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

Dr. Anancia, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Can you open up about a risk you’ve taken – what it was like taking that risk, why you took the risk and how it turned out?

Taking the leap into starting my own clinician private practice without any financial cushion and saying goodbye to my 9-5 job was undoubtedly a daring move. I was petrified, but determined! Prior to this, I juggled two jobs while pursuing my doctorate in Counselors Education and Supervision. The incessant demands of this schedule left me drained and frustrated with the numerous external constraints limiting my desired approach to practice in the field. I wanted to take matters into my own hands and take control of my schedule and my professional pursuits.

Somewhat blindly diving into entrepreneurship on my own for the first time, I was confronted with the stark reality of not knowing the first thing about running a practice solo. Yet, fueled by determination, I took on this journey armed with little more than a fervent desire for autonomy and a vision for my practice. I relied heavily on a combination of online resources and the guidance of supportive mentors who graciously shared their insights and expertise.

One of the most challenging aspects was navigating the intricacies of finances and insurance paneling. Whew! With no prior knowledge, I found myself learning on the spot, piecing together information and strategies through trial and error. The initial stages were marked by uncertainty and a fair share of setbacks, but perseverance paid off. Slowly but surely, the pieces began to fall into place, and my practice started to gain traction.

Today, I find myself in a position where I not only run a successful practice but also serve as a beacon of guidance for others venturing into the field. Sharing my experiences and lessons learned, I strive to ease the transition for aspiring clinicians, imparting practical wisdom gained from my own journey.

It has been 4 years since my practice , Inner Peaces Counseling and Consulting LLC, opened its’ door and I am very proud of that! Despite the strides made, I recognize that the learning journey is far from over. Each day presents new challenges and opportunities for growth, and I approach them with the same tenacity that propelled me to take the initial leap of faith. Looking back, I can confidently affirm that the risk was indeed worth taking. This risk was and still is a long dream I had when I was a child and it has led me down a path of fulfillment and professional autonomy that I wouldn’t trade for anything.

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?

Greetings! I’m Dr. Anancia Stafford, a proud Chicagoan with a deep appreciation for art and diverse expressions. Art transcends words, inviting us to embrace our true selves. Infusing humor into every facet of life is my trademark; laughter is truly the best medicine. I’m fueled by a passion for connecting with people and delving into the intricacies of our world. Every interaction is an opportunity to learn, to understand, and to find where I can make a meaningful contribution. Which leads me into my career field of choice, as I get the honor of helping others express themselves and discovery and embrace their authenticity through curiosity, humor and compassion.

My journey into the counseling field was not of liner trajectory. I had some health complications as a child and found myself endlessly surrounded by doctors until my issues were corrected by what I’d like to call “superheroes”. So I was initially drawn to pediatric surgery, I wanted to be like the “superheroes”, but I found myself overwhelmed by the experiences they would encounter. Recognizing the crucial intersection of mental and physical health, I pivoted towards counseling, I knew I wanted to help people heal even if it were different from what I initially decided. Today, I offer mental health therapy to individuals, families, and couples, focusing on depression, anxiety, trauma, and interpersonal issues.

What sets my services apart is my unwavering commitment to holistic healing. I approach each client with empathy, humor and compassion, guiding them through their struggles with a blend of evidence-based techniques and personalized support. There is an art to interweaving various approaches and lenses to each individual’s treatment and I take immense pride in witnessing my clients’ resilience and their willingness to embark on the journey towards healing through our work together!

Beyond individual therapy, I extend my reach as a speaker, providing psychoeducation at schools, corporate businesses, and various workshops. Through these platforms, I aim to destigmatize mental health and empower individuals to prioritize their well-being and equip listeners with tools that can help increase quality of life.

On social media, particularly on Instagram (@drstafford_), I share free mental health tips and encouragement, reaching a broader audience and fostering a community of support and understanding.

Ultimately, my mission is to not only address the immediate concerns of my clients but also to equip them with the tools and insights needed to navigate life’s challenges with resilience and grace. I pride myself on being a catalyst for positive change, offering a safe space for individuals to explore their emotions, heal from past traumas, and cultivate meaningful connections.

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

I would only go back to tell my past self that they are doing the right thing and that they are going to meet great people and do very well in my endeavors. I’d tell my past self that despite the difficulties that come with traveling the roads least traveled, that It will be fulfilling and rewarding to others beyond the self. So yes, I would choose the same path if i could go back in time as it’s one of the best decisions I have ever made!

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

Maintaining a healthy relationship with oneself is imperative for mental health professionals and clinical private practice business owners. Our ability to empathize, support, and guide others hinges on our own well-being. I am not saying our lives have to be perfect or that we cant struggle with out own mental heath at times, but we need to be aware of when and how to support ourselves to find balance. We model self-care and resilience so taking care of ourselves is not just something to do to feel good, it is an ethical duty. Importantly, self-awareness enables us to recognize biases, boundaries, and triggers, creating space for true authenticity and trust in therapeutic relationships. When we prioritize our own mental health, we sharpen our clinical skills, enhance our emotional intelligence, and cultivate a deeper understanding of human experiences.

Contact Info:

• Website: Innerpeaces.org
• Instagram: @drstafford_
• Facebook: Dr. Anancia Stafford
• Linkedin: Anancia Stafford

Image Credits
Antwan Taylor, Owner of T.R.U.E Photo