We were lucky to catch up with Dr. Natasha Ramsey recently and have shared our conversation below.
Dr. Natasha, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. We’d love to hear about how you went about setting up your own practice and if you have any advice for professionals who might be considering starting their own?
I decided I wanted to own a successful private practice while in undergraduate school. I had a brief internship with a community provider. She was the meanest individual in this field I have ever experienced. I learned a lot about what I wanted to be and do as well as what I never wanted to experience. In order to accomplish this I had several steps to complete. I had to complete my Masters degree and the requirements from my school such as successfully completing an practicum/internship and completeing the CPCE (exam similair to the one my state requires from me). In this season I learned even more about how to be a psychotherapist and ideas on how to strike balance between work, family and self.
The next step was the state requirements. The state required me to complete 3600 hours of work in the field over 3 years as well as passing the licensing exam. During this time I realized it was important to continue learning as much as I could about my areas of speciality. Learning truly never stops.
Once that was complete I decided to start the final leg of the journey. In this part I needed to apply for various ID numbers and IRS related documents, complete applications for insurance panels, secure a location, design a website and start marketing. Most of this was intimidating at first but I spent all my time learning and completing everything. I also took this time to start my and complete my doctorate degree.
The advice I would give to a young professional would be to continue learning. In this field learning is lifelong. Learn about the back office parts as well as your speciality. I would also tell a young professional to always work to create a balanced life and work environment. Learn from others whenever possible and always remain humble. And finally, I would say to know your own voice as a clinician. I feel like all these steps helped me to create spaces where my clients can be brave.
Dr. Natasha, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?
When I was near completion of my undergraduate degree and earning my Master’s degree, I worked for a major university where I completed Neurppsychological exam’s on the older population, individuals with neurological disorders as well as those with Epilepsy. During my time there I would assist in dignosing several individuals with Pseudo-Non-Epileptic Seizures (PNES). This prompted me to want to understand what was the best way to support these individuals towards returning to their lives in a healthy manner. This experience helped me to identify my specialties. While at the univeristy I assisted in creating a program to work with individuals with Functional Neurological Disorders (FND). And this allowed me to present at the first International Brain Health Conference.
I hold a Doctorate in Clinical Psychology and a Master of Arts degree in Professional Counseling. I am a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC), Nationally certified counselor (NCC), Certified Professional Clinical Supervisor (CPCS) and a Certified Clinical Trauma Professional (CCTP). I hold training in Somatic Experiencing. My practice focuses on creating spaces where my clients can be brave and address their Trauma, Abuse, Anxiety, Depression, Functional Neurological Disorders, and/or Pseudo-Non-Epileptic Seizures. I provide individual and couples therapy. I utilize a variety of techniques to assist in making sure the clients reach their goals.
I am most proud of the brave spaces I create for others to heal. I believe that as indivudals heal they take their healing back into their communites and effect change and healing where they have influence. I want all the clients I work with to know that I am committed to supporting them in their journey and look forward to our time together.
We’d love to hear a story of resilience from your journey.
During my first year in private practice I had to manage a new practice, global pandemic, outrage over social injustice and caregiver for my husband of 21 years and my dog facing his first bout with Lymphoma. Any one of these would illustrate my resilience. However, adding them all at the same time required my resilience level to be elevated. I remember the very moment that I felt like it was all coming in on me. I had to tell myself that I cannot create spaces for clients to be brave if I do not do that for myself. So, I leaned in and I asked myself what I needed in this moment to be brave. It took me a few weeks to get everything in line but I was able to accomplish my goal and be brave to address all that I faced. While many of the struggles are behind me I am still able to use what I learned to make sure I am showing up in life as the overcomer I truly am.
Some of what I learned to implement is; daily journaling and quiet time with God before my day starts, preparing for the week ahead on Sunday’s, eating better to fuel my body, exercising several times a week, resting at least 7-8 hours nightly, farm out task that need to be done but not by me, time with my friends, regular self-care, setting goals for my personal and professional life and daily practice of gratitude. I realize that seems like a lot of change all at once but these were things I remind my clients of often. Implementing them in my life helped me to manage all that was on my plate.
If you could go back in time, do you think you would have chosen a different profession or specialty?
I am often asked if I would change anything about my life or experieinces. My answer is always, no. If I could go back I would still be a psychotherapist in private practice who speciliazes in Trauma, Abuse, Anxiety, Depression, Functional Neurological Disorders and Pseudo-Non-Epileptic Seizures. What I do is fascinating to me and brings such a great feeling when I see clients reach their goals. I believe that I am exactly where I was meant to be and doing what I was created to do. Every step on the path has allowed me to be where I am in life.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.natasharamseylpc.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dr.natasharamsey_psyd_lpc/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100063970367305
Image Credits
Professional photo Jenny Kelly Photography