grouppractice, and so I have
definitely mentored and I'vecoached and consulted you know,
had some consultation meetingswith entrepreneurs who are
therapists who are wanting tostart the journey, so that I can
(17:33):
you know, I have someexperience with being able to
help with.
Okay, this is, you know, how tobegin.
Also, like I said, as a sextherapist, and so working with
other clinicians and things likethat, and doing workshops and,
you know, presenting and thingsof that nature for other
(17:53):
therapists who are working with,with not just couples, but who
are working with individuals whoare having sexual health
related concerns or issues, youknow.
So sometimes you know, I'vedone workshops and and I do
training with to othertherapists with that.
What else has a side hustle thatI do?
I do have an e-commerce storeon my website, so, yeah, so I do
(18:21):
have that, and so one of theproducts that I have is the
Worthy Collection, and so thatis basically features self-love,
and so products dealing withself-love and inspiring you to
be confident and have a sense ofpurpose.
Another very popular collectionthat we have is God plus
(18:44):
therapy equals clarity, and sothat was aligning faith with,
with your mental, mentalwellness work, that it does not
have to be either, or it can beboth, and I can go to therapy
and I can talk to you know, talkto God.
So that is something else thatI have is I have, you know, a
(19:06):
couple of merch products mugsand pillows and and things of
that nature.
What else do we have going on?
Speaker 1 (19:15):
Don't forget.
I mean talk a little bit moreabout supervising LPC associates
in private practice.
What does that look like?
Speaker 2 (19:22):
Yes, supervising LPCs in private practice, and so
that is a new hat that I amwearing and I am thoroughly
enjoying it, and so superviseesafter they are.
You know, when they're ready toget their hours, contact me and
I help you.
We work together, I should say,to hone in on your clinical
(19:46):
skills, and so I do do thatvirtually right now, clinical
skills, and so I do do thatvirtually right now, right now
virtually.
And so anybody who is in thestate of Texas and you are
looking for someone to work with, then please, please, contact
me.
I am open and I am willing andI'm excited to help on this
journey.
Speaker 1 (20:07):
I'm definitely yeah, and tell us again how to contact
you.
What they can, not the website,if they're looking for
supervision.
Right, you'd rather have anemail, or how do you want them
to contact you if they'relooking for supervision?
Speaker 2 (20:20):
Yes, on the website there is a link.
So on the website you can go tothe website.
There is a dropdown forsupervision, so just click on
that one your scheduledconsultation with me and then
we'll talk about all of thethings that you need in order to
move forward with me.
So it is also on the website.
But you can also contact me atcontact at
(20:41):
nextstagecounselingcom and justlet us know.
Hey, I am looking for Nakia tosupervise me and we'll move
forward that way.
But you can also go to thewebsite at
nextstagecounselingcom, go tothe drop down the services drop
down and click on supervisionand you will go to the, to the
(21:02):
landing page and fill out all ofthe information and we will
move forward that way.
Speaker 1 (21:08):
Awesome, All right.
So this is it Hopes and dreamsfor 2025.
What do you throw it out there?
What are you going to manifestin 2025, Nakia?
Speaker 2 (21:17):
Well, I want to expand my practice.
I want to have more LPCassociates, because I really do
love teaching and walking andwalking with other clinicians as
they are growing into the typeof clinician that they want to
be.
So that is on my list.
I want to strengthen my onlinepresence, and you know what.
(21:43):
I want to write a book.
That's at the bottom, but youknow I do.
I want to write a book, but,yeah, that's at the bottom of
the list.
That's something, but you knowI do.
I want to write a book, butyeah, that's that's at the
bottom of the list.
That's something you know.
I have things on my computerthat I need to dust off and just
kind of blow it off and getback at it.
So I think that that's what mygoals are.
And to expand in speaking.
(22:04):
I love, you know.
So, speaking if you are havingan event or something and you
need to have a keynote speakeror you need to have a workshop
speaker or a panelist orwhatever you know, hit me up.
Those things I love to do, Ilove to do.
So that's, that's my goal for2025.
Sounds like a lot, though,don't it?
Speaker 1 (22:23):
No, no, ok, and you're giving me ideas and I
love that.
So it sounds like we need tohave like a step it up session
on writing a book, becauseyou're one.
I'm sure there are other folksout there that are ready to
write their book.
So that's just.
You just planted a little seedthere.
Speaker 2 (22:42):
Thank you.
Yes, let's do that.
That would be great.
I will be in that session.
All right, we play or whatever,because I'm probably going to
be busy with having asupervision session with the LPC
associate.
Speaker 1 (22:57):
Yes, you will All right.
Tell us one more again, onemore time again.
How do we contact you?
Speaker 2 (23:03):
You can contact me by going to nextstagecounselingcom
, or you can email me at connectat next stage.
Counseling dot com.
Speaker 1 (23:12):
Excellent.
And if I'm listening to thisand I want to be a client of
next stage counseling, I go tothe website and what do I click?
Speaker 2 (23:20):
Go to the website, click on the services button,
decide Are you looking forindividual, are you looking for
couples work?
Are you looking for sex therapywork?
And then fill out the.
It's going to take you to thenext page for you to fill out
the form so that we can contactyou.
If you are looking forsupervision, go to the website,
(23:41):
click on the services button, goto the supervision page and
fill out the information and wewill contact you, and we will
contact you Excellent.
Speaker 1 (23:49):
Well, Nakia, I wish you all the luck and good
fortune in 2025.
Thank you again for being aguest today and I hope you get
all the love in February.
And just thank you so much forbeing part of Texas Counselors
Creating Badass Businesses.
Absolutely Thank you so muchfor having me All right, and we
(24:11):
will stop recording Boom.
Stop, yes, I want to stop.
and I can edit anything, so don't worry about
it, I'll have cool, all right?
Hey, I'm Dr Kate Walker and Iam welcoming Nakia Roberson to
the podcast today because she isone of the finalists in our
2024 practice grant giveaway.
And also you shout out a littlebit you took the supervisor
training, so you're also agraduate of the Kate Walker
(00:26):
Training 40-Hour SupervisorTraining which is super cool.
So glad you're here and we getto highlight you today.
So I want to hear all about youtoday and so you know, this is
all part of share the love and alot of times, as counselors, we
don't know how to refer to eachother right.
We don't understand the powerof networking, we don't
(00:46):
understand the power of just,you know, promoting each other,
because, you know, we're taughtto compete with our fellow
businesses and that just doesn'twork.
So thank you so much for beinghere, thanks for entering the
practice grant giveaway and, yay, let's get started.
So you want to.
Speaker 2 (01:05):
I'm excited.
I'm excited that I won I'm soglad.
Speaker 1 (01:09):
I'm so glad you're here.
It's so neat because you havebeen I know you've been in the
step it up membership and you'veI've just I've seen you in
different groups and things likethat and you've just always
asked such great questions and II kind of I stock all those
social web things Right, and soI see that you're growing and I
see that you're asking questionsabout growing and all of these
(01:30):
things and I'm like, ooh, thatis so cool.
So, yeah, let's do more of that.
Speaker 2 (01:34):
Yes, absolutely.
I'm excited.
And just to plug in, I don'tknow if you remember, but you
were my professor in.
Oh, good Lord, I don't rememberthat.
Oh my gosh, where which youwere my professor in um grad
school for the practicum when wewere doing the behind the was
it?
Is it practicum when we'redoing behind, where you have to
see the clients and you have toview us behind the, the window
(01:56):
or whatever?
Speaker 1 (01:58):
uh-huh, uh-huh, so that was Sam Houston.
Yeah, oh my, that's been aminute, nakia, that's like
almost 10 years ago.
Oh my gosh, that's so cool.
I don't, I'm so sorry.
No, just don't even remember.
But thank you.
Speaker 2 (02:16):
That's okay.
That's okay.
But I was like, oh, youremember?
Yes, when I joined thesupervision program that you
have, and when I saw the name, Iwas like why does that name
sound familiar?
And I was like she was myprofessor.
Speaker 1 (02:31):
Small world.
See, it's a small world here.
Speaker 2 (02:34):
Full circle.
Speaker 1 (02:35):
Look at it.
I love it.
I love it.
See, this is what I tell peopleabout.
When you supervise, you aregrowing your own colleagues like
you are literally creating yourown colleagues, and that's so.
I love this.
You are growing your owncolleagues like you are
literally creating your owncolleagues, and that's so.
I love this.
I love that, thank you.
All right, I'm putting on theglasses.
So, first and foremost, whereare you located and how can
(02:57):
listeners refer clients to you?
Speaker 2 (03:10):
So talk a little bit about your ideal client and all
that good stuff.
Okay, so I work a virtualpractice in the state of Texas,
and so I see clients across thestate of Texas, and the name of
my practice is Next StageCounseling and Wellness, and so
anybody can contact me by goingto the website
nextstagecounselingcom me bygoing to the website
nextstagecounselingcom.
You can also reach us via emailby going to connect at
(03:31):
nextstagecom, and I am growingmy group practice and so I'm
super duper excited about that.
And so we see clients, we seeindividuals, we see couples
getting ready to start withgroups and things of that nature
, and I'm also a certified sextherapist and so I see clients
in that capacity as well, and sodoes the other clinicians in my
(03:53):
practice.
They see clients dealing withindividual grief, adjustment,
any type of trauma, things ofthat nature.
So my focus and my goal is justto help individuals to live
well, no matter what's happeningin life.
Right, because we can grievewell, we can do all things well
sometimes.
We just need to know how.
Speaker 1 (04:16):
And so you said the email.
But I also, in stalking yourwebsite, saw you have these
great portals, right?
You have portals for existingclients.
You also have a button for new,I think right.
So tell us like, if I'm goingto say, hey, you've got to go
check out this therapist, dothis thing.
Would they just go to yourwebsite and click a button, or
(04:36):
do they need to get on email?
Speaker 2 (04:38):
Yes.
So if you are a client lookingfor services, you would just go
to the website.
You will determine what it isthat you're looking for.
Do you want to work withsomeone for couples work?
Do you want to work withsomeone for individual work?
And so then you click thebutton and then the button is
going to take you to an intake.
Well, not an intake form, buttake you to a consultation
(04:58):
pre-consultation form For you tocomplete.
Someone from our office willcontact you.
So, after you schedule, thenyou will get contacted from
someone from our office and wewill talk to you about what your
needs and what your desires areand match you with a therapist
who will be the best person towork with you.
Speaker 1 (05:15):
That sounds easy.
Would they contact throughemail or phone?
Speaker 2 (05:19):
You will get contacted.
So, basically, when you go tothe website and you click the
link, you're going to scheduleyour appointment.
The appointments are via phoneand so someone will contact you
via phone.
So you will leave yourinformation there and you'll be
contacted via phone.
Speaker 1 (05:32):
Nice, okay.
So no chance of someone likejust sending an email and it
going to spam.
They're going to be waiting fora real person to contact them.
Kind of triage them and figureout what's going to be the best
fit at your practice and thenthey get plugged in.
Speaker 2 (05:46):
Absolutely, Absolutely.
You will be waiting for someoneto give you a phone call and
our consultations are not thetypical 15 minutes, so it's
about 20, 25 minutes, and thenfor couples, our consultation is
45 minutes.
Now for couples.
That's the only difference Forcouples the phone consultation,
the consultation.
I'm couples, that's the onlydifference For couples the phone
(06:09):
consultation, the consultation.
I'm sorry, it's not a phoneconsultation, it is a virtual
consultation.
Okay, we do ask that bothpartners are available for the
virtual consultation.
For a couple who is looking fortherapy.
Speaker 1 (06:20):
Wonderful that sounds You're dealing with two
individuals.
Speaker 2 (06:22):
Right, and so we try to make sure that both people
are on board and wanting to moveforward.
We're doing the work.
Speaker 1 (06:28):
I love that.
Ok, so next question what doyou love about your business?
Speaker 2 (06:36):
What do I love?
I love witnessing thetransformation that happens when
a client embraces their choiceright, their choice to change
and live well under any type ofcircumstance that they're going
through.
I strongly believe that we haveto make a choice to change and
(07:00):
in order to do that, we have tohave self-awareness, we have to
have clarity and we have to havea desire.
And so when I see clientstransform and they're beginning
to see that, oh my gosh, thatI'm choosing this and guess what
?
I like it.
I like this choice that I'mmaking, Because sometimes we
choose to live or to do thingsthat are not conducive or
(07:25):
aligned to where we want to goin life and we don't like it.
So when clients are able to say,oh my gosh, even the little
steps, you know, I tell clientsdon't negate the baby steps.
And so we have to take thosesmall little steps.
And so helping a client to say,hey, although you're not where
you want to be, you're not where, you're not where you were when
you first started seeing me,where you want to be, you're not
(07:46):
where you were when you firststarted seeing me, you're not
where you were last week, right,and so for them to be able to
see that and that light bulb gooff like, oh my gosh, oh, even
though it's small, that is achange, and so that is my
favorite part.
It's like you know.
So sometimes I have to bringclients back, say stop, you know
you're saying that you're notmaking progress or you're not
doing this.
Let's, let me go back in mynotes and let's look OK, session
(08:08):
five.
This is what you say.
And then when they're like ohyeah, I'm like see, look at that
, you're making progress.
I love that.
I love that.
Speaker 1 (08:20):
Well, your passion is just everywhere here.
I mean you are so encouragingand the fact that you see the
solutions where the clientsdon't, I mean you've got to be
that the butterfly because youknow, as a caterpillar you're
(08:47):
crawling and then you emergeinto this beautiful butterfly.
Speaker 2 (08:49):
But before you do that you have to go into the
cocoon phase and sometimes phase, and sometimes that's what
therapy is.
That is me getting along bymyself, going through this phase
of you know, because abutterfly they liquefy, right,
the caterpillar will liquefy.
And I tell my clients all thetime that we go through this
change process it doesn't alwaysfeel good.
It doesn't always feel good.
I have to be alone, by myself,and I have to deal with things
(09:11):
that are probably not going tofeel good and probably going to
be uncomfortable, but it is sothat I can emerge and begin to
soar and fly high.
Speaker 1 (09:20):
I love that, I love that, and so tell me kind of,
that's, that's Nakia thecounselor, but what about Nakia
the entrepreneur, business owner?
What do you think aboutbusiness?
Speaker 2 (09:34):
Yes, what do I love about the business?
I love seeing other cliniciansOne of the things because, as a
supervisor, I love seeing otherclinicians grow.
I love them being able to taketheir client from point A to
point B.
(09:54):
I love teaching.
That is my background and so,being that type of person, it
just, you know, justtransformation, to see the
transformation in my clients, tosee the transformation in
working with other clinicians,like all of that is something
that I'm very, very passionateabout right, being able to help
(10:15):
the next generation.
You love people.
Speaker 1 (10:18):
I do and you have to, and with the entrepreneur piece
, I mean you're, you're teachingthe people that you bring on
how to be sort of entrepreneursas well.
Right, because they'reresponsible for themselves,
they're responsible for you know, and that's sometime the first
time folks have been in thatposition and you've got to
(10:41):
mentor them along.
Speaker 2 (10:42):
Yes, absolutely Absolutely.
Speaker 1 (10:45):
And, side note, you do supervise associates LPC
associates in private practice,correct?
I do, okay.
So if you're listening to this,just I hope you made a little
check mark right there, becausethat's, we need those unicorns,
all right.
Next question when do youstruggle in your business and I
(11:06):
don't know.
Maybe we can brainstorm alittle bit about what you need.
Speaker 2 (11:10):
Absolutely so as a business owner.
I love being a business owner, Ilove the freedom that I have as
a business owner.
But the thing is right now,with me transitioning from being
a solopreneur to being someonewho has a group practice, I
think that is a little bit ofthe struggle, and so I would say
(11:32):
it is me having a consistent,strategic marketing plan for my
business so that I can grow itand expand it beyond myself, and
so I think that would probablybe one of the struggles that I
would say that I have is tryingto figure that out, the
(11:53):
overwhelm that that cansometimes be.
Sometimes in school we don'tlearn the business, all of the
business pieces and the businesscomponents.
And so, being someone who lovespeople, like you said, I love
people, I love working withpeople, I love the
transformation of clients andworking with other business
(12:13):
owners and things of that naturethat I sometimes can forget the
business aspect of it.
And so now that I'm growing mypractice, I think that is my
biggest struggle is themarketing and being consistent
and things like that.
Speaker 1 (12:29):
Well, what do you think would help you and I'm
going to put a caveat on thatbecause you are such an active
member in Texas CounselorsCreating Badass Businesses, the
Facebook group, and I do see youasking questions and I do see
people connecting with you andhopefully you getting answers
that way.
But what do you think would behelpful for?
Speaker 2 (12:48):
you.
So that's one of the things isbeing a part of a group of
people who are not gatekeeping,I should say, you know, people
who are open to sharing, sharingtheir experiences and not just
telling me the good, but givingme you know the bad and the ugly
(13:09):
, so that, therefore, I can knowhow to navigate.
So I think that is one of thethings learning and figuring out
some things that I couldpossibly outsource or automate
(13:31):
has been helpful, even in beingin the groups, and so I think
being in those groups theFacebook groups but then also
going to networking events whichis something that I have put on
my list of things to do forthis upcoming year is to put
myself out there and going tomore networking events and not
being afraid to ask for help.
Speaker 1 (13:50):
So when you say networking events, you mean not
just counselors, right, you'retalking about just the general
entrepreneur type of networking,and we had an episode with Mark
Tovar about that, just theimportance of networking.
Had an episode with Mark Tovarabout that, just the importance
of networking.
I'm curious which groups do youhave on?
Speaker 2 (14:09):
your list for 2025?
Well, one group I've actuallyvisited.
One of their networking eventsis called Woman CEO Project, I
think that's the name of it, andso I've been to.
I think they meet monthly andso I've been to a couple of
their maybe one, I think, one.
Some of them I've done ofonline, but I've been to one of
their events and so it was kindof interesting to listen to.
(14:31):
And the good thing I mean well,not that I shouldn't say good
like it's, but but the thingthat kind of is it normalizes
things for me and validates meas an entrepreneur is I'm not
the only one, right, and I'm notthe only one in not just this
space, but there are people inother spaces who have other
types of businesses, who havethe same problems or the same
(14:54):
struggles that I'm having, andso it was just kind of like oh
okay, it's not just me as atherapist.
Speaker 1 (15:01):
It could feel so isolating.
And then when you don't knowwhat you don't know, then we
think, oh gosh, is theresomething wrong with me and
should I have have looked harderor read more, or you know?
And it can just be so nice tohave somebody say, yeah, no, I'm
struggling this time of yeartoo, right, it's hard with the
new technology to to whatever,right.
Speaker 2 (15:24):
Exactly, exactly.
So that that was, you know.
That was comforting, to say theleast, like just in the therapy
world, right, it's also in thecandle making world and in the
you know you know, I was like oh, okay, so more networking, just
(15:56):
more information aboutstrategic marketing.
Speaker 1 (16:06):
And I'm pausing because I know you know, with
chat, gpt, all of that is justit's changing so quickly.
So I mean, have youincorporated any of that yet and
have you played around with itat all?
Speaker 2 (16:10):
Oh yeah, oh, absolutely, I'm going to step it
up.
Membership, listen, absolutelyso, um, I have definitely played
around with it and definitelytalked to chat GPT.
Like chat GPT is my personalassistant.
Speaker 1 (16:28):
Oh my gosh, and we have been on it in the Step it
Up membership.
I mean, it's just like bam it's, we're just throwing it out
there and I'm so glad to hearyou're using it.
Speaker 2 (16:38):
It's been very helpful.
It has been very, very helpful.
So, yeah, especially coming upwith things that are out the box
you know, so, yeah, good, whatside hustles can you promote?
Speaker 1 (16:53):
So you and I talked a little bit about what else you
do besides counseling, and Iasked you specifically if you
would ever, or you have ever,coached or mentored other
entrepreneurs in the therapyworld.
And you said yeah, so yes.
Speaker 2 (17:11):
I have, and so, just for entrepreneurs that are
wanting to start a grouppractice, and so I have
definitely mentored and I'vecoached and consulted you know,
had some consultation meetingswith entrepreneurs who are
therapists who are wanting tostart the journey, so that I can
(17:33):
you know, I have someexperience with being able to
help with.
Okay, this is, you know, how tobegin.
Also, like I said, as a sextherapist, and so working with
other clinicians and things likethat, and doing workshops and,
you know, presenting and thingsof that nature for other
(17:53):
therapists who are working with,with not just couples, but who
are working with individuals whoare having sexual health
related concerns or issues, youknow.
So sometimes you know, I'vedone workshops and and I do
training with to othertherapists with that.
What else has a side hustle thatI do?
I do have an e-commerce storeon my website, so, yeah, so I do
(18:21):
have that, and so one of theproducts that I have is the
Worthy Collection, and so thatis basically features self-love,
and so products dealing withself-love and inspiring you to
be confident and have a sense ofpurpose.
Another very popular collectionthat we have is God plus
(18:44):
therapy equals clarity, and sothat was aligning faith with,
with your mental, mentalwellness work, that it does not
have to be either, or it can beboth, and I can go to therapy
and I can talk to you know, talkto God.
So that is something else thatI have is I have, you know, a
(19:06):
couple of merch products mugsand pillows and and things of
that nature.
What else do we have going on?
Speaker 1 (19:15):
Don't forget.
I mean talk a little bit moreabout supervising LPC associates
in private practice.
What does that look like?
Speaker 2 (19:22):
Yes, supervising LPCs in private practice, and so
that is a new hat that I amwearing and I am thoroughly
enjoying it, and so superviseesafter they are.
You know, when they're ready toget their hours, contact me and
I help you.
We work together, I should say,to hone in on your clinical
(19:46):
skills, and so I do do thatvirtually right now, clinical
skills, and so I do do thatvirtually right now, right now
virtually.
And so anybody who is in thestate of Texas and you are
looking for someone to work with, then please, please, contact
me.
I am open and I am willing andI'm excited to help on this
journey.
Speaker 1 (20:07):
I'm definitely yeah, and tell us again how to contact
you.
What they can, not the website,if they're looking for
supervision.
Right, you'd rather have anemail, or how do you want them
to contact you if they'relooking for supervision?
Speaker 2 (20:20):
Yes, on the website there is a link.
So on the website you can go tothe website.
There is a dropdown forsupervision, so just click on
that one your scheduledconsultation with me and then
we'll talk about all of thethings that you need in order to
move forward with me.
So it is also on the website.
But you can also contact me atcontact at
(20:41):
nextstagecounselingcom and justlet us know.
Hey, I am looking for Nakia tosupervise me and we'll move
forward that way.
But you can also go to thewebsite at
nextstagecounselingcom, go tothe drop down the services drop
down and click on supervisionand you will go to the, to the
(21:02):
landing page and fill out all ofthe information and we will
move forward that way.
Speaker 1 (21:08):
Awesome, All right.
So this is it Hopes and dreamsfor 2025.
What do you throw it out there?
What are you going to manifestin 2025, Nakia?
Speaker 2 (21:17):
Well, I want to expand my practice.
I want to have more LPCassociates, because I really do
love teaching and walking andwalking with other clinicians as
they are growing into the typeof clinician that they want to
be.
So that is on my list.
I want to strengthen my onlinepresence, and you know what.
(21:43):
I want to write a book.
That's at the bottom, but youknow I do.
I want to write a book, but,yeah, that's at the bottom of
the list.
That's something, but you knowI do.
I want to write a book, butyeah, that's that's at the
bottom of the list.
That's something you know.
I have things on my computerthat I need to dust off and just
kind of blow it off and getback at it.
So I think that that's what mygoals are.
And to expand in speaking.
(22:04):
I love, you know.
So, speaking if you are havingan event or something and you
need to have a keynote speakeror you need to have a workshop
speaker or a panelist orwhatever you know, hit me up.
Those things I love to do, Ilove to do.
So that's, that's my goal for2025.
Sounds like a lot, though,don't it?
Speaker 1 (22:23):
No, no, ok, and you're giving me ideas and I
love that.
So it sounds like we need tohave like a step it up session
on writing a book, becauseyou're one.
I'm sure there are other folksout there that are ready to
write their book.
So that's just.
You just planted a little seedthere.
Speaker 2 (22:42):
Thank you.
Yes, let's do that.
That would be great.
I will be in that session.
All right, we play or whatever,because I'm probably going to
be busy with having asupervision session with the LPC
associate.
Speaker 1 (22:57):
Yes, you will All right.
Tell us one more again, onemore time again.
How do we contact you?
Speaker 2 (23:03):
You can contact me by going to nextstagecounselingcom
, or you can email me at connectat next stage.
Counseling dot com.
Speaker 1 (23:12):
Excellent.
And if I'm listening to thisand I want to be a client of
next stage counseling, I go tothe website and what do I click?
Speaker 2 (23:20):
Go to the website, click on the services button,
decide Are you looking forindividual, are you looking for
couples work?
Are you looking for sex therapywork?
And then fill out the.
It's going to take you to thenext page for you to fill out
the form so that we can contactyou.
If you are looking forsupervision, go to the website,
(23:41):
click on the services button, goto the supervision page and
fill out the information and wewill contact you, and we will
contact you Excellent.
Speaker 1 (23:49):
Well, Nakia, I wish you all the luck and good
fortune in 2025.
Thank you again for being aguest today and I hope you get
all the love in February.
And just thank you so much forbeing part of Texas Counselors
Creating Badass Businesses.
Absolutely Thank you so muchfor having me All right, and we
(24:11):
will stop recording Boom.
Stop, yes, I want to stop.
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