We recently connected with Kia Randall and have shared our conversation below.

Kia, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. We’d love to hear the backstory of how you established your own practice.

My plan after high school was initially not to go to college; I was in a cosmetology program partnered with my high school and I had planned to become a licensed cosmetologist. Last minute, senior year, I changed my mind and applied to Bowie State University. After testing at the end of their Summer Bridge Program, I was enrolled as a student unsure of my path.

I took a psychology class and loved it, it became my major, and a few professors believed in me enough to encourage me to continue on to the Counseling graduate Program at the university. They even wrote my recommendation letters. From the moment I (mentally) bought into the idea of the counseling program, I began picturing myself as a therapist. I knew one day I’d eventually want my own practice; I envisioned my office space, the layout, the plants, tea/coffee station, the type of client’s I would see, and all of the things.

I’ve been gaining hands on mental health experience since 2017, working as a counseling intern, LG level therapist, and now a LC level therapist working toward becoming a clinical supervisor. Most of that experience took place under someone else’s practice/agency, but during the pandemic, I decided to start my very own private practice in 2021. Thriving Thoughts Therapy, LLC. Granted, the outcome is a bit different than what I originally envisioned. There’s no grand office space, the practice is telehealth only at this time…but I did the leg work, it’s THRIVING, and it’s mine. I’m super proud of that!

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?

Since 2017, I have been building my professional career by gaining experience with teens and adults. I provide an eclectic approach to therapy through the practice of mindfulness, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Person Centered Therapy, and a Solution-Focused framework. I am a two-time alumna of Bowie State University, holding a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology and a Master’s Degree in Counseling Psychology. I am a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor approved by the Maryland Board of Professional Counselors and Therapists and am also recognized as a National Certified Counselor by the National Board for Certified Counselors, Inc. and Affiliates. I use my professional experience to assist clients in bettering their lives by shifting their perspective using specific therapeutic interventions. As a therapist, I am a firm believer that changing your perspective changes your experience. My goal for the practice is to help clients recognize that thoughts impact emotions, which directly influences behavior. “It’s all about perspective”, that’s my motto! I use my personal experience with hair loss/alopecia to inspire others to overcome challenges, “turn lemons into lemonade”, begin the process of self discovery, build/improve self esteem, show up as your authentic self in all spaces, and so much more!

Do you think you’d choose a different profession or specialty if you were starting now?

Absolutely not! I really enjoy what I do. Being able to assist clients in working through problems, challenging themselves, and changing their lives; it’s not always easy work, but very fulfilling. The positive feedback I have gotten from clients I’ve worked with in the past and currently, has most definitely warmed my heart and makes me love what I do even more! I also love that this profession creates flexibility; the option to see clients in person or virtually, to create a schedule that works for my lifestyle, the ability to work with various types of clients and issues, etc.

Any stories or insights that might help us understand how you’ve built such a strong reputation?

I would say my authenticity first and the pride I take in the work that I do secondly, has helped build my reputation within my market. I have CCC alopecia and I show up in every space, bald and all, as who I am. What you see, is what you get with me and I believe clients appreciate that transparency. Dealing with alopecia was a struggle for me initially, until I changed my perspective on it and took my power back. I owned it and now it’s an experience (a past challenge) that Ive overcome and that humanizes me as a provider. I am not perfect, I make mistakes, I have feelings and they get hurt sometimes, some things are difficult for me too, and I don’t always have the answers. But that’s me and on top of that I believe I’m good at what I do, mainly because of my experience/skill but also because I know my strengths/limitations and I work with clients that I am aligned with.

I take a lot of pride in the work that I do with clients and the level of care I provide. It is important to me to create a safe space for clients to be open, honest, and transparent. I challenge clients to grow, consider alternative perspectives, and without judgement I call out when things that are being said or done do not align with client goals. My goal is that clients do not walk away from therapy (with me) with the same mindset that they came into therapy with, that there is growth. Hence the practice name, Thriving Thoughts Therapy.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.thrivingthoughtstherapy.com
• Instagram: thriving_thoughts_therapy
• Other: Email: [email protected]