We were lucky to catch up with Shajuan Alexander recently and have shared our conversation below.
Alright, Shajuan thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with 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?
When I made the decision to start my private practice, I was at a point in my career where I realized I wanted more alignment and to escape burnout. Professionally, personally, and spiritually, I knew it was time for me to leave corporate America behind because the work I was doing left me feeling depleted . I had spent years serving in different clinical spaces and as a Social Worker, but I felt this deep pull to create something that reflected the kind of therapeutic experience I always envisioned. A practice that was grounded in wholeness, happiness, intentionality, and growth.
The early days were full of learning curves. I went from clinician to business owner almost overnight,(more specifically 3-4 nights a week). I worked full time as a Medical Social Worker, had a PRN role every other weekend and still committed my life to serving others from 6:00 PM- 8:00 PM up until I was 37 weeks pregnant.
I focused on making sure I had enough clients before fulling making the leap into full time Private Practice. It was essential for me to have a stable schedule that allowed me to grow and brand my business after all the logistics. I handled everything from legal paperwork and building systems to designing a client experience that felt safe, modern, and culturally responsive all by myself. I can still remember sitting at my kitchen with my pen and notepad, drafting forms, setting up my website, and building my brand from scratch — all while managing the emotional side of stepping into entrepreneurship.
The biggest challenge was letting go of the idea that I had to have it all figured out before starting. There’s a certain level of perfectionism that shows up for many therapists: the belief that if we don’t have the “perfect plan,” we shouldn’t begin. But the truth is, clarity comes with movement. Each client, each challenge, and each decision refined my practice into what it is today.
If I could do anything differently, I would have invested sooner in community and mentorship. Running a private practice can feel isolating at first, and surrounding yourself with people who understand the emotional and business sides of this work makes all the difference. Because of that, I created my own support group and membership for Clinician’s that I knew would need this too. It’s called The Confident Clinician’s Circle.
My advice for anyone thinking about starting their own practice is simple: don’t build what you think you should build, or what feels trendy. Build and create from what feels true to you. Your business is more than servicing others, it’s serving you first.
Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.
Im Shajuan Alexander, LCSW-S, Psychotherapist(TX,MO,FL), Consultant and Speaker. In 2021, I founded The Culture of Health, PLLC, a private practice and evolving brand dedicated to helping people align their mental wellness with authenticity, intention, and sustainable growth. My journey into this field began long before I earned my credentials. It started with a deep curiosity about human behavior, “wanting to understand the why behind people & what they do.” As a Clinician, I wanted to understand the individuals experiences and help each person healing, so that they can feel safe, seen, heard and valued.
Today, my work goes beyond traditional therapy. I provide individual sessions, group sessions, clinical supervision, and clinical coaching that focuses on helping high-functioning professionals — especially women — manage anxiety, perfectionism, and people-pleasing behaviors that keep them stuck in cycles of burnout and self-doubt in business. I also design therapeutic products like Life Lately: Your Daily Journal Towards Mental Well-Being, a guided journal created to help clients and readers process their thoughts between sessions and develop mindful daily habits that foster emotional regulation.
What sets my approach apart is the integration of clinical expertise with real-world alignment. I don’t just focus on coping skills, I help people build lifestyles that reflect the peace and authenticity they’re working toward in therapy and beyond. My sessions are practical, intentional, and culturally aware, helping clients see that wellness is not a luxury it’s a lifestyle.
I’m most proud of how my work has evolved into a movement that encourages people to stop over-performing and start living intentionally. Every program, product, and session I curate is rooted in that mission. But especially to help women and mental health professionals, rediscover what it feels like to live in alignment instead of exhaustion.
For anyone learning about me or The Culture of Health for the first time, I want them to know this: my work is about helping you come home to yourself. It’s not just therapy. It’s transformation built through intentional reflection, action based intention, and sustainable change.
Can you tell us about what’s worked well for you in terms of growing your clientele?
The most effective strategy for growing my clientele has been showing up consistently and authentically, even in the times that I don’t feel like it. I never built my practice around chasing algorithms or trends. Instead, I focused on building trust and connection through my voice, my story, and my values. Clients can tell when your message is real and when it’s rehearsed. From day one, I’ve made it a priority to speak directly to the people I’m meant to serve.
Any stories or insights that might help us understand how you’ve built such a strong reputation?
Trust. Growth and trustworthiness came when I stopped focusing on being impressive and started focusing on being impactful. That mindset shift not only attracted my ideal clients but positioned my brand as one that represents intention, integrity, and transformation. Trust sustains my leadership, my coaching style and the frameworks I practice from.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.cultureofhealthpllc.com
- Instagram: @Thecultureofhealthpllc
- Linkedin: Shajuan Alexander
- Youtube: Shajuan Alexander
