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

Crashonda , appreciate you joining us today. If you had a defining moment that you feel really changed the trajectory of your career, we’d love to hear the story and details.

My career took a sharp turn when I was diagnosed with interstitial lung disease. Suddenly, I found myself facing depression and anxiety from the other side of the therapist’s chair. As someone who had spent years guiding others through their mental and emotional struggles, this shift was profound. It made me truly understand the challenges my clients endure. Learning to cope with my own difficulties taught me the importance of self-compassion and acceptance—lessons I had preached to others but now had to live by.

Despite the hurdles, I discovered resilience and adaptability, continuing my professional journey with a fresh perspective. This experience highlighted the significance of self-care and finding purpose in adversity. It also reshaped my therapeutic approach, leading me to specialize in helping individuals cope with chronic illness and life-altering diagnoses.

Furthermore, it reminded me to cherish moments with loved ones, be grateful for every blessing, find joy in simplicity, love deeply, laugh freely, and forgive quickly. My journey serves as a constant reminder of the connection between personal and professional life and the transformative potential of facing challenges head-on. I am forever grateful for this journey!

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?

My name is Crashonda Duncan, and I am a trained EMDR psychotherapist, entrepreneur, speaker, certified mat Pilates instructor, wellness coach, and proud mother. I am also the owner and founder of The Therapy Lounge and Wellness Boutique, where we practice holistic and integrative wellness.

While I find joy in assisting clients with diverse backgrounds and everyday stressors, my true passion lies in working with individuals grappling with autoimmune and chronic disorders. My journey in this field began with personal challenges navigating healthcare systems and struggling to access the care I deserved.

I firmly believe in the importance of community and sisterhood. Advocating for accessible luxury mental wellness regardless of one’s background or circumstances is central to my practice. I’ve founded a nonprofit called Choosing You, dedicated to empowering young ladies and women to prioritize and advocate for themselves, especially in the healthcare arena.

I believe that learning is a lifelong journey, which is why I am currently expanding my knowledge through studies in AIP coaching and herbalism. At my core, I am simply driven by a desire to spread love, share happiness, and bring joy to others’ lives. My ultimate goal is to help people not just exist but truly live to their fullest potential through healing and holistic wellbeing.

Readers: I encourage you to show grace, love deeply and to remember that today your best was enough. Slow down, breathe deep and know that what is meant for you is on its way and will not miss you…until then do what brings you JOY! XOXO

If you could go back in time, do you think you would have chosen a different profession or specialty?

Reflecting on my journey, I realize that this profession wasn’t just a choice I made; it was more like destiny finding me. From my childhood dreams of becoming a teacher to my aspirations to be a nurse during college years, each step seemed to lead me closer to my true calling. It’s as if God granted me my childhood dream in a different form – that of being a healer. In my role, I fulfill aspects of all my aspirations: I’m a teacher, guiding others on their path to healing and wellness; I’m a nurse, providing care and support; and I’m a communicator, building bridges of understanding and connection with both my clients and community.

Being a true healer is not just a profession; it’s who I am at my core. I didn’t acquire all my wisdom from textbooks alone; I stand as a living testament to the power of healing. I embrace this calling wholeheartedly, knowing that it’s where I’m meant to be. Every step of my journey has led me here, and I am grateful for the opportunity to make a difference in the lives of others.

What’s been the most effective strategy for growing your clientele?

While I can’t label it as a distinct strategy, I’ve found that authentically portraying myself as I truly am has been pivotal in expanding my clientele. This genuineness resonates with individuals (or so I hear), motivating them to seek my services and spread positive feedback to others. Ultimately, it’s about cultivating genuine relationships rooted in mutual respect and understanding, which serves as the foundation of my practice’s growth. Additionally, I believe in nurturing connections within the community and providing quality services. I truly connect with my clients and root for them every step of the way.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: the.therapy.lounge.llc
• Other: therapylounge.as.me

Image Credits
The images in the blue are from-TERRENCEHUMPHREYPHOTOS The image in pink-ephraimsphotography