We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Amira Martin. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Amira below.
Alright, Amira thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Setting up an independent practice is a daunting endeavor. Can you talk to us about what it was like for you – what were some of the main steps, challenges, etc.
In 2011, I took a bold step and started my own private practice. Having been both a therapy client and a therapist myself, I knew firsthand the challenges Black and Brown individuals faced in finding a therapist who truly understood them and could approach their healing journey from a place of connection rather than racism and fear. It had been a passion of mine for years, and I was ready to take the risk and make it happen.
However, I faced some obstacles in the beginning. As a program director with a modest non-profit salary and a single mother of two growing boys, office space was not affordable for me. Undeterred, I decided to set up my practice in my basement. I hired a contractor to put up some walls and a door, and just like that, my 10×10 ft windowless office space was born!
The next step was to form an LLC and start getting clients. I did my research online and submitted the necessary paperwork for the LLC. I also hired a publishing firm to handle the publishing side of things. I still remember my first client, a woman struggling with work-related stress and the constant weight of racial microaggressions. I could relate to her struggles on a personal level.
Initially, I set aside four hours every Saturday to see clients. By 2017, I was able to bring on my first additional provider, Shaniqua Schloss, who is still with us today. Fast forward several years later, my group private practice is thriving with over 50 therapists and a huge mission. Our goal is not only to provide high-quality, affordable mental health care to our community but also to ensure that more Black and Brown therapists in New York State have access to the resources they need to set up successful private practices.
To achieve this, I started training my therapists on how to set up their own private practices and how to take their client base with them once they’ve reached the necessary licensure and had a couple of years of experience working with us. We’ve already helped many Black individuals achieve their dreams of becoming private practice therapists, and we’ll continue to do so.
In terms of doing anything differently- I would have done it MUCH SOONER!
My advice to those therapists just starting out, get a coach or mentor, establish regular weekly or monthly meeting times, whatever can work for your schedule. Feel the fear and keep moving!
As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?
I am the fifth of seven children, and most of us were born in the Castle Hill Projects in the Bronx. My mother was my biggest inspiration in life, as she left my abusive and addicted father and created an amazing life for herself and her children. Growing up, I witnessed firsthand the struggles and challenges that come with living in poverty, dealing with domestic violence, and facing racial and social issues.
As a teen mom at 18, I knew that I had to provide a better life for my son than what I had experienced. I wanted to make a real difference and help others who were going through similar situations. This led me to pursue an MSW and become a therapist.
I attended Lehman College-CUNY when my son was just one year old. Since then, I have dedicated my career to helping Black and Brown individuals find healing and connection in a world that can often be hostile and unsupportive.
As a licensed clinical social worker, I provide therapy services to individuals, couples, and families. I specialize in trauma therapy, substance abuse, depression, anxiety, and relationship issues. I also work with individuals who are navigating issues related to race, culture, and identity.
What sets me apart from others in my field is my personal experience and understanding of the challenges that my clients face. Having lived through these struggles myself, I bring a unique perspective and empathy to my work. I am committed to creating a safe and supportive environment for my clients to heal and grow.
I am most proud of the work that I have done to help train and mentor new therapists, especially those who are Black and Brown. Through my group private practice, I have been able to provide resources and support to aspiring therapists who may not have had access to the same opportunities otherwise.
Potential clients and followers should know that my work is grounded in a deep commitment to social justice and equity. I believe that everyone deserves access to quality mental health care, regardless of their background or circumstances. I am dedicated to helping my clients find healing and connection, and I am passionate about creating a more just and equitable world for all.
In addition to my work as a licensed clinical social worker, I am also a private practice coach and trainer. I have had the pleasure of helping therapists from all over the United States build their own successful private practices. This has been a fulfilling way for me to share my expertise and experience with others who are looking to make a difference in their communities.
I also share this material with the clinicians in my own practice who are ready to branch out on their own. Although they begin the work of building their own private practices from day one, my coaching and training course serves as a helpful guide that is clear, organized, and in written form. It has been incredibly rewarding to see the growth and success of the therapists I have coached and trained, and I am committed to continuing to help others achieve their dreams of starting their own private practices.
Recently, I have taken a new path in my career as an author. I have started writing children’s books with a focus on the character Zarah, which is a play on my daughter Sarah’s name. Through these books, I aim to teach children important lessons about self-love, connection with others, and personal growth.
My books are especially focused on promoting collective healing and connection between women, particularly women of color. I believe that by empowering young girls with these lessons, we can help build a brighter future where women can thrive and support one another.
I am excited about this new venture and look forward to sharing my books with the world. It is my hope that they will inspire children of all backgrounds to cultivate a strong sense of self-love and connection with others.
When I am not working on my private practice, coaching and training other therapists, or writing children’s books, I am also an adjunct professor at Columbia University School of Social Work. I teach motivational interviewing to students who are pursuing their MSW degrees.
I am passionate about sharing my knowledge and experience with the next generation of social workers. Motivational interviewing is an evidence-based approach to counseling that helps individuals find the motivation they need to make positive changes in their lives. It is a powerful tool that can be used to help people overcome obstacles and achieve their goals.
Teaching at Columbia has been a fulfilling experience for me, and I am grateful for the opportunity to help shape the future of social work. I am committed to continuing to share my knowledge and expertise with others in the field.
AmiraForHer.com AmiraForHim.com PhenomenalPrivatePracticewithAmira.com
Can you tell us about a time you’ve had to pivot?
The COVID-19 pandemic was a significant moment of pivot for me. Prior to the pandemic, I had rented two offices at a wellness center in Bed-Stuy and had three additional spaces in my home. We held women’s groups every Sunday and multiple therapists met with clients in these four spaces.
When the pandemic hit, I had to quickly figure out a safe way to continue meeting with clients. This was especially critical as my practice was my primary source of income and the sole means of supporting my family. I knew I had to pivot fast and adapt to the changing circumstances.
We decided to switch to a HIPAA-compliant Zoom platform and HIPAA-compliant Doxy.me rooms. This allowed us to continue providing mental health care to our clients while keeping everyone safe. Not only were we able to continue earning enough to support ourselves, but we were also able to expand the size of our practice by moving solely online.
While it was a challenging time, the pandemic taught me the importance of flexibility and adaptability in business and life. I still feel sadness and loss regarding what we collectively dealt with and so much loss of life, I can’t even put words to that. But I am grateful for the lessons I learned during this period, and the experience has made me a stronger and more resilient practitioner.
What’s a lesson you had to unlearn and what’s the backstory?
One of the biggest lessons that I had to unlearn was the idea of always being still and obedient. This lesson was something that was instilled in me by my mother at a young age, as I was a hyperactive child. She would often give me a slight swat on my leg and tell me to be quiet or be still, and I quickly learned that following the commands of those in authority was the way to gain approval and validation.
While this lesson was meant to keep me safe and prevent me from getting into trouble, it also had a damaging effect on other areas of my life. I carried this message into other aspects of my life and found that blind obedience was not the path to success as an entrepreneur. To truly succeed, one needs to be bold, creative, take risks, and be self-aware. Blind obedience does not allow for any of these qualities to flourish.
It took me a long time to unlearn this lesson and realize that being still and obedient was not always the best approach. While it may be necessary in certain situations, such as when safety is a concern, it is important to also allow yourself to be loud, seen, heard, and take bold steps. I have found that embracing this mindset has helped me become a more successful and fulfilled person in both my personal and professional life.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.amiraforher.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/amirablackbrownhealing/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HealingNYC/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amira-martin-95577318/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/amiramartin
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCGnl2YYfhhD5OlrdeaUnK_Q
- Other: https://www.amiraforhim.com/ https://www.facebook.com/PhenomenalwithAmira https://www.instagram.com/phenomenalprivatepracticeamira/ https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100089002823720 https://www.instagram.com/authoramiramartin/ https://socialwork.columbia.edu/faculty-research/faculty/adjunct/amira-martin/ https://www.amazon.com/stores/author/B0BQBBS5TB
Image Credits
Qaasim Barefield (Qlick Photography)