Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Holly “Dr. Holly” Sawyer, PhD, LPC, NCC, CAADC, SAP. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Holly “Dr. Holly”, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Setting up an independent practice is a daunting endeavor. Can you talk to us about what it was like for you – what were some of the main steps, challenges, etc.

I started my solo practice, Life First Therapy in April 2017. I help professional Black women navigate microaggressions in the workplace by helping them find their inner power through assertiveness without using substances to cope.

Holly “Dr. Holly”, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

My name is Dr. Holly Sawyer, affectionally known as, Dr. Holly. I am a Black female licensed clinical therapist, wife and mother of two teens, a boy and girl. I am a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) in Pennsylvania and New Jersey. Other credentials I hold are a National Certified Counselor (NCC) and Certified Advanced Alcohol and Drug Counselor (CAADC). I am a Department of Transportation (DOT) Qualified Substance Abuse Professional (SAP). ​
For companies committed to the mental health and retention of high potential diverse talent, I deliver dynamic content. In addition to clinical professional development, I am a highly sought after international mental health public speaker and trainer. I am also an advisor for start-ups, a national trainer and facilitator with 19 years of teaching experience.

I am a dynamic leader with experience navigating substance use treatment centers as a clinical director delivering outcomes across community health agencies. I am also an author of It’s Time to Talk About Trauma and Get Your Mind Right, Get Your Money Right: The Mental Health Guide for Successful Entrepreneurs.

When I am not providing therapy, I perform stand-up, improv, act and write sketches. I have been doing these hobbies a little over a year. Since falling in love with comedy when I was 8 years old, inspired by my father who always told dad jokes and watched some of the greats like Sinbad and Eddie Murphy during my childhood. I have been performing stand-up comedy in the US and in Canada with material speaking to everything from hot button social issues to being a therapist. My comedy is smart, sassy, & always politically incorrect.

I am most proud of being a therapist in the day and being a creative at night. Both careers allows me to help people, but in different ways – therapy and laughter! I encourage fans/followers to make living their priority. That has been the motto I live by.

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

Yes, I would choose the same profession, but would have done it sooner because it is such a rewarding career, although I do not regret the path I’ve taken to get here.

Are there any books, videos or other content that you feel have meaningfully impacted your thinking?

Bossy Pants by Tina Fey Born Standing Up by Steve Martin
Boss Up by Lindsay Moreno
Escape by Anik Singal
You’re not the Boss of Me by Tomica Atkinson
The Four Tendencies by Gretchin Rubin
Twelve Months to Your Ideal Private Practice by Lynn Grodzki

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.lifefirsttherapy.com/
• Instagram: @lifefirsttherapyllc
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drhollysawyer12/
• Other: Instagram: @drhollysfunny