We recently connected with Machel Hunt and have shared our conversation below.

Machel, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Was there a defining moment in your professional career? A moment that changed the trajectory of your career?

I started my career as a therapist over 18 years ago. I’ve worked as a clinician in different countries across various fields, from mental health, sexual health, reproductive health, education, higher education, public health, clinical and behavioral research and sexuality. Within my work, I’ve seen all sorts of clients, patients, participants from all ages, ethnicities and socioeconomic backgrounds. And the demographic that really resonated with me were young people and people in the public eye. Of course therapy wasn’t always as public and and celebrated as it has become and by its very nature is private and confidential. However, when my clients Kandi and Todd decided to have me on the show Bravo’s Real Housewives of Atlanta that really changed the trajectory of my career. It actually became a real defining moment for me and my practice here in Atlanta. While I have many high profile clients who are public figures, my work has never before been so public and garnered so much attention as being on the number one show on Bravo. For many years, therapy was perceived to be for individuals who suffered with mental illness or out of control behavioral issues. It was also not common to see black male clinical therapist doing this work. It was really important for therapists and clients to normalize therapy and humanize it in a way that is accessible to everyone. The show is seen in more than 60 countries so this was a massive platform to Showcase what actually happens in therapy. It was also the first time in the history the housewives franchise that an international therapist was seen on the show. What I learned in that experience was how much people wanted to see an actual therapy session and to know that even their favourite stars are open to seeking help and support for their relationships. Since that show my practice has grown exponentially and other clients who were not open to talking about their therapy are now willing to share their experience in public.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

I am a relationship counselor and psychosexual therapist with a private and confidential clinical practice based in Atlanta, Georgia. I’ve been a clinician for over 20 years and treat clients who are experiencing challenges in their relationship and sex lives. I am most proud of having an inclusive practice that centers culture and individuality at the heart of everything we do. My extensive work as a researcher has also added to the expertise I bring to my work with diverse clientele. I see anyone from the age of 18 regardless of gender, sexual preferences or ethnicity and encourage a strong sense of self identity in my practice. For more information please visit my website www.sextherapyforyou.com

What’s been the most effective strategy for growing your clientele?

There are two strategies I found most effective in growing my clientele – 1. Word Of Mouth (WOM) – once you do great work, your customers/ clients will talk about you. They will make referrals and mention your work to others. I cannot say enough, how important and significant it is for individuals who use your service to share their positive experiences with others about your business.
2. Accessible – this strategy is particularly significant in markets that are over saturated. In my field of mental health and therapy, there are thousands of therapists that are available (especially since the pandemic). So making my practice more accessible to clients and potential clients has been extremely profitable for me. By accessible I mean making it easier and more attractive for my clientele. So I have appointments available 6 days a week (mon – sat) from 7am to 9:30pm (I haven’t seen any other practice that has this much availability). I have options for in person or virtual appointments. I have a text service for those who prefer typing than talking. Clients are able to book sessions online as well as manage their appointments from their devices. And most importantly I provide a complimentary initial session for all potential clients which they can book themselves through the website or on google.

Other than training/knowledge, what do you think is most helpful for succeeding in your field?

I think the most helpful thing for success in my field (apart from ongoing training and professional/ personal development) is to consistently check in with yourself. By that I mean recognizing your own needs and working to service those needs outside of work. Often times as a therapist you can project your needs into your work and that can cause unhealthy transference. But In order to be successful and avoid burnout, you have to check yourself emotionally, psychologically and mentally. Do the work in personal life and that will transfer into your professional business.

Contact Info:

• Website: Www.sextherapyforyou.com
• Instagram: Relationshipandsexdoc
• Facebook: Therapyforu
• Twitter: Ultimatesexdoc
• Other: Www.sexdaybymachel.com