We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Liz Diaz a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Liz, thanks for joining us today. Looking back at internships and apprenticeships can be interesting, because there is so much variety in people’s experiences – and often those experiences inform our own leadership style. Do you have an interesting story from that stage of your career that you can share with us?

When I first interned as a counseling student, I was so eager for the work. I just knew that I was going to do my part to save the world. Then, I started my internship. My internship experience was interesting to say the least. I was constantly reminded that I was “only” an intern. I was told that I couldn’t use certain doors to enter the building. Those were reserved for full time staff only. I wasn’t allowed to interact with the full-time staff. Once I got “caught” having a conversation with a staff member who happened to join me for lunch as I sat outside at a picnic table near the job site. I was scolded and even warned that if that ever happened again, I would not be allowed to continue interning there. It was really bizarre. I then went on to work under a senior therapist as I prepared for licensing. That supervisor was just so unkind. I left there because I couldn’t take the abusive behavior and believe it or not, I landed on another terrible situation. I was flabbergasted that in a field where we are supposed to help folks navigate positive communication, prosocial behaviors, and healthy interactions, I was coming across everything but that! This really affected how I approached my career. From the moment that I earned my full license, and I was able to work for myself, I made it my mission to help and support new up and coming clinicians. I vowed that as long as I could do something about it, I would do my part to create space that is safe and healthy. A place where new clinicians can learn and grown in their craft. I now run support groups for therapists and serve as mentor to those entering the field.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

I am a licensed professional counselor and counseling supervisor in private practice. I am also the Public Policy and Legislative Chair for the American Counseling Association of Georgia. I also serve on the Domestic Violence Task Force in my county. I own a private practice in metro Atlanta where we provide counseling services for families, couples, individuals, and children. We focus on issues stemming from trauma and pride ourselves in working with marginalized communities. We recently expanded our services to include chiropractic care and massage therapy with a focus on trauma sensitive services. As trauma care providers our goal is to help folks get their lives back after traumatic experiences have caused them disruptions in life. What sets us apart is that we work with what are considered niche cases in our field. We address issues such as: gender identity concerns with very young children (under the age of 6) and through adulthood, victims of crime, high profile clientele, anti-recidivism counseling, high-conflict divorce or co-parenting issues, non traditional relationships, etc. We also offer bilingual services in English/Spanish. Personally, I am most proud to have created a space where clients and clinicians can find safety and nurturing. Our goal is to foster personal and professional growth for clients and clinicians alike. Our name comes from this idea of growth. As a self-confessed plant lady, I have always had an appreciation for how one can grow most any plant from a small clipping or sprig. To us, a sprig of intent, purpose, motivation, desire, dedication, etc., can lead us to grow as people.

Our moto: “Often times the greatest growth can come from the tiniest of Sprigs.”

What do you think helped you build your reputation within your market?

My favorite quote is “Live in such a way that if someone spoke badly of you, no one would believe them.” -unknown author.

I ran across that quote a long time ago and it stuck with me. I have always lived my life this way. And it has served me well.  Another thing that has always been a guiding principle for me has come from the idea that regardless of how I am treated, I will never let it change me. I aim to be kind to everyone and help those in need. I move through the world with as much altruism as humanly possible. When that gets abused, I let the universe take care of it, and it does :-)

If you could go back in time, do you think you would have chosen a different profession or specialty?

Absolutely not! I was made for this!!

Contact Info:

• Website: www.sprigscounseling.com and www.sprigsholistichealth.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sprigswellness/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ycounseling
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@sprigscounseling8614

Image Credits

Liz Diaz
Trinity Yabuku (graphic artist)