We were lucky to catch up with Lacrisha Holcomb recently and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, Lacrisha thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Can you talk to us about how you learned to do what you do?

We did not have a computer in my household—or a car and many other conveniences. I recalled excitedly (and cautiously) taking trips to the public library in middle school and high school to quickly ingest information to crank out papers and projects. Learning “fast” was not only a blessing, but possibly an adaptation to being perpetually under resourced. I encountered similar barriers throughout my higher-education journey at two different institutions, as the first in my family to pursue undergraduate and graduate degrees. I eagerly anticipated learning more!

Generational healing was a necessity for me to survive. I aspired to be free from the grips of severe childhood trauma, addictions, abuse, and maladaptive coping skills that seemed to be passed down for decades, ravaging the dreams of my mother and her mother, too. This voyage led me to become the heroine for not only myself, but my family. I became a counselor. I consider myself to be a jack-tress of many trades and take pride in mastering each craft I dedicate my abilities to. My life is a canvas and I am a forever student–books, podcasts, therapy (on the couch and as the facilitator, and just taking risks are some of my favorite ways to learn!

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

Currently, I provide mental health Consulting, Coaching, Counseling, and Speaking services outside of my full-time role as an addiction counselor working in Medication-Assisted treatment. It is always a pleasure to be invited as a mental health expert, advocate, and speaker for schools and events! I love sharing my knowledge and experiences, and truly believe education is the key to unlocking emotional intelligence and freedom. My freelance writing articles on topics such as addiction, self-care, depression, anxiety, body positivity, gender, finances, and overall cultural inclusivity in wellness spaces have reached thousands of readers through various top publications such as Blavity, The Mighty, and HBCU Digest to name a few. I have curated digital and social media platforms that are currently impacting an audience of over 30,000 people and counting. I manage all conceptualizing, creative direction, graphic designing, and content creation. Honestly, I cannot imagine not creating as a form of service. It is my calling and purpose!

How did you build your audience on social media?

The pandemic took me from sharing vulnerable space with clients in my cozy office, to attending countless video meetings from my confidential laptop. I was grateful for the connection and to be able to support my clients remotely during the scariest, darkest times we have all endured. Technology became a literal and figurative light. I desired to know more about the transformative power of technology to be a bridge, joining helpers to the communities in need despite obstacles seen, unseen, and unforeseen.

I had previously worked behind-the-scenes on my platform by sharing inspirational quotes, highlighting culturally-relevant events in popular culture, and staying up-to-date on the social media trends–whenever I saw a gap, I aimed to fill it. I pride myself on being unique. I do not want to do what everyone else is doing and immediately begin to contemplate on how I can add my own spin, razzle dazzle if you will, on the current happenings. At the time that I gained the quickest increase in my audience, I utilized music and dance to discuss and provide insight on a variety of mental health challenges. It was the optimal time because everybody was online way more than usual and adjusting to the new normal. Now, as it seems that the same formulas are repeated over and over by “influencers,” I continue to seek the information and approaches that are missing, and would encourage those who are building an audience to do the same. Authenticity and innovation are the sweet spots. There is only one you! Nobody can tell your story or speak to your audience the way you can.

Is there mission driving your creative journey?

By constantly enhancing my education, training, licensure, and certifications, I aspire to continue remixing the healing narrative by amplifying mental health awareness for the under-served through representation, art, and culture! I hope to go into private practice and expand my mental health awareness media projects.

Contact Info:

• Website: http://www.therapyislight.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/TherapyIsLight/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TherapyIsLight/?ref=content_filter
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/lacrishaholcomb
• Other: http://flow.page/therapyislight