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

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

I started my practice, Shine the Light Counseling, in November 2020 — in the midst of the Covid pandemic while I had a 3 year old and 6 month old at home. Sounds like a crazy time to start a private practice, right? However, I had left my previous therapist job when I was about 8 and a half months pregnant and had been trying to figure out what to do next. Because of my two little ones and the global pandemic, I knew that I needed a job that was flexible and would allow me to put my family first. I started applying to therapy jobs, but none of them seemed right for me. I thought about joining a former colleague’s private practice, but I knew it wasn’t the perfect fit.
I then heard a small voice within me — “Why can’t you start your own practice? You could do this yourself!” I first dismissed the voice — I am too young! (I was 31). I don’t have enough experience! (I only graduated with my MSW in 2017). I brought it up to several close friends, expecting them to say that I was in over my head. However, every one of them was supportive and excited. I received this with gratitude and curiosity until I gained the confidence to say, “Why not?!” Sure, it was a lot of work. I had no idea how to start or run a business, what I needed to do for taxes or bookkeeping, or how to even find clients. Yet, I also was confident in my intelligence and ability. I set myself out to learn all that I could so that when Shine the Light Counseling opened its doors, I was prepared. I read blogs, listened to podcasts, and learned from colleagues who had done the same.
Was it a perfect start? Of course not. I wish I had networked more and pushed marketing more since I had a slow start. But it was certainly good enough. I am proud of myself for trusting that small inner voice and my own ability. I would tell anyone else thinking of doing the same to listen to their inner voice and to dedicate them to doing the work so that they, too, aren’t (too) afraid of jumping in.

Alli, 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?

I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and I have my own private therapy practice, Shine the Light Counseling. I work primarily with adolescents and young adults, but can see people of all ages. I also see Spanish speakers and have worked closely with the immigrant population in Baltimore.

I am especially passionate about helping my clients heal from past traumas and from their anxiety and depression. I believe that every person is capable of healing and goodness – sometimes, we just need a little help to find it within us.

In order to help people access their innate beauty within, I use several therapy techniques, all based in compassion and curiosity. I integrate modalities such as Internal Family Systems, Brainspotting, and Mindfulness so that my clients can learn about the different parts within them and grow and change from there.

One of the reasons I am so passionate about guiding others in this way is because of my own healing journey from past traumatic experiences and because of the traumatic stories I have heard from clients again and again. I have witnessed their bravery and often find myself in awe at what others carry. As best as I can, I try to enter my time with wonder, curiosity, compassion, and hope.

At my core, I truly believe that each person has the capability to heal, even if they don’t believe it themselves. I believe that my hope and dedication can enter into the darkness to shine some light and have them find that hope within them, too.

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

100%. I sometimes imagine myself in different life scenarios– “What would I be like if I had gone down that path instead of this one?” While many aspects would likely look very different, one thing that remains constant is finding my way into social work. For me, the way that the profession is dedicated to justice, healing and connection sets it apart. Maybe I would have ended up working in the social work field in a different capacity, such as in a community setting, but I believe that I would still be committed to help others heal from their traumas with hope and love.

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

One of the first things I learned for therapy to be effective is having “good rapport” with your client – aka you and your client having a trusting relationship with one another. Of course, having the right “tools” and “techniques” helps, but they won’t get you very far if your client isn’t crazy about you. I try to establish a strong relationship from the start by trusting my client, listening to the deeply, being curious about who they are and what they struggle with, and offering them compassion and hope. I do admit that this comes more easily to me with some clients and there are others who I struggle to build that connection. But, that is okay. I will keep trying. And, if it isn’t the fight fit, I also think it is important to not take that personally. Our own personality is infused into the therapy room, so it’s okay if a client is better served by a different therapist. Yet, I find it critical to try to come into each session with openness, presence, and a willingness to learn.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.shinethelightcounseling.com
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/shinethelightcounseling
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/shine-the-light-counseling/
• Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/shine-the-light-counseling-baltimore-2?osq=shine+the+light+counseling
• Other: https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/therapists/alli-clayton-baltimore-md/807050

Image Credits
Jules Kennedy Photography