We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Jaslyn Bailey. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Jaslyn below.
Hi Jaslyn, thanks for joining us today. Was there a defining moment in your professional career? A moment that changed the trajectory of your career?
When I first entered the Social Work field, I was unsure about where the decision would led me. I just knew I was passionate about being a voice for others and assisting them evolve from a place of survival to a place a thriving. I chose to obtain and complete my MSW program in 2017. At that time, I just wanted to spread optimism and possibility to every population I could serve. Initially, I started as Medical Social Worker which gave me an opportunity to build professional skills however, felt very limiting as resources were not as abundant as I would have liked. I felt myself burning out quickly and the misalignment with my original core belief was occurring. I also experienced racial discrimination at a predominantly white organization at which time affected me more than I realized. I continued to work in the medical field until April of 2021 at which point my father unexpectedly passed away. The energy that I had keeping me in the field vanished. I realized life was too short to work in a field that I couldn’t be myself and yielded little reward but high demand. I thought long and hard about what made me feel valued and aligned with my initial belief of assisting others transition from surviving to thriving .which led me to psychotherapy. Although, medical social work was my primary job since graduation, I always moonlighted as a community therapist as it felt fun to utilize my credentials in such away I could actually feel and see the difference in the lives I touched in real time. With this knowledge, I pursued an opportunity with the agency Therapy for Queer People of Color. Immediately, I felt at home and it was if my soul could exhale because I was finally in a position that felt in alignment. I had an opportunity to work in a space that did not require a mask but instead allow me to exist in each session, meeting, and work event as my full self: a Southern African American Lesbian. A rarity in the predominately white spaces I was familiar with existing my entire career. From that point, I realized the importance of cohesion in my professional career and my every day life. So now, I have the pleasure of being the owner of Journeying Beyond Measure, where I have the power to embrace those who share similar identities as myself and affirm them without feeling that masks are required.
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 background and context?
As a southern, lesbian, woman of color, all too often I found myself in uncomfortable places that felt as if they were not meant for me, including therapy! Causing me to shrink, hide, and wear masks that were hindering me from reaching my potential. I created Journeying Beyond Measure to make intentional room to heal from damaging life experiences and mindfully move forward with purpose.
Academically, I have obtained and maintained higher educational degrees, professional certifications, and consider myself to be a life long learner. I hold a Masters in Social Work from University of South Carolina and a Bachelors of Science in Sociology from Francis Marion University. As well as speciality certificates in Medical and Mental Health services, Geriatrics, and Mindfulness provider. Along this journey, I have learned, both formally and informally, ways to assist in recognizing that no one gets through this life unscathed. Through my experience, I enjoy being a facilitator, accountability partner, cheerleader, and sometimes challenger (when needed) for those who desire to do healing work in a safe space. I truly enjoy helping people progress.
With transparency I share, I am perfectly imperfect. I am human. I challenge societal norms, dance to the beat of my own drum, and enjoy the adventure of trying things to see what works. As a mental health professional and world traveler, I have come to realize mental well being has more than one meaning therefore, we need more than one way to move towards healthy versions of ourselves. As I continue to engage in new forms of healing, I look forward to sharing in others as well!
Do you think you’d choose a different profession or specialty if you were starting now?
No, in fact I would have chosen it sooner! Each day I feel that I am operating and working in my passion field. That feels good for my mental, emotional, and physical. I also would have began serving the Queer BIPOC community sooner as well. There is a sense of exhilaration that follows me into each day as I get to show up as me in the work I do. That to me is priceless! Often existing in spaces where I would have to shrink or subdue portions of my personality to align with the “work culture” felt draining and very unfulfilling. Now, everyday feels like it has a purpose and I am living life not life living me.
Training and knowledge matter of course, but beyond that what do you think matters most in terms of succeeding in your field?
Networking! I will admittedly note I am still growing in this area but networking has been an invaluable tool in this field. There have been opportunities I had no idea about that a colleague would share or submit my information for and the results have been amazing. Learning from and engaging with other mental health providers, coaches, and speakers assists in growing my knowledge and providing perspectives that I would not have been able to identify alone. I look forward to continuing to build community in this field and share spaces with those who enjoy assisting others evolve as well.
Contact Info:
- Website: Www.jbmcounseling.org
- Instagram: @jbmcounseling
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JBMCounseling