We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Ayesha Youngblood. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Ayesha below.
Ayesha , thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. We’d love to hear about the things you feel your parents did right and how those things have impacted your career and life.
When reflecting on what my mother has done and how it has impacted my work as a therapist, I often think about the values she instilled in me. Growing up, my mother always made it clear that life was about taking responsibility, not just for your actions, but for your goals and your future.
My mother was a young single parent who worked many jobs to ensure that my siblings and I were taken care of. She instilled in me the importance of hard work, teaching me that I could take care of myself and create a future vastly different from her own. I watched her work long hours, pushing herself to learn and do more. Even without a college education, she was able to work her way up in her career. This taught me that success wouldn’t always come easily or immediately, but that it was something I could achieve through persistence and hard work.
When I began my career as a therapist, that same work ethic followed me into my practice. I find myself going above and beyond, seeking additional training, and being committed to doing whatever it takes to be the best therapist I can be for my clients. This value is also reflected in the client’s journey toward healing and growth. It’s clear that when clients work through challenges, progress isn’t always fast or easy, but it is possible with hard work and commitment.
Reflecting on my career today, I realize just how much my mother’s example has shaped who I am, both personally and professionally. Drive and determination are at the core of everything I do, and they have been cornerstones of my success as a mental health therapist.
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.
My name is Ayesha Youngblood and I am a Licensed Professional Counselor. I specialize in trauma, maternal mental health, and mood/anxiety disorders. My journey into this field began with a deep desire to help individuals navigate life’s most challenging experiences. After personally witnessing the impact that trauma, mood, and anxiety disorders can have on people’s lives, I decided to dedicate my career to supporting others through these difficult, yet transformative, times. Over time, I realized there was a significant need for specialized care for individuals navigating the emotional complexities of trauma, depression, anxiety, and early motherhood. I sought advanced training in these areas, earning certifications and developing expertise in trauma-informed care and maternal mental health care.
I offer individual, couples, and family therapy services, focused on supporting clients through a range of emotional and mental health challenges, including, trauma, maternal mental health, and mood/anxiety disorders. I also offer clinical consultations and speaking engagements.
As a therapist, I believe no single therapeutic model fits everyone, and each person’s journey is unique. Because of this, I use an eclectic approach to therapy. I draw from a variety of evidence-based methods, selecting and blending techniques that are most appropriate for my clients’ individual needs. I also believe in creating a safe, non-judgmental space where my clients feel heard, understood, and empowered to take control of their mental health.
Through my work with clients, I can say that I’m incredibly proud of the progress my clients make in their healing journeys. Whether it’s a mother who feels more connected to herself and her baby after struggling with postpartum depression, or individuals who are finally able to find peace, and clarity, and rebuild their life after trauma, the change that occurs is unmatched. The transformations I witness in my clients are a continual source of inspiration for me, and they remind me every day why I chose this path.
If you’re struggling with your mental health, know that you don’t have to go through this journey alone. Healing is possible, and I am here to support you every step of the way. My work is centered on meeting you where you are, honoring your experiences, and helping you move toward a place of healing and resilience.
Do you think you’d choose a different profession or specialty if you were starting now?
If I could go back, I would absolutely choose the same profession and specialty. Becoming a therapist, particularly specializing in trauma, mood/anxiety disorders, and maternal mental health, feels like the most meaningful and fulfilling path I could have taken.
From the beginning of my career, I’ve been driven by a deep desire to help others heal and navigate life’s most challenging moments. The work I do with clients, whether it’s helping them process past trauma or supporting new mothers through the complexities of postpartum mental health, is incredibly rewarding. Witnessing their growth, resilience, and transformation is a privilege I don’t take lightly.
In terms of specialty, trauma and maternal mental health are both fields that are close to my heart. Trauma is a powerful force that can shape people’s lives in ways that aren’t always visible on the surface, and maternal mental health is an area where there’s still so much stigma and misunderstanding. Being able to provide support in these areas is something I’m deeply passionate about. I’ve never wavered in my commitment to these fields, as they allow me to offer clients not just therapeutic support, but also the hope and empowerment they often need to take back control of their lives.
Of course, it hasn’t always been easy. This line of work can be emotionally challenging, and the learning process is ongoing. But I wouldn’t change a thing. Every step has helped me grow as both a therapist and a person, and I’m proud of the work I do every day.
Putting training and knowledge aside, what else do you think really matters in terms of succeeding in your field?
Beyond training and knowledge, I believe that compassion and authenticity are two of the most important qualities for succeeding in this field.
As a therapist, the work we do is deeply personal, and the connection we build with our clients is vital to the healing process. Compassion allows us to truly understand and empathize with the struggles our clients are facing, helping them feel seen, heard, and validated. When we approach each client with genuine care and a willingness to be present with their pain, it creates a safe and supportive environment where they can begin to heal.
Authenticity is just as crucial. Clients can sense when a therapist is disinterested or not fully present, and that lack of genuine connection can hinder progress. For me, being authentic means showing up as my true self in the room, which helps foster trust and openness. It’s important that clients know they are working with a person who is not just using professional knowledge, but also bringing their whole heart and humanity into the therapeutic process.
In a field where many clients are navigating difficult and sometimes traumatic experiences, showing up with compassion and authenticity helps build a relationship of trust and respect, which is foundational for growth and healing. It’s not just about what we know, but how we show up and make our clients feel supported and understood.
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