Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Johanny Reyes. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Johanny, appreciate you joining us today. Have you ever had an amazing boss, mentor or leader leading you? Can you us a story or anecdote that helps illustrate why this person was such a great leader and the impact they had on you or their team?

While pursuing my Masters Degree in Social Work I had the opportunity to work at a Nursing and Rehabilitation Center. In this position, I had the opportunity to grow as an individual and as a professional. I was the Director of Social Services for 8 years under the leadership of my then boss Kelley Rice Schild. Kelley taught me interpersonal and leadership skills that I still use within my day to day. She showed up as a walking billboard of empathy and inspiration. Kelley empowered me in a way that helped me see beyond what I thought I was capable of. She pushed me beyond what I thought were my limits through encouragement and getting me to step out of my comfort zone. We all know how comfortable we can get in that little bubble. She put me front and center in rooms where I was able to identify and stand out as a leader. These included conferences, public speaking engagements, managing a department and being part of a board committee. I still remember her pumping me up while I was freaking out before a presentation. Her reassurance that day stayed with me, as her words resonate in my head whenever imposter syndrome attempts to kick in.

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?

Hi! I am Johanny Reyes, a proud Afro-Latina born in the Dominican Republic. I’ve called South Florida home, since the age of nine and I love it here. I love the weather, food & my warm hearted community.

I was introduced to social services as a young girl living in an underprivileged area and a low income home. Lived experiences related to low self esteem, family trauma and disrupted family dynamics led me to embrace social services and the clinical aspect of social work. I’ve had the opportunity to make a difference in the foster care system as well as working with the elderly, children and families who have faced abuse and discrimination due to their immigration status.

I started my private practice during the pandemic in 2020. I specialize in supporting young girls and women as they navigate depression, life transitions, anxiety, trauma and relationship challenges. I offer telehealth and in-person counseling in the state of Florida. I provide a safe space for my black and brown community where clients can leap the stigma surrounding our culture and mental health. I am fluent in both Spanish and English which can serve as a comfort zone, especially for those who navigate English as a second language.

I am proud to be a mom of two boys and being able to instill in them the importance of taking care of their mental health as well as knowing how values shape our lives and relationships. I am proud to help change the narrative and stigma surrounding mental health in my latin community.

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

If I could go back, I would definitely choose the same profession of being a licensed therapist and clinical social worker. I find great fulfillment in helping my community navigate mental and life transition challenges. I don’t take for granted having the platform to advocate for my clients and community. I know I am in a rewarding field.

Training and knowledge matter of course, but beyond that what do you think matters most in terms of succeeding in your field?

In providing mental health assistance and support I feel empathy, cultural competence and ethical integrity play a major role. In addition, the therapeutic alliance, or the bond and trust between therapist and client, is considered one of the most important factors for successful therapy. Building this alliance requires many factors which in turn, can help both client and therapist succeed.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.ThrivingCounselingSolutions.com
• Instagram: @ThrivingCounselingSolutions
• Facebook: Thriving Counseling Solutions
• Linkedin: Johanny Reyes, LCSW
• Yelp: Thriving Counseling Solutions
• TikTok: ThrivingCounseling

Image Credits
Ana Valerio