We recently connected with Jessica Hendrix and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Jessica, thanks for joining us today. We’d love to hear about the best advice you’ve ever given to a client? (Please note this response is for education/entertainment purposes only and shouldn’t be construed as advice for the reader)

I was working with a client who was struggling with growing her business. Though she desired to grow her business she was still giving the majority of her time to other side projects and gigs that did not serve her greater purpose. Frustrated with her lack of progress she asked God to remove her distractions. Almost immediately, her gigs were gone and the side projects fizzled, she now had all the time in the world to focus on her business. The sudden change sent her into an anxiety spiral focusing on the financial implications that her lack of gig work would cause. After doing some grounding exercises I gave her this advice: When you pray for change, God usually answers with disruption. Change requires disruption of your current state. The challenge is to not let the disruption become a distraction. Be mindful not to get caught up in trying to hold on to what was and miss what may be. My client was able to refocus and use this quotable to reframe the perception of the new changes that had taken place. My client was able to triple her business in 90 days simply by changing her perception and staying focused on the big picture.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

My name is Jessica Hendrix. I am the Owner and Lead Coach at The Honest Friend, LLC, where I provide radical affirmation through honesty. I provide coaching and listening services to people of color to help them magnify and refine their self image. Through proven methods I help my clients live a life full of love, confidence, and limitless potential. Not only am I a Certified Life Coach, I am also a wife, mother and conqueror of the dynamic duo (aka depression and anxiety). Unlike most coaches who simply rely on their education, I pull from my real world experience. I understand the emotional, physical and sometimes spiritual toll navigating depression and anxiety alone can take on a person. I also understand that therapy can sometimes leave a gap when it comes to real world application. I stand in that gap. Each session with me includes application, affirmation and encouragement as I pour into each client that has been held prisoner by negative self talk.

What’s a lesson you had to unlearn and what’s the backstory?

On my journey to becoming a certified life coach, I had to learn that I cannot help everyone and that is ok. In order to be successful in any kind of therapy or coaching, the client has to be receptive to the methods and the changes that need to take place in order for them to fulfill their goals. Often times clients will hit roadblocks whether they be physical or mental, and become unwilling or unable to do the work. In these instances, it is perfectly normal to feel defeated, or even disheartened, because like most people in the helping professions you start out thinking it’s your job to save everyone. I had to learn that it is OK and it is not my job to save anyone, but it is simply my job and my calling to provide others with the tools to save themselves .

Other than training/knowledge, what do you think is most helpful for succeeding in your field?

I think the most important characteristics you need to have are empathy, open-mindedness, and a strong support system. Empathy may seem cliche but often times we mistake empathy for sympathy and become burdened with the troubles of others. But with empathy we can care about others without taking on their issues as our own while still providing support. That’s exactly what I do at THF. We must also stay open-minded because no two people have the same experience or perception, it is within those two things that most disagreements occur. Remaining open-minded allows me to be a life long learner and offer the best service to my clients. Lastly, but certainly not least, is to maintain a strong support system, nothing is done alone and we must have people in our corners in all areas of life that we can lean on when we need help or just a listening ear.

Contact Info:

• Website: Thehonestbestie.com
• Instagram: @thehonestfriendllc
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100089906528493