We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Shamika Battle-Packer a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Alright, Shamika thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Looking back on your career, have you ever worked with a great leader or boss? We’d love to hear about the experience and what you think made them such a great leader.
I remember one of my first jobs when I moved to Georgia right out of Graduate School was at a community service agency. I was brand new to the area and eager to start working. I had the absolute best experience with my boss, Tracey! She was charismatic, understanding and always made you feel heard. She was so good at what she did and how she listened to you, that you always felt like when she handed you something difficult or something you did not want to do, you would do it without complaints. This led me to learn so much from her in how she managed her team, how she treated others and how she balanced the good and the bad. I was able to carry those same skills along with me in my leadership role, and by far, it has worked in my favor.
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
Well, Hello, My name is Shamika Battle Packer, and I am Licensed Professional Counselor and Clinical Supervisor. I am the owner of Just Heal Counseling, which is a Private Practice located in Sugar Hill, Georgia. We provide a holistic approach to counseling and often say it’s a place where coaching meets counseling. We are in the business of helping people not just deal, but HEAL. We provided individual, group and family counseling to children, teens, adults, families and couples. I offer Clinical Supervision for therapist seeking licensure; and trainings to better improve your skills as a therapist. Other specific therapies we offer are animal assisted therapy, couples therapy, EMDR, and yoga therapy. I am also a published author with books for kids on bullying, dealing with grief and introducing a new family member into the home.
Other than training/knowledge, what do you think is most helpful for succeeding in your field?
Of course having the training in the mental health field helps with being successful. But more importantly, life. Life experiences have taught me how to understand, listen and respond to people in a way that they can understand and relate to. I am a relatable person, and that was not taught in school. Life taught me how to be my authentic self and be relatable to others.
Any advice for growing your clientele? What’s been most effective for you?
The most effective strategy for growing my clientele has been my personality. I am often told there is a light around me or “theres just something about you”. I have grown to understand what people see my genuineness. Showing up as my authentic self and relating my authentic self, keeps the doors open by either word of mouth of other clients or community connections.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.justhealcounseling.com
- Instagram: @justhealcounseling
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/justhealcounseling
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shamika-battle-b57a1a2/