We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Sashay Goodletty. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Sashay below.
Hi Sashay, 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.
In 2019, while on vacation and when I was about four years into working for a well-known community mental health agency, God placed the call of private practice on my heart. Entrepreneurship was never an identified desire of mine, therefore I quickly chuckled away the idea and ignored it for some time. Underlying the laughing was a belief that I was incapable and not good enough to start and maintain a thriving business.
Within a year’s time, I began to seriously consider the idea of private practice. Once I decided I was going to move forward in the endeavor, I then:
(1) Sought the advice of peers who already transitioned into the self-employment
(2) Spent time contemplating/praying for a business name, mission, and vision
(3) Registered the business with the state of Florida and funneled money from the community mental health paychecks into a business account
(4) Worked both the with agency and the private practice for approximately one year before transitioning into full-time private practice.
The greatest challenge was working through the fear. The skillset and vision for the business was all there, yet I was lacking courage. If I could go back in time, I would be more transparent about the fears and doubts I had.
Advice for young professionals: fear may be a part of the journey, yet it does not have to dictate the journey. Lean into the fear and explore it (without self-condemnation) with God and your trusted community. Feel the fear and work through it. Do not allow it to impede or paralyze you from doing what your called to do.
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?
Who am I: – A lover of nature. Green spaces and water views give me life!
– I enjoy early morning walks in silence.
– While I can flex some extrovert muscles, I am a true introvert. I tend to think through things solo before inviting others into the process. My most energizing encounters with others are usually one-on-one or in very small gatherings…it’s the perfect environment for intimacy.
– A Jamaican-born transplant to the U.S. who grew up with men being the cooks in a home (still praying for that cooking husband!).
– Love watching movies and enjoying going to the movie theatres. Some movies I watch repeatedly (and shamelessly): Rocky I-IV, G.I. Jane, & Mulan (power to the Ladies!).
How you got into your industry:
– In high school, although I was an introvert, many people shared their inner worlds with me and I always got the feedback, “You’re a good listener and give great advice.”
– Through school assignments in my elective courses and extra-curricular activities, I began to investigate various careers that aligned with my personality and the feedback I received from peers…and it all made sense!
– From there, pursued an undergraduate degree in Psychology and then a graduate degree in Counseling.
What type of products/services/creative works you provide:
– Virtual individual, couple, and family counseling ($70, $80, and $90, respectively) https://www.thecounselingroomllc.com/services
– Public speaking, especially in spaces where knowledge of mental health counseling is lacking (costs vary)
https://www.thecounselingroomllc.com/blank-page
What problems you solve for your clients:
– I don’t solve problems for clients. We work together. Trough questioning, processing, and collaboration issues are tackled, examined, pulled apart, and worked through. I help to provide the perspective and skill sets so clients can become better navigators of their own lives.
– Some of the issues I am skilled/experienced working with are: stress, depression, grief, trauma, matters unique to men and women of color, etc.
What you think sets you apart from others:
(1) Affordable prices
– Market prices for individual counseling sessions at 45 minutes are easily $145 minimum. For the average person, this is expensive.
– Cost should not be a barrier in the pursuit of health and well-being
(2) Complementary mixture of Christianity and psychology
– great for Christians who desire a counseling space that aligns with important aspects of their identity.
– I’m not just a counselor who is also Christian. I’m a Christian counselor who also provides Christian-based (and evidenced-based) mental health counseling.
What are you most proud of:
– Personally
(1) My ability to say “no” without apology. It is truly my favorite word.
(2) There is a fighter/warrior spirit about me. I no longer deny it or mis-label it as “being mean.” I embrace it and is learning to fight/advocate while respecting the human dignity of those I am confronting.
– Professionally
(1) When a client’s therapeutic journey with me ends successfully.
I don’t believe in stringing clients along for the sake of the buck. When I perceive considerable progress is made and they have the ability and willingness to continue their growth without my assistance, I gladly end services.
If you could go back, would you choose the same profession, specialty, etc.?
Yes, I would. However, I would pick up another profession as well: lawyer.
I’m a huge proponent for justice and there is an advocacy component within the counseling field.
It would be extremely nice, powerful, and transformative to merge the two.
Training and knowledge matter of course, but beyond that what do you think matters most in terms of succeeding in your field?
Three things:
(1) Humbly recognizing that I am not all that different from my clients.
– we all have issues and concerns of some sort that we are trying to navigate.
(2) A complete rejection of the savior-complex
– both personally and professionally, I am not responsible for the totality of anyone’s wellbeing
(3) Healthy boundaries
– while working, I am fully present with my clients.
– when I am not working, I disengage well so I can be fully present with myself and my community
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.thecounselingroomllc.com