Today we’d like to introduce you to Danielle Turner
Hi Danielle, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
My story is one of transformation, beginning with a woman battling depression and anxiety. It evolves into a journey of sharing hard-earned wisdom with other women of color navigating similar challenges and life transitions. Today, I am proud to run a flourishing business that spans mental health therapy, authorship, podcasting, self-care advocacy, and hosting international wellness retreats.
In 2018, recognizing a profound need in my community, I launched Inner You Clinical Services, a solo mental health practice dedicated to providing a safe space for women of color to heal. My mission has always been to ensure that women feel seen, heard, understood, and validated through therapeutic services. The pandemic highlighted an urgent demand for mental health support, overwhelming my solo practice. In response, I expanded Inner You Clinical Services into a group practice in 2023. Within a year, we grew from one clinician to a team of eight therapist, supported by two administrative staff members. This expansion not only allowed us to meet the rising mental health needs of the community but also emphasized our commitment to advocating for self-care.
Self-care is a critical yet often neglected aspect of well-being. I am passionate about changing this narrative, especially within my community. My journey of empowerment began after a personal crisis—my divorce. A wellness retreat was the catalyst that helped me rediscover my purpose and prioritize self-care. Inspired by this transformation, I created Inner You Luxury Wellness Retreats under the Inner You brand. These retreats are designed to provide women of color with immersive experiences that equip them with the tools to reclaim their lives.
Our luxury wellness brunches and workshops have already made a significant impact. This year, we are excited to host our first international retreat in Barbados September 12-16, 2024. We have already launched our first retreat for 2025, The Bali Bliss Retreat. This retreat will take place April 12-19, 2025 in beautiful Bali Indonesia. The Bali Bliss Retreat is all about relaxation, reconnecting with self and rejuvenation. Starting in 2025 we will be offering at least two retreats per year to empower and support women on their journeys to self-care and personal growth.
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?
The journey to where I am today has been anything but smooth. Like many women, I have faced numerous challenges that have tested my resolve and resilience. The road was marked with struggles, but each obstacle became a stepping stone toward my mission to support and empower women of color.
One of the most significant struggles was dealing with my own episodes of depression and anxiety. These personal battles were overwhelming and, at times, made it difficult to see a way forward. However, they also provided me with a deep understanding and empathy for others going through similar experiences. This insight became the foundation of my work, but it took time to transform my pain into a purpose.
Starting Inner You Clinical Services was another challenge. Building a solo mental health practice required not only clinical expertise but also business acumen, which I had to develop on the go. Balancing the demands of being a therapist, working a full-time job at a local hospital, ensuring the needs of my family were met and an entrepreneur was no easy feat. There were days when it felt impossible to manage all my roles effectively, but my commitment to creating a safe space for women of color, caring for myself and caring for my family kept me going.
The pandemic presented an unexpected hurdle. The surge in mental health needs was overwhelming, and as a solo practitioner, I struggled to meet the increasing demand. This period was marked by long hours and the emotional toll of supporting clients through unprecedented times. It became clear that I needed to expand my practice to continue providing the necessary support. Transitioning Inner You Clinical Services to a group practice was a major milestone but came with its own set of challenges. Recruiting and training a team of clinicians, while managing the logistical and administrative aspects of a growing practice required a steep learning curve.
Launching Inner You Luxury Wellness Retreats introduced another layer of complexity. Organizing events and retreats that deliver meaningful and transformative experiences involves meticulous planning and coordination. Ensuring that each event provides value and resonates with the participants’ needs has been a constant challenge.
Despite these struggles, the journey has been incredibly rewarding. Each challenge has reinforced my passion for mental health advocacy and self-care. The growth and impact of Inner You Clinical Services is a testament to the resilience and strength that come from overcoming adversity. As I look to the future, I remain dedicated to expanding our reach and continuing to support people of color on their journeys to healing and empowerment.
Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
As a multi-award-winning Licensed Clinical Social Worker and a luminary in holistic healing. I hold a master’s degree in social work from Springfield College and am a certified trauma-informed individual and group therapist trained in cognitive behavioral therapy. With over 20 years of experience in the mental health field, I have dedicated my career to supporting and empowering others. As the visionary and CEO behind Inner You Clinical Services, I lead a group mental health practice dedicated to nurturing the well-being of adults, children, and families. My work transcends traditional therapy, embracing a holistic approach that promotes healing for the mind, body, and soul.
Affectionately known as “Danielle The Self-Care Advocate,” I empower women to embrace self-care as a fundamental right, guiding them toward peace and inner harmony. As the host of The Purple Butterfly Podcast, I reach a global audience, delving into the intricacies of mental health and offering insights and inspiration for a life of wellness. My commitment to well-being is further exemplified through my role as a best-selling author and as the host of international wellness retreats for women. Through these platforms, I share my expertise and passion, inspiring a community of women to embark on their own journeys of self-discovery, self-care, and healing.
What sets me apart from other therapists in the field is my holistic approach to mental health and my deep commitment to serving women of color. My journey through my own experiences with depression and anxiety has provided me with a unique perspective and a profound empathy for my clients’ struggles. This personal connection fuels my passion for creating safe, supportive spaces where women can heal and thrive. While many therapists focus primarily on mental health, my approach integrates the mind, body, and soul. I believe true healing comes from addressing all aspects of a person’s well-being, and I incorporate various therapeutic modalities and self-care practices to support this comprehensive approach.
Inner You Clinical Services, is deeply rooted in the community. I specifically focus on providing services to people of color, a group that often faces unique challenges and systemic barriers in accessing mental health care. I emphasize the importance of self-care as a fundamental right. Through my podcast, The Purple Butterfly Podcast, and my wellness retreats, I offer practical guidance and inspiration for women to prioritize their own well-being. Work goes beyond therapy, having various platforms allow me to reach a broader audience and provide multifaceted support, from therapeutic interventions to self-care education and immersive healing experiences.
Since expanding Inner You Clinical Services from a solo practice to a group practice, we have seen significant growth and impact. Our team has grown to include multiple clinicians of color, allowing us to serve a larger community while maintaining the quality and integrity of our services. My personal journey through adversity and healing uniquely positions me to connect with my clients on a deeper level. I understand the transformative power of therapy and self-care because I have lived it myself.
Inner You Clinical Services offers a distinctive and comprehensive approach to mental health and wellness, empowering women and people of color to heal, grow, and thrive in every aspect of their lives.
Before we let you go, we’ve got to ask if you have any advice for those who are just starting out?
Starting out as a therapist and business owner in the mental health field can be both rewarding and challenging. My advice to navigate this journey effectively would be to prioritize self-care. The work we do can be emotionally taxing. Make self-care a priority to avoid burnout. Regularly engage in activities that rejuvenate you. Seek supervision, mentorship and/or coaching. No matter how well-trained you are, having experienced mentors, coaches and supervisors can provide invaluable guidance. They can offer insights, support, and constructive feedback to help you grow both personally and professionally. Never stop learning, because the mental health field is always evolving. Set clear boundaries with others including limits to your availability to ensure you have time for your own life and wellbeing.
I wish that starting out I would have had more knowledge of the business side of things. Because running a practice involves more than just providing therapy. Educate yourself on business management, including marketing, finance, and legal requirements. Consider taking courses or hiring consultants to help with these aspects. Had I known that having a clear vision, a clear mission, values and goals to guide my decisions would have keep me more focused on my long-term goals. Having a strong support team and delegating more tasks would have also been helpful so that I did not feel that I had to do everything on my own. Learning how to network and build collaborations when I first started would have been great advice as well. At times this is something that I still struggle with even 6 years into my business.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.daniellewturner.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/danielletheselfcareadvocate
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/inneryouclinicalservicesllc
- Other: www.inneryoullc.com https://youli.io/t/inner-you-luxury-wellness-retreats/essence-evolved-luxury-wellness-retreat
Image Credits
Lesile Gomez LMG Photography
Blu Alys Photography