We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Marcus Mason a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Marcus , appreciate you joining us today. We’d love to hear about how you went about setting up your own practice and if you have any advice for professionals who might be considering starting their own?

Graduating in 2017 with my masters degree in counseling psychology had me curious about what my next steps could be. I knew that I wanted to work with underrepresented populations and wanted to break the stigma of mental health specifically in the Black community.

In 2020, right before the pandemic and after hours of internship, practicing the craft, receiving feedback from mentors and supervisors, I decided to step out on faith and start my own practice. My private practice called Minds In Motion Therapeutic Services LLC aligned closely with my beliefs around the importance of movement as medicine in mental health. The practice also reflected and was clear that I was in this field to hold space for people that looked like me. The practice started with just me and has bloomed into a group practice of all Black male therapists and Wellness Coaches. This alone was no easy feet, there are no many if any all Black male practices in the mental health field. Now not only are we a premier organization that provides consulting, psychotherapy, wellness, professional development, and character development. We are able to offer services to a wide range of clients regardless of race, ethnicity, and gender from a culturally competent lenses.

The most challenging aspect of starting the business was trusting and believing in myself when no one else did. Looking back on my journey, the only thing I would do differently is start sooner. No one should be able to dictate whatever dream you have and no one can tell you no. If you have an idea, go for it.

If you are considering starting a practice, you must also understand that this also includes a business side of things that is rarely taught while in school. Get a business mentor or take some business courses on how to run one.

Marcus , 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?

With over 12 years of experience working with youth and adults, Dr. Mason provides a client-centered approach while utilizing Adlerian Theory and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy as a framework in practice. Dr. Mason is a two-time alumna of Bowie State University. Earning his Bachelor of Science in Child and Adolescence Studies and Master of Arts in Counseling Psychology. Dr. Mason is a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor approved to practice in the state of Maryland by the Maryland Board of Professional Counselors and Therapists. Dr. Mason also consults with public and private sectors including school districts, social service organizations, and/or non-profits to support Social and Emotional Learning components for staff and clients they serve. This top-down approach is provided from a high-level system thinking of organizational behavior gained while obtaining his doctoral degree at Drexel University’s School of Education program in Educational Leadership and Management. He loves teaching and learning and has found his passion in educating future clinicians at the Bowie State University as an adjunct faculty professor in the graduate Counseling Psychology program.

Certifications and Licenses include:

• Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC) in the state of Maryland • National Certified Counselor (NCC), 2025 • Authorized Facilitator of All Children All Families Safe Space for LGBTQ Youth and Families • Authorized Facilitator of Darkness to Light, Ending Child Sexual Abuse • Certified Safe Date Facilitator on Domestic Violence • Wraparound and Child & Adolescent Needs & Strengths (CANS) certified • Certified Human Trafficking Prevention Facilitator • Crisis Prevention Intervention (CPI) certified

What we offer:

Consulting
Psychotherapy
Professional Development
Mentorship
Character Development
Supervision

If you could go back in time, do you think you would have chosen a different profession or specialty?

I would choose this profession a hundred times over.Breaking the stigma at times may be taxing and overwhelming, but to change huge things, you have to be huge in your endeavors.

Putting training and knowledge aside, what else do you think really matters in terms of succeeding in your field?

The three most helpful things for this field in my opinion are:

1. Mentorship: You do not know everything and having a solid system to soundboard with is great.
2. Theoretical Framework: Practicing and learning and then perfecting your craft in the clinical setting is important.
3. Business oriented: You must be open to being flexible in learning not only the clinical craft but also how to thrive in this field.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.mindsinmotiontherapy.org
• Instagram: @minds_in_motion_therapy
• Facebook: @MindsInMotionTherapy
• Linkedin: Marcus Mason LCPC