We recently connected with Litza Bodden and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Litza, thanks for joining us today. Setting up an independent practice is a daunting endeavor. Can you talk to us about what it was like for you – what were some of the main steps, challenges, etc.

The main reason I started my practice was that I saw the great need for counseling services in the Black and Latinx community. At that, time there was a shortage of Black and Latinx Therapist and I wanted my clients to have someone that can literally and figuratively speak their language. Some of the challenges I faced was not having the knowledge of the business side of opening a private practice. During graduate school, they taught us different modalities to do therapy, how to establish a professional rapport with our clients and how to address different issues from addiction, trauma, and relational issues. The one thing that was not a focus was the business side of opening a practice; especially how to establish your business and what will it take financially. I was lucky to have a mentor, Paula Agulefo who helped me establish my business and guided me when I needed support. My advice for young therapist who want to have their own private practice would be to get a mentor who is willing to pour into you, do your practicum and/or internship at a private practice so you can learn the ins and outs of running a practice, and to be patient with themselves throughout the process.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

My name is Litza Christina Bodden, I am a Licensed Professional Counselor Supervisor, Public Speaker and Life Coach who is on a mission to challenge the stigmas surrounding mental health, especially in the Black and Latinx communities. I am originally from the Republic of Panama and now reside in Dallas, Texas, my second home. I earned my bachelor’s degree in Psychology and Spanish from the University of North Texas and my master’s degree in Community Counseling from Argosy University. I have experience working with adults, teenagers, children, couples and families at my private practice Shining Lights Counseling LLC. Through my private practice, I am changing the face of mental health and educating people on the importance of practicing self-care. At my practice I provide services for individuals who are experiencing problems with anxiety, depression, grief, stress, and other issues in their lives. I empower my clients by shining a light on their inner strengths to help them live a better, more enriched life. I truly want my clients to let their inner light shine bright!

What do you think helped you build your reputation within your market?

I believe my work ethic helped me build my reputation within my market. I am very dependable, committed to helping my clients, and I work together with them to reach their therapeutic goals. Besides the great reviews and referrals I acquire from my clients, I try to maintain a good social media presence. I weekly post practical mental health information for my followers to use.

Training and knowledge matter of course, but beyond that what do you think matters most in terms of succeeding in your field?

Besides keeping up with new clinical skills and gaining new certifications, I think it is most helpful to network with other professionals in the field. Networking is essential to our professional success in the mental health field. Networking can help a therapist find new clients or help a client find a suitable therapist for their need, can help expand new career opportunities, and you can share ideas with other professionals.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.ShiningLightsLLC.com
• Instagram: www.instagram.com/shininglightsllc
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/shininglightsllc
• Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/shininglightsllc