Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Leticia Reed. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Leticia, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today We’d love to hear the backstory behind a risk you’ve taken – whether big or small, walk us through what it was like and how it ultimately turned out.
I believe life is filled with many risk taking moments. I have taken many risks both large and small all of my life. While most avoid risks, risks provide me with an adrenaline rush and make me feel vibrant and alive. Risks are important in that they truly define who we are and what we are truly made us. As humans, it’s naturally to desire a road map for every step we take and with risk taking , that is definitely not feasible as life itself is unpredictable and comprised of many unexpected twists, turns, hills, valleys and desert moments. Risk taking, like entrepreneurship, is essentially building a parachute on the way down and praying it opens and we land on our feet unscathed. Moreover, some moments are so difficult, perplexing and isolating, like searching for a grain of sand in darkness. Risk taking involves betting on ourselves against all odds and in the absence crowd applause, approval and confetti.
As a Mental Health Therapist , in a white male and white female dominated field, entering the field was a huge risk in itself and in hindsight, I have leaped over many challenges to carve my niche in this space and gratefully and humbly have become successful while doing it. I have traveled all of the world working in arenas many can’t even fathom. At times, it has felt like I was carrying my entire lineage on my shoulders, although a great honor to be in this position, it comes with some very daunting moments that would make the average person fold. Thankfully, I was raised in a deeply rooted faith based family who have sought Jesus Christ in everything and this has helped tremendously because I was reared believing adversity builds perseverance; perseverance, character and character, HOPE
Romans 5:3-4
Mostly everything beautiful involves a “pressure process” as I like to call it. Diamonds are made in darkness under pressure; olive oil is produced by pressure from crushing them to squeeze the oil and wine is the end result of grapes being stomped under pressure and this the story of my life. I was built tough which is why I have my stoic edge, but I haven’t lost my softness and femininity in this process. “THE PROCESS” is the necessary price we pay and “the oil” costs. I can always tell those who have paid the price from those who haven’t and used the microwave or copy/paste method. They are usually the ones who lack tenacity and real character and they always eventually fold and self destruct. Many are envious of and mimic/copy the PRODUCT, but would never be able to endure the PROCESS. The PROCESS is what sets us all apart as it makes us AUTHENTIC in a world of many IMPOSTERS and FRAUDS.
Beginning a podcast to erase the stigma of mental health in the African American community and becoming an author, writing both books for adults and children, did not come with blueprints. I essentially taught myself when others wouldn’t. I used to abhor the word “NO”, but now I embrace it for I recognize it as another opportunity for me venture alone and soar like the eagle I was made to become. Besides, no one can take credit for our successes, but GOD when others refuse to help us. Also, for those who help, they will be blessed for it for being available to be used and partnering with GOD to help where there’s a void HE needed to fill. We are all blessed to be a blessing. Nothing has ever come easy for me and as I used to complain about this, I wouldn’t trade it for the world.
In 2016, in a symbolic gesture, I completed one of my bucket list items and went sky diving and over water (I can’t swim so this was a double whammy..lol). I wanted to sky dive because in my humble opinion, it is the best physical representation of taking a risk and leap of faith. Jumping out of a plane 13,000 feet in the air and feeling the rush of the high powered wind, barely able to catch your breath, while braving a smile, is what my life feels like and as “crazy” as it gets sometimes, I kind of like it.
Leticia, 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?
I am a practicing Mental Health Therapist/Clinician among many other hats I proudly wear. I believe it is my duty as a member of the African American community, to rebuild and regain the trust of the members in my community to guide them into utilizing mental health resources to heal from various mental health issues, including decades of systematic oppression and discrimination by providing quality, accurate evidenced/research based, consistent, compassionate and empathetic care. I seek to extinguish the stigma of mental health issues in the African American community, via many of my projects. For example, I remember noticing an absence in children’s books that represented African Americans and told “our” stories. However, whenever I see a void, instead of complaining, I go into creative mode and create to fill the voids I recognize to make what wasn’t available previously, readily available to all. I now have a total of 4 children’s books promoting self esteem, self worth/self love and books appreciating our African American culture and a a book to help children cope with various types of trauma. Overall, I have written 14 books in total, educating on self love, self care and other mental health topics promoting elevation and acceleration in the mind, body and soul.
I enjoy empowering, edifying and strengthening disenfranchised communities, specifically my community, the African American community. I believe I was created with a specific mission to eradicate the stigma of mental health and transform disproportionate statistics/rates into statistics/rates that depict us thriving, succeeding and excelling. I am dedicated to continuing making strides in accomplishing this on a daily basis.
If you could go back in time, do you think you would have chosen a different profession or specialty?
I would most definitely have chosen the same profession as I get to do so much within my profession. My degrees are very flexible in that they afford me the opportunity to do so much by just simply changing my niche. I have worked in private practice, served as a university professor, in K-12 schools, in public child welfare, in corrections (prisons) and with the military assisting active duty members and their families local and abroad (Japan)and this isn’t the half of all I’ve done and continue to do. I also created a Podcast- Leticia’s Virtual Couch where I discuss mental health, self care and all things wellness in 2019. Leticia’s Virtual Couch is available on all major streaming platforms.
However, I would probably incorporate a JD degree and add an Attorney title to the mix since by attending law school since I have always loved all things law. I know law like the back of my hands and many of friends and colleagues have commented on this fact about me for several years. Law and order just have always come naturally to me. Although, law and ethics are major tenets of my profession, attending law school and obtaining a law degree would be amazing. I plan to on leaving this life empty, meaning accomplishing everything GOD created me to accomplish.
Putting training and knowledge aside, what else do you think really matters in terms of succeeding in your field?
Possessing integrity, empathy and compassion are extremely beneficial to succeed in my field. Without these 3 things we have nothing. Whether people know it or not, those operating in my field, have people’s lives in our hands and can either make or break them. I strive to have people leave me better not bitter and broken.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.LeticiaReedLCSW
- Instagram: Leticia_ReedLCSW
- Facebook: Reed Behavioral Solutions
- Twitter: Leticia_Reed