We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Parker Forte. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Parker below.

Parker, appreciate you joining us today. We’d love to hear the backstory of how you established your own practice.

Starting my own private practice was an idea that came out of emotional frustration stemming from the companies and practices that I had previously worked in. Unfortunately, subpar business practices forced me to leave those environments. I had one plan in mind. To succeed and thrive in a business, servicing people that looked like me, with a team that looked like me. The first step, was reflecting over the past ten years. I had to reflect, because I knew, all the wisdom I had gained from experiences, mentors, and opportunities shaped me for that exact moment. I then began applying all that knowledge to building my practice. One thing that I noticed, was the lack of support from others to help me learn how to run a private practice. So I began investing in private practice programs so I could grow my practice to my dreams. My advice to young professionals would be to learn as much as you can. Never stop learning. The early years are your sponge years….soak in everything and never take anyone for granted.

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 became interested in psychology due to my two brothers experiencing PTSD. These diagnoses presented from being in the military and experiencing the war in Iraq. At the time I was beginning my freshman year in college as a pre-law major and then switched to psychology due to this. I now provide individual and group counseling to Black Women experiencing general life stressors that often leads to functional depression and anxiety.

My personal mission is to redefine the “Strong Black Woman” narrative to a reality that does not require Black Women to struggle mentally, emotionally or financially, endure abuse and trauma, or lack healthy boundaries by HELPING YOU, HELP YOURSELF.

I have devoted over 13 years to improving my clients lives by providing individualized care that prompts strengthened supports, resiliency, and life-changing outcomes. I am also passionate about providing guidance and resources to other mental health providers that enable them to be staples in their communities while encouraging a healthy work-life balance.

Training and knowledge matter of course, but beyond that what do you think matters most in terms of succeeding in your field?

I think continuing education is going to be the most important method in succeeding in the counseling field. Research, symptoms, and the issues rapidly change so staying up to date by investing in programs and courses will always be beneficial. I take every opportunity to advance my knowledge in free programs and I also set a quarterly budget to invest in paid learning opportunities.

Can you tell us about a time you’ve had to pivot?

The pandemic caused a huge pivot for me. Initially I was only providing face-to-face sessions. With COVID-19 running amuck, I had to change my delivery. This was the biggest blessing in disguise. Providing telehealth services opened up the opportunity to see clients in different states, which increased my exposure and clientele. It also made it more convenient for both, my clients and myself. I now had the opportunity to provide therapy without leaving my home, which gave me more time back to family and self. I also was able to incorporate self-care boxes as a product for my clients. Pivoting has proved to be a positive for my practice, as I am still going strong 3 years later.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.fortifiedcounselingcom
• Instagram: www.instagram.com/talkwithparker
• Facebook: www.facebook.com/fortifiedcounselingpllc
• Twitter: www.twitter.com/talkwithparker
• Other: Podcast: Talk With Parker

Image Credits
Keshia Sermon