We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Lexa Goldman. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Lexa below.

Hi Lexa , thanks for joining us today. Risking taking is a huge part of most people’s story but too often society overlooks those risks and only focuses on where you are today. Can you talk to us about a risk you’ve taken – it could be a big risk or a small one – but walk us through the backstory.

Despite my passion for seeing clients in private practice, I always worked a full-time job as a therapist, whether it be in a non-profit agency or school system, in order to have the security of consistent income. I felt hesitant to jump fully into private practice because of the risk; however, I knew by continuing to work full-time elsewhere, I would never have the time to devote fully to my private clients. In the summer of 2022, I created a pros and cons list, spoke with my partner and family members, and ultimately made the decision to go into private practice full-time. I started taking insurance in addition to my self-pay clients and crossed my fingers that I made the right decision. I am happy to say that the decision was one I have no regrets about!

Lexa , 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 Lexa, a Licensed Mental Health Counselor and a Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist. I am also a Qualified Supervisor for Registered Mental Health Counselor Interns and Registered Marriage & Family Therapist Interns. I see my clients virtually from my south Florida home, but I am able to see clients all over Florida and in South Carolina. I love the accessibility of hopping on the computer and creating relationships with clients in order to help them through life transitions, depression, family issues, and more and to help them reach their goals. I specialize in working with the LGBTQ+ community, and it is my passion to help advocate for the community. I hope to aid my clients in becoming their best selves. There is nothing more rewarding than a client being able to reflect on the growth they have had since starting therapy and feeling confident in themselves to take on future challenges!

Do you think you’d choose a different profession or specialty if you were starting now?

If I could go back, I would choose this same profession over and over again. Through college I had my doubts, at times. I wondered despite being book smart, would I be as good at using my knowledge to actually help other people? I also was concerned if my empathy and sensitivity would make it too difficult for me. I’m proud that although I questioned myself at times, I continued to follow my passion. I am now in my 7th year as a therapist post-grad, and I am proud that I do what I love, and that I have had the honor to hold the space for so many people. I grew so much in my graduate program, and I continue to grow with each client I see. I love that in this profession, I am a life-long learner, so I can continue to learn and adapt through trainings, consultations, books, and other resources.

Any stories or insights that might help us understand how you’ve built such a strong reputation?

The relationships I have made with other professionals has really helped to build my reputation and get my name out there. When I first moved to south Florida after graduate school, I started working both at an LGBTQ+ agency and a group private practice. Although I have since left the agency, I met amazing colleagues there who I still talk to, consult with, and refer to to this day. The therapists at the group private practice have created friendships and great working relationships. Because we all have different niches, we refer to one another all the time. I also keep in touch with many individuals from grad school, so there is a great referral system there. Additionally, I have volunteered with the local community to meet other people and spread the word on who I am and about the group practice, CWCSF. I am grateful that other professionals have taken the time to get to know me and trust me as a person and a therapist, so I can continue to build a reputation in order to reach more potential clients!

Contact Info:

• Website: https://cwcsf.com/staff/lexa-goldman-ma-lmhc-lmft/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/counselor.lexa/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LexaGoldmanLMHC/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lexagoldman/