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

Hi Lacrecia, thanks for joining us today. We’d love to hear the backstory of how you established your own practice.

The idea of having my practice was there years before I started it. When I was in my master’s program, I had the goal of starting my own counseling and consulting practice. So, years after working in community mental health in direct service and leadership positions, I decided to take the leap. One of the driving forces was my own personal burnout and watching other clinicians face burnout. The mental health industry has so many different specialties and areas of focus. My niche and specialty found me. I started working with couples and some individuals, but mental health professionals began seeking my service. While working in community mental health, I asked, “Who is helping the professional?” and a small voice said, “You will.” I began focusing my services on working with professionals and leaders from a space of personal and professional development. Recently, I realized that I have supported 45 mental health counselors in obtaining their licenses. Empowering and equipping these leaders means more licensed individuals to help and serve our communities. New or young professionals should work with various groups to find out who they are called to serve in their work. Finding your niche will help you market yourself and attract the right clients. Also, decide if you want to take insurance, join a group practice, etc. The last thing I will say is, “You don’t have to be like everyone else; show up authentically in your practice as you serve from a place of ethical practice and integrity to the profession.

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

Who am I?
I am a Nashville native, which is a unique status nowadays. You can find me with my Kindle, drinking a specialty tea, or vacationing with family and friends. My faith is fundamental to me, and it has led me to the profession of counseling and wellness. I was always that friend or family member that others would come to for advice or to be empowered. It did not dawn on me that I would become a licensed professional counselor, counselor supervisor, and educator. Initially, I knew I would own a business, but I figured I would be an accountant or marketing person. While in my bachelor’s program, I prayed to pass my Psychology 101 class because I found it boring. I enjoyed the Intro to Sociology class but decided to focus on Accounting and Marketing. It was not until 1999 that I asked, “What am I supposed to be when I grow up?” The question was answered with, “You will go to Trevecca and get a degree in Counseling.” I followed that guidance, and that has been the journey. I followed that small, quiet voice to my calling.

My Specialization and Services:
I specialize in working with mental health professionals and leaders in personal and professional development. While working in community mental health, I realized that the professional held a special place in my heart. So, I provide counseling, consulting, and counselor supervision to individuals in the mental health field. My mission is to empower and equip leaders to embrace and embody wellness in their life and business.
Another area of specialty is working with women leaders empowering them in embodying a relationship with self and others through self-love and authentic wellness. Wellness is a key factor to how you experience yourself and others. Most of these women are at the top of their game when it comes to work, education, etc. but have a distressful relationship with themselves and others. I help them to gain awareness and acceptance in who they are and how they can be well in their relationship with self through embodying the five pillars of wellness: spiritual, physical, emotional, relational and mental.

What I want others to know: When you are looking for someone to hold space with and for you. I am that person for you. I support you in showing up for yourself as you become more well.

Have you ever had to pivot?

In February 2020, I was at a point of extreme burnout. I had made a decision to blow my business up and start over. Well, we all know that things shifted in March 2020, I found myself in a space where counselors were looking at me to help them show up in their practice. I would receive calls and text about “what should I do?” I decided to start sending out audio messages to my clients to give them insight and inspiration. During this time, I began to look at how I was doing business and life, I started seeking out ways to embody my own wellness path. The first place began with my spiritual wellness, I was no longer going to church in person but having to grow my own way of worship outside of virtual church. I started engaging in more holistic practices such as tea ceremonies, forest bathing, meditation and sound healing. I also began studying and taking coursework in spiritual integrated psychotherapy. I initially thought the course was for my clients but it has been a great practice for me. This pivot in my way of working with the counselors and leaders through wellness has been helpful in cutting down burn out. I like to say “I moved from burnout to empowerment.”

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

A major lesson that I have learned is that it is alright to show up authentically in who you are professionally and personally. When I started out in the professional counseling, it was taught that you had to follow a specific way of showing up. Trying to fit into a cookie cutter did not work for me. One day, I was preparing to present at a state conference and I was pulling out my clothes (the traditional black pants, white shirt and blazer) I decided to go a different route and dress more authentic to myself and I felt more comfortable and also was able to engage with the audience more freely. I have began to empower other counselors to show up authentic and sharing from their unique perspective.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://reimprintyourlife.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/iamdrdangerfield
• Linkedin: www.linkinedin.com/in/drlacrecidangerfield
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@BrownGirlBanter

Image Credits

Riley Baxter iii

Kimberly Bailey