We recently connected with Dr. Lanita Jefferson and have shared our conversation below.

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

I knew that I wanted to start my own mental health private practice during my graduate program at the U of SC school of medicine. I made a goal to get licensed and learn how private practices worked by working for other people. I learned a lot about business from watching my supervisors. Three months before I became fully licensed, I made the jump (technically forced) into my practice full time. I was so scared! But I did it. I opened Carolina Assessment Services LLC with my friend and colleague. Our practice grew quickly, and our reputation became extraordinarily strong. After four beautiful years together, we decided September 2023 to split partnerships. Now I am the sole owner of Jefferson Wellness and Consulting LLC. The biggest Challenge is being in dual roles as a business owner and a counselor. However, it is worth every obstacle because they are my obstacles! It is all me. The advice that I have for young professionals is to not let fear stop you from dreaming big and doing big things. Do not be afraid to fail because failure breads success.

Dr. Lanita, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

As a licensed professional counselor supervisor, I believe in empowering and encouraging counselors and counselors in training through supervision and consulting. Practicing since 2018, my counseling services have helped countless people get through stressful challenges by questioning negative thoughts and understanding the source of specific behaviors and emotional patterns. With the right tools and a better approach to situations, I guarantee a better outlook on any issues that may happen, personally and professionally.

I have a Doctorate in Counselor Education and Supervision from the University of South Carolina, a Masters in Rehabilitation Counseling from USC School of Medicine, a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology from Hollins University, Roanoke, VA. I also have a Paralegal Certificate from Midlands Technical College Columbia SC. My specialty and passion has become providing CBT supervision and consulting to strengthen your practice and/or organizations.

Can you tell us the story behind how you met your business partner?

Dr. Waddington and I met during our graduate program at UofSC School of Medicine in 2014. I thought she was so smart and energetic! I tried not to show how much I liked him. I have no valid reason: trust issues (LOL). I asked her out on a double date and it was the best double date ever! 2019, we became a business partner. In 2023, we resolved our partnership. Our separate offices are in the same building, and we are still besties!!!

We often hear about learning lessons – but just as important is unlearning lessons. Have you ever had to unlearn a lesson?

I had to unlearn the norms of society to learn how to create my tables and not wait for someone to invite me. I had to unlearn professional beauty standards to accept myself for who I am professionally.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.jeffersonwellness.com/
• Instagram: jeffersonwellness_official
• Facebook: LaNita Jefferson
• Youtube: jeffersonwellnessandconsulting@gmail.com
• Other: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/lanita-jefferson https://iheart.com/podcast/154574980/

Image Credits
Photo Credits: Isaiah Jefferson Iklass Entertainment and J.D Dillensnyder