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

D’Shawn , thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Was there a moment in your career that meaningfully altered your trajectory? If so, we’d love to hear the backstory.

Being a therapist often involves ongoing self-reflection and personal growth. A defining moment for me was when I gained a deeper understanding of myself through the work with my clients. Self-awareness enhanced my effectiveness as a therapist and enabled me to empathize with clients’ experiences on a more profound level. Although being a therapist is a continuous journey, and defining moments will occur all throughout my career, recognizing my very own personal growth and insight was a significant milestone for me.

D’Shawn , love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

I became a therapist because of my personal mental health challenges. I openly share my story, which begins before I was born. My mother was addicted to drugs and gave birth to me while she was in prison. Consequently, I became a product of the foster care system, where I endured mental, sexual, and physical abuse.

As I entered adulthood, I recognized the significant impact of my experiences on how I presented myself to the world, and it wasn’t always as my best self.

I pursued a career as a therapist to become the representation of support and understanding that I once needed. Now, I work with clients who struggle with anxiety, depression, trauma, and other similar issues.

My unique background and childhood experiences set me apart from others in my field and attract people to work with me. I take immense pride in overcoming those challenges and breaking the cycle of trauma.

Putting training and knowledge aside, what else do you think really matters in terms of succeeding in your field?

In addition to my training and knowledge, I find that being a representation of diversity in my field is crucial for success. It is disheartening to note that out of nearly 200,000 therapists in the US, only 4.1 percent are black, which accounts for a little over 8,000 individuals. This significant underrepresentation contributes to the lack of accessibility and resources for people of color seeking therapy and perpetuates the stigma surrounding mental health.

I am not just a therapist; I am also a passionate mental health advocate. I strongly emphasize the importance of therapy and prioritizing mental well-being. My primary focus is reaching out to individuals who share my racial background because they often face the most challenges. By being visible and active in this role, my goal is to instill hope in them and others, allowing them to see that there is a way forward through the support of mental health professionals like myself.

What do you think helped you build your reputation within your market?

Being true to myself and practicing transparency has been instrumental in building my reputation. People seek relatability and understanding, and like many of my clients and target audience, I also come from humble beginnings. Establishing this connection often sparks a desire in individuals to work with me, as they feel understood and can relate to my journey.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.northeastfamilyservices.com/marylandproviders
• Instagram: @dshawnlharris
• Linkedin: D’Shawn Harris
• Other: Link Tree: https://linktr.ee/DshawnLHarris