We recently connected with Jenet Dove and have shared our conversation below.

Jenet, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Was there a moment in your career that meaningfully altered your trajectory? If so, we’d love to hear the backstory.

A Defining Moment: Blue Monday

I felt an undeniable pull when I first saw “Blue Monday” by Annie Lee. The painting depicts a Black woman rising from bed on a Monday morning, embodying weariness and depletion. While growing up, I saw many black women, including my mother, mirrored in the image of ‘Blue Monday’- overworked, drained, and often carrying a quiet sense of hopelessness. I couldn’t quite articulate the emotions the woman in the painting stirred within me, but one thing was certain: I did not want to be her. At that moment, I resolved to build a life that stands in stark contrast—a life that is soft, effortless, and anchored in peace.

I hadn’t realized how much my daughter Julia would influence this path. When pregnant with Julia, I worked as a Regional Customer Success Manager for an EdTech company. I pursued EdTech shortly after obtaining my Master’s in Counseling. Although I wasn’t particularly passionate about the work, the position itself allowed me the flexibility to accumulate my 3000 clinical hours towards full licensure while earning a salary to support my lifestyle. The truth is that working in corporate America exhausted me. The demands were tedious, and I quickly understood that I’d never reach my financial potential—or maintain the work-life balance needed to prioritize my mental health—while working for someone else. EdTech was simply a means to an end.

After Julia was born, I had three months of maternity leave that were pure bliss. Although I struggled with postpartum depression, having the time to focus solely on myself and my daughter was invaluable. But as the end of my leave drew near, a growing anxiety began to settle in. I feared losing the balance I had started to cultivate. Weekly therapy sessions became a lifeline, helping me process the looming decision to leave corporate America behind and dedicate myself fully to becoming a licensed therapist, with the ultimate goal of opening my private practice.

Those three months of leave taught me that rest and prioritizing my mental health are non-negotiables. If I wanted to embody the opposite of the woman in “Blue Monday,” I needed to make radical changes. Becoming a mother meant my decisions extended beyond myself. It was about ensuring Julia had a mother who operated from a calm place, prioritized wellness and committed to healing any wounds that could perpetuate generational patterns.

The day before I had to return to work from maternity leave, I was 99% certain that I needed to resign. The official confirmation came on my first day back. The disruption to my nervous system was unmistakable— a sharp, reverberating signal from my body, impossible to ignore. The message was clear: I had to choose between enduring the discomfort or yielding to what my body was demanding. The only way to restore my equilibrium was to remove the barriers standing in the way of peace and balance. So, the very next day, I resigned and began outlining my path to private practice.

Since that turning point, I’ve remained committed to shedding anything that disturbs my peace. With each step forward, I honor my promise to myself and my daughter— to create a life far removed from the weariness captured in ‘Blue Monday.’

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

Hi! My name is Jenet Dove. I am a Licensed Psychotherapist and the owner of Jenet Dove Counseling Services. My counseling practice focuses on helping individuals break free from cycles of perfectionism and burnout, guiding them toward true peace and a deeper sense of personal fulfillment.

With over eight years of clinical experience, I am adept in attachment-based and trauma-informed therapy modalities. I am also a Certified Daring Way™ Facilitator, trained in Dr. Brené Brown’s shame-resilience approach, which empowers my clients to embrace vulnerability, show up authentically, and lead braver lives.

My personal journey of overcoming perfectionism began over 10 years ago, with therapy playing a crucial role in rewriting my narrative and rebuilding self-worth. This transformative philosophy shapes every interaction, connection, and decision in my practice. By embracing my own worth, maintaining boundaries, and assisting others, I’ve found immense peace and sustainability. If you resonate with this journey, I invite you to connect. Your support is appreciated, and I look forward to sharing insights for your healing journey.

We often hear about learning lessons – but just as important is unlearning lessons. Have you ever had to unlearn a lesson?

Lesson to unlearn: Success requires sticking to one career path.

My career journey has been a winding path of growth and discovery. Although I began with a degree in Advertising, I soon discovered my true passion lay elsewhere. After teaching 2nd grade for five years, I realized my calling was supporting adults in a mental health capacity. Pursuing a master’s in counseling psychology was a pivotal decision that has led me to where I am today – the proud owner of a private practice. Supporting my clients brings me immense joy, and I am genuinely grateful to be able to do this work.

All that is to say, normalize nonlinear career paths. I used to feel very confused about my career trajectory and always struggled with not loving my work. I am grateful that I was not afraid to switch paths and try something different—not once but twice. While I have no doubt that I would have succeeded in advertising or education, I never wanted to live a life doing work that didn’t excite me. 

Now, I find myself in a sweet spot where my career aligns perfectly with my passions, and I’m thoroughly enjoying it. 

If you could go back, would you choose the same profession, specialty, etc.?

Absolutely, yes—1,000 times over. Becoming a therapist has given me an immense sense of purpose and fulfillment. In a society that glorifies constant hustle, overlooks unhealthy behaviors, and encourages us to suppress our emotions, I have the unique privilege of creating and holding space for my clients to process and unpack some of life’s most challenging and painful experiences. It’s an honor to create space for healing.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://jenetdove.com
• Instagram: @jenetdovecounseling
• Facebook: jenetdovecounseling

Image Credits

Novi @201lofthaus
Harold @mischif.studio