We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Nydia E. Guity a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Nydia E., thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Have you ever had an amazing boss, mentor or leader leading you? Can you us a story or anecdote that helps illustrate why this person was such a great leader and the impact they had on you or their team?

I had the joy of working with Danica Landry, RN (Registered Nurse) & LPC (Licensed Professional Counselor) for four (4) years at Southside Medical Center. What I learned about leadership from witnessing her is that professional growth is rooted in personal development. This woman POURED into the staff in such a way that its difficult to put into words so here is my attempt- she was present/attentive and also respectful of space/ non-intrusive. I felt safe working with her- I have NEVER felt safe at work prior to that. I felt seen outside of my degrees and what’s on my resume. She was intentional about creating a culture and space so that personal development is prioritized so that professional growth can flourish. I stayed at that job two (2) years past my contract because I enjoyed working with her so much. Going to work didn’t feel like dread. There was a time where I was going through a rough patch in my personal life, I was in the chart room crying and she walked in. I acted as if I wasn’t and she noticed. I was excused for the day and it was exactly what I needed! When I returned the following day and we talked about it in supervision she told me “when you are not present for yourself you aren’t able to be present for your clients”. To have my humanity honored as a therapist felt is an indescribable feeling. When I resigned it was because I outgrew the role- if there was something else for me that was aligned with my other interest I would have stayed longer.

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

I have been in the social work field since 2009 and worked my way into the behavioral/ emotional health space. My work experience is primarily working as a psychotherapist. I am currently working at Field Trip Health (https://www.fieldtriphealth.com) as the Lead Psychotherapist providing KAP (Ketamine Assisted Psychotherapy). The psychedelic movement is quickly growing with research on psilocybin and MDMA. Ketamine is administered via intramuscular injection and clients have an opportunity to journey to deeper parts of their subconscious mind. On average clients have 4-6 KAP sessions along with integration psychotherapy sessions. What I love about the work that I am supporting is the pace in which clients experience relief from their symptoms. Perspective plays a huge role in seeing things for what they are and then being intentional about reducing the intensity/frequency related to feelings of discomfort.

Other than training/knowledge, what do you think is most helpful for succeeding in your field?

Having interest outside of work- there is more to life than working and grinding. Intentional joy is important, as I was sharing about Ms. Landry pouring into the staff, she nurtured natural interest and thats where I got the idea to start my podcast Naturally Ever After (available on Apple Podcasts and SoundCloud). We had several team meetings that we’re dedicated to exploring/identifying short/long-term personal and professional goals. As I was writing my list, podcasting was a part of it- at the time my thought was that it would be centered around Natural Hair and Therapy but I didn’t know what I would call it or when I would start it. That was besides the point, I was in a space where I was intentionally thinking about joy. Being a therapist has taught me so much and it can be emotionally tasking when consistent time off/joy is not prioritized. I am thankful to have consistent interests that also include crocheting, pole fitness and yoga.

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

“Burn the script” is immediately what comes to mind. I am the oldest of five (5) at home and that comes with its own set of things, my mother would always tell me that I had to set the example for my siblings- I felt a lot of pressure to make no errors. I use to think that if I did everything I was suppose to do that that things will play out in my favor. This notion of, “I will be happy when_______(fill in the blank)” is not real. Happiness is in the present and being present. I’ve had moments in the past where this lesson briefly surfaced, one which includes passing my licensing exam after the fifth try (2015), I was happy when I saw “pass” on the screen but that was short lived and I found myself wanting to chase the feeling again. There will always be something to work on/do- I am actively unlearning that the flow of life does not need to play out in the order I was conditioned to believe- that alone has been LIBERATING! I am in a place in my life where I am intentional about consistent joy and this decade has felt like a do-over of my 20’s with more resources. My intention is to find joy DAILY- and express gratitude for the good that is here and the abundance that is on the way.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.MsGuity.com
• Instagram: www.instagram.com/MsGuity
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MsGuityLCSW
• Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/msguity
• Twitter: www.twitter.com/msguity
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC9_j5EGsCO8ln502IZFV3BQ

Image Credits
Photographer: Lo Garcia (www.instagram.com/lo_garciaphoto) Styling/ Makeup: Jaylynn Wallace www.instagram.com/RatedPrettyGirl www.ratedprettygirl.com linktr.ee/ratedprettygirl Hair: Fawnne Morris Harrell www.instagram.com/salonnoa) linktr.ee/salonnoa