We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Lydia Walters. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Lydia below.
Lydia, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Let’s go back in time to when you were an intern or apprentice – what’s an interesting story you can share from that stage of your career?
I did my Intership at Kennesaw State counseling center, their mascot is an owl. What I didn’t know is they sometimes do what they call kicking out of the nest, right? So when you’re a new therapist they have supervisors join the sessions in case you get stuck or need help. This was during Covid so it was all virtual. I join the client session and I am waiting for my supervisor… and waiting. Then I awkwardly have to start the session terrified “Well I guess he’s not joining so I guess we should get started”. I was mortified but that is how I had my first solo session.
Lydia, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?
I am an Associate Professional Counselor (APC). I am an openly queer therapist so I work a lot of with other individuals in the LGBTQIA+ community. I also have gone for advanced training in PTSD/trauma care. I work with a ton of different presenting issues and enjoy taking the journey to healing with all my clients. I like to meet my clients where they are and keep it real with them so we can work together to find the right solution to their needs.
What’s been the most effective strategy for growing your clientele?
Being myself and my therapy dog! When I first got into private practice I swore the clients were only coming to see me for my dog. Fortunately, I’m also a good therapist so my practice continued to grow. I think my casual approach helps clients settle into also bringing their genuine selves to session.
Do you think you’d choose a different profession or specialty if you were starting now?
Absolutely! Trauma work is one of my favorite areas of focus, and I wouldn’t trade it for anything. Witnessing the journey to healing is a challenging yet beautiful process, and it’s a tremendous privilege to be entrusted with guiding my clients through it.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://Atlindigo.com
- Other: https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/therapists/lydia-walters-kennesaw-ga/975639
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