Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Sharife Gacel. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Sharife, looking forward to hearing all of your stories 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.

This year will be Koi Counseling’s 9th anniversary. I had exactly zero background in starting a business at the start of this journey, but knew that my desire to create an inclusive private practice was great enough to overcome whatever obstacles were awaiting me. Fast forward to the present and I can reflect on the challenges. Fresh out of school, I knew I needed an office but little else. I was fortunate enough to find a couple of spaces along the way that provided a suitable place to provide counseling to the community. There were mentors in the field that provided wisdom and encouragement to keep pushing through when things got tough. And incredible guidance pushing me to apply to opportunities along the way. Fast forward to the present time and my practice is fully telehealth, I’m licensed in two states (with more in the works), am a Qualified Supervisor, and have taken my work as a therapist into outer space through the use of astronomy outreach.

Because of this, the most valuable piece of advice I’ve received is to not take yourself out of the running before giving yourself a chance to succeed. Like any journey worth taking, there are bumps in the road. In addition to being a therapist, the last thing I ever imagined myself doing was being a space educator as a NASA/JPL Solar System Ambassador. And this never would have happened, had I not taken a chance and applied. Because of this advice, I can help others find their unique voice in not only the mental health world, but by introducing them to outer space.

Sharife, 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?

I’m a Licensed Mental Health Counselor committed to helping individuals learn how to manage anxiety, stress, & life transitions. My work focuses on creating healthy coping skills, reframing ineffective behaviors, and finding solutions, particularly within the multicultural and LGBT+ communities.

When we reach a crossroads in life, we might feel stressed or anxious because of the life transition. Together we can collaborate to heal stuck points. This might include things such as a change in career, relocation, changing family dynamics, multicultural concerns, adjustment to college, racial/inequality stressors, concerns around sexual orientation, or reaching personal milestones. Regardless of the reasons, I use a strength-based approach.

In sessions, we will work as a team to introduce perspectives that will help you connect with your true self. You deserve to feel heard, find your voice, and overcome obstacles through empowerment and compassion.

I believe in taking a collaborative approach to help clients reach their goals. I’m passionate about creating resources for individuals struggling with anxiety and life transitions and am interested in participating in workshops, speaking engagements, webinars, and podcasts.

We’d love to hear a story of resilience from your journey.

I never imagined that I could own and operate a successful mental health practice. Getting to this point has required a lot of soul-searching to even imagine that someone like me, a Cuban-Lebanese American, hailing from Little Havana in Miami, had a place. And yet, I’ve never felt more welcome. I’ve been incredibly blessed to have mentors and guides along the way who have encouraged me to not discount my abilities before even trying. In other words, you’ll never know what you’re capable of until you apply. Learning to never give up and persist in my dreams regardless of naysayers. Through the ups and downs of being a business owner, working in mental health, and being a multiple minority, any adversity has connected me with the “why” of why I do the work. Simply put, it’s because of the obstacles that I’ve learned resilience, persistence, and hope.

Training and knowledge matter of course, but beyond that what do you think matters most in terms of succeeding in your field?

Never stop learning. Ever. Your clients will keep growing with your practice, so it’s important for the clinician to keep growing as well. The moment we stop learning is the moment our growth ends. The more I’ve learned, the less I’ve realized that I know. This is a humbling thought and one that keeps pushing me to consider perspectives never imagined. Plus, it’s exciting to have the opportunity to learn more about people, cultures, points of view, and the potential for humanity.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.sharifegacel.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/anubis_the_greyt/
• Other: https://solarsystem.nasa.gov/ambassadors/2050/