We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Kimberly Parker a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Kimberly , thanks for joining us today. We’d love to hear about how you went about setting up your own practice and if you have any advice for professionals who might be considering starting their own?

There are many life experiences that have contributed to where I am today, serving in the roles of a CEO, therapist, transformative coach, and doctoral student; however, there are a few key moments that have inspired my steps along the way. First, I was inspired by Dr. Steven Frieze from CSU Dominguez Hills to serve as a transformative and passionate counselor and professor. Second, I was encouraged by Dr. Fred Rabinowitz from the University of Redlands to earn a second master’s in counseling, a degree that led to licensure. Next, I was motivated by amazing professors at the University of North Texas to complete my master’s degree in counseling and earn my doctorate degree in counseling (that is currently in progress)… a decision that activated the courage I needed to birth Revive to Thrive Wellness Center, a thriving group practice.

I took the leap of faith to open my business after being accepted into my doctoral program. The reason is, I knew that I could not work for someone and maintain my financial obligations at the same time. I also felt inspired to start my business, as I recently (within the past couple of years) decided to engage in an abundance mindset, rejecting my scarcity mindset, which was fueled by past trauma.

The name of my business is inspired by what I want for myself, my staff, and my clients- reviving from survival mode, so that we can thrive! Doing it afraid is how I started my business and doing it afraid is what continues to give me fuel. I encourage this same motto for anyone else who is thinking about starting a business!

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?

As mentioned, my name is Kimberly Parker. I am a doctoral student, transformative coach, therapist, and the CEO of Revive to Thrive Wellness Center, a group practice serving the needs of Texas residents. I am passionate about serving people of color, who have the desire to break unhealthy generational patterns and want to do a better job of loving themselves. My clients and I work together to improve their self esteem, learn communication skills, manage their emotions, and resolve past trauma that prevents them from being their best/highest selves.

A little more information about the business… At Revive to Thrive Wellness Center, we believe in creating the best atmosphere for our clients and employees and giving back to our community. Our mission is to help members of our communities heal from the things in life that keep them in a place of surviving instead thriving, both in their own lives and in their relationships. Our vision is to help our client’s break maladaptive generational patterns, so that they can live and leave a legacy of true health and wellness. We are a fun, dynamic, and collaborative team who values working collaboratively and helping improve the health and wellness of our communities. We pride ourselves on being social justice hearted and minded and work hard to offer culturally responsive care.

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

One of the biggest lessons that I have had to unlearn is putting others before myself. The lesson of serving others before myself has led to many unhealthy people pleasing behaviors, which has cost me a lot throughout the years. Unlearning this lesson over the past couple of years has been difficult, but rewarding. It is my true belief, that if I put myself first, I can better serve everyone in my life, including my family members, friends, employees, students and clients. Everyone wins…. including me (who oftentimes used to lose).

Are there any books, videos, essays or other resources that have significantly impacted your management and entrepreneurial thinking and philosophy?

Yes! My favorite book so far has been “We Should All Be Millionaires: A Woman’s Guide to Earning More, Building Wealth, and Gaining Economic Power” by Rachel Rodgers. In this book, Rachel does an excellent job of sharing her journey to wealth, as well as offering helpful steps to creating wealth. Learning such a wealth of information from an amazing Black woman has been life-changing and more than inspirational.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://revive2thrivewc.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kimberlyparker_lpc/?hl=en
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/R2TWC
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kimberly-parker-ma/