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

Dr. Pickens, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today When you’ve been a professional in an industry for long enough, you’ll experience moments when the entire field takes a U-Turn, an instance where the consensus completely flips upside down or where the “best practices” completely change. If you’ve experienced such a U-Turn over the course of your professional career, we’d love to hear about it.

In the realm of counseling and private practice, I’ve always believed that adaptability is key. Little did I know just how much this belief would be put to the test when the world took an unprecedented U-turn with the onset of the pandemic.

Picture this: I was comfortably settled in my private practice, the Volition Collective Counseling and Wellness Center in Arlington, TX, with several counselors specializing in multiple areas to thrive in all aspects of life. My career had been marked by helping clients establish boundaries and combatting negative beliefs about masculinity. It was my calling, my passion, and my mission.

Then, the pandemic hit, and it was as if the rug had been pulled from under me. Suddenly, the traditional office-based counseling model became a relic of the past, at least for the foreseeable future. Like countless others, I had to pivot swiftly.

One of the most challenging aspects was my five-year lease, a commitment made in the pre-pandemic era when in-person counseling was the norm. I hadn’t anticipated a situation where telehealth would become the lifeline for my practice. I approached my landlord, hoping for some flexibility, but it was an uphill battle. The lease remained intact, and I found myself locked into a space I could hardly use.

But that wasn’t the only twist. As telehealth became the new norm, my office overhead costs unexpectedly skyrocketed. The very thing that was supposed to save me money, turned out to be a financial burden. My landlord even increased the lease by $350, despite our initial agreement of the same rate for 5 years. The new landlords, a large company called Peyco Southwest took over and raised the rent without documentation or notice. And I’m still stuck until 2025.

It was a trying time, to say the least. However, the silver lining emerged as I learned to adapt and innovate. My experience navigating these challenges during the pandemic wasn’t just about surviving; it was about thriving. Being online opened the world up and expanded many areas of my business.

I explored creative solutions to make the most of my office space and leveraged telehealth to continue serving my clients effectively. The pandemic became an opportunity to connect with my clients on a deeper level as we all grappled with uncertainty and change.

This experience reinforced the importance of resilience, adaptability, and the need to support High-Achieving Black Women, particularly during times of crisis. It also informed my mission to grow my coaching business and organize retreats tailored to the unique needs of HABW™.

The pandemic may have ushered in a U-turn that none of us anticipated, but it also revealed our capacity to adapt, innovate, and come out stronger on the other side. As a counselor, my journey through this unprecedented time has not only reshaped my practice but has also deepened my commitment to empowering High-Achieving Black Women to thrive in the face of adversity.

Ultimately, it’s a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the power of adaptability in the ever-changing landscape of counseling and wellness.

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 Journey: I hail from Kansas City, Kansas, and yes, I’ve been a die-hard fan of the Superbowl champion Chiefs since before they clinched the title! But my story isn’t about football; it’s about transformation and empowerment.

My journey into the world of counseling and empowerment started with my own struggles in relationships. Those challenges became a turning point in my life, leading me to my true calling – helping other High Achieving Black Women (HABW™), especially therapists, and helping professionals, navigate their own unique journeys.

My Specialization and Services:
What do I specialize in, you might ask? Two key areas hold my heart: boundary establishment and combatting negative beliefs about masculinity. My mission is clear – to empower HABW™ like you to find your voice, speak up for yourself, and confidently ask for what you want and need.

I’m not just an LPC; I’m a guide who facilitates transformative group coaching sessions, healing circles, and retreats tailored specifically for HABW™ dealing with emotional abuse, family influence, societal expectations, stereotypes, “church hurt,” and other challenges that may resonate with you.

My Role in Professional Associations:
But my journey doesn’t stop there. I’ve taken on leadership roles in professional associations, serving as the President of TACES and Past President of TexAMCD, both divisions of the Texas Counseling Association.

As an LPC Supervisor, I provide supervision and training, emphasizing cultural competency and humility. Whether you’re a counseling student, a new associate, or someone mandated for additional training by the Texas licensing board, I support your growth.

Transparent Speaker and Advocate:
Beyond my counseling practice, I’m passionate about mental health advocacy. I use my platform to share my life and business experiences transparently, breaking down the stigma surrounding mental health and encouraging others to seek help when needed.

My Passions:
Now, on a more personal note, I’m an avid fan of documentaries and independent films. Music and dancing are my forms of fitness, and I’m committed to local politics and positive media representation of Black people. My love for international travel reflects my adventurous spirit and desire to connect with people from around the globe.

Community and Sorority Engagement:
Since 1997, I’ve been an active member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., and I continue to engage with my community as a member of the Arlington Alumnae Chapter.

What I Want You to Know:
So, here’s what I want you to take away from this: I’m not just a counselor. I’m your advocate, confidant, and partner on your empowerment journey. My approach is holistic, my advocacy is transparent, and my commitment to cultural competency sets me apart.

I’m proud of my journey, my ability to help others navigate life’s challenges and my dedication to empowering HABW™ like you to thrive in every aspect of your life. Whether you’re a potential client, follower, or fan, you’ll find in me a compassionate guide ready to walk this path with you.

Can you talk to us about how your funded your firm or practice?

Allow me to take you back to the beginnings of my journey as an entrepreneur and counselor, and how I secured the initial capital to start my business. It’s a story that combines faith, determination, and the unwavering support of loved ones.

Divine Guidance and a New Beginning:
My journey to Arlington, Texas, began with a deep sense of purpose. I moved here from my hometown, Kansas City, Kansas, not just because I wanted to, but because I believed it was where I needed to be. I had a strong conviction that God had a plan for me, and that plan involved finding my future husband in this new place. I embarked on this life-changing journey with a heart full of faith.

Not the Husband God Had in Mind:
As life would have it, I did find a husband in Arlington, but it wasn’t the one God had in mind for me. Sometimes, life takes unexpected turns, and that’s exactly what happened in this case. Nevertheless, my faith remained steadfast, and I was determined to create a meaningful life for myself.

Starting Small and Subleasing from a Church:
To realize my dream of empowering High Achieving Black Women (HABW™), I needed a space where I could offer my counseling services. I began small and resourcefully by subleasing space from a local church. This arrangement allowed me to start serving clients without the burden of a large financial commitment.

The First Big Step: Signing My First Lease:
After a year of laying the foundation for my business and building a client base, I took a significant step forward. I signed my very first lease. This was a pivotal moment, as it signified my commitment to the path I had chosen. It was a dream come true, and I was ready to take my business to the next level.

A Mother’s Support: Borrowing $500 to Begin:
However, like many startups, I faced financial challenges when it came to covering the initial lease payment. This is where the support of my family, especially my mother, played a crucial role. To secure the funds needed for that first month’s lease, I turned to my mother, who lent me $500. It was a gesture of belief in my vision and a testament to the power of family support.

Balancing Full-Time Work and Entrepreneurship:
Starting a business takes time, dedication, and financial stability. To make ends meet in those early days, I continued to work at another full-time job while simultaneously building my practice. It was a juggling act that demanded resilience and determination, but I was unwavering in my commitment to my mission.

The Journey Continues:
Today, as I reflect on those initial steps, I’m grateful for the faith that guided me and the support of loved ones who believed in my vision. It’s a journey that continues to evolve, and I’m proud of how far I’ve come. My business, centered around empowering HABW™, is not just a profession but a calling, and I’m excited to see where this path leads next.

In Conclusion:
The story of how I got the initial capital to start my business is one of faith, resourcefulness, and the support of family. It’s a testament to the determination and passion that have driven me to empower and uplift HABW™, and I’m excited to continue this journey, knowing that the best is yet to come.

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

As I look back on my career and the path I’ve walked as a counselor, there’s a resounding truth: I wouldn’t change my profession for anything in the world. It’s a calling I hold dear to my heart, where I’m meant to be. However, if I were to embark on this journey again, there are a few changes I’d consider.

Choosing the Same Profession: A Resounding “Yes”:
First and foremost, the counseling profession is where I belong. Empowering High Achieving Black Women (HABW™) and helping them navigate life’s challenges is not just my profession; it’s my passion and my calling. The impact I’ve had on the lives of my clients is immeasurable, and for that, I would choose this path over and over again.

Timing Is Key: Getting Licensed Earlier:
If I could go back in time, I would change the timing of my licensure. I would have taken my licensing exam and obtained my license earlier in my career. Licensing opens doors and allows counselors to reach more individuals in need. It’s a crucial step, and I would have embraced it sooner to expand my reach and help even more people.

Diverse Licensure for Broader Impact: LPC and LMFT:
Additionally, I would have pursued licensure as both a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) and a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT). This dual licensure would have enabled me to supervise and guide professionals in both fields. It’s an avenue for sharing knowledge and experience, fostering growth, and impacting the mental health profession.

A Journey of Growth and Learning:
While I cherish the path I’ve taken and the experiences that have shaped me, there’s always room for growth and improvement. Reflecting on these changes I would make is a reminder that our journeys are fluid and dynamic, filled with opportunities for evolution and learning.

In Conclusion:
So, if I had the chance to start my journey all over again, I would embrace the counseling profession with the same enthusiasm and dedication. It’s a path that aligns with my purpose, and I believe in its profound impact on the lives of HABW™ and the broader community. While I’d make a few adjustments along the way, my commitment to this profession and my mission to empower HABW™ would remain unwavering.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://drmeganpickens.com
• Instagram: @drmeganpickens
• Facebook: @drmeganpickens2
• Linkedin: @drmeganpickens
• Youtube: @drmeganpickens