We recently connected with Sherida Gayle and have shared our conversation below.
Sherida, looking forward to hearing all of your stories 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?
I have always dreamed of owning a private practice, and one quality I pride myself on is patience. Starting Empowerment Counseling and Psychotherapy Services, LLC, was both inspiring and challenging. From the outset, I knew the name I wanted and envisioned a shortened version eCAPS. To honor my Jamaican heritage, I incorporated the Doctor Bird, Jamaica’s National hummingbird, into my branding. Thank you Raamezah for capturing the vision of my logo!
Before launching eCAPS, I created a coaching business in 2012, First Five and Beyond, LLC which focuses on assisting children ages 0-5 with social, emotional and behavioral issues, along with support for their caregivers. I provided parent enrichment classes, and professional development trainings for preschool staff on early childhood development. The first five years of life are crucial for brain development, emotional and social growth, language acquisition, physical development, and establishing lifelong learning and behavioral patterns. This venture fueled my determination to achieve my goals and eventually become a licensed therapist.
My passion for relational, humanistic therapy, combined with over 20 years of experience in the social services field, propelled me forward. Working with diverse age groups and backgrounds has deepened my understanding of the human condition and reinforced the importance of compassionate, personalized care.
Empowerment Counseling and Psychotherapy Services, LLC, embodies my dedication to providing a culturally safe, supportive environment that prioritizes diversity, equity, and inclusion. Here, clients can navigate their challenges and achieve their full potential.
Inspiration
Coming from a lineage of women entrepreneurs, ( my late maternal/ paternal grandmothers and my sister Sylette) I am driven to empower others. My grandmothers; one a seamstress and the other who ran a small shop selling items to local school children before, during, and after school, both raised over four children while managing their businesses, exemplifying resilience and dedication. My sister’s entrepreneurial spirit showed me the importance of establishing a business early on in my childhood.
While my family chose business ventures in different areas, I chose the mental health route to make a profound difference in people’s lives. As a mompreneur with four children, balancing my business and family life has been challenging, often bringing moments of mom guilt. However, I pay homage to my grandmothers’ legacies by continuing their spirit of resilience and empowerment in my own unique way. Last but not least, I also pay homage to my mother, Margaret, who sacrificed so much for our family. She migrated to another country to bring us to the United States, seeking a better life and more opportunities for us. Her courage and selflessness have profoundly shaped my life, and for that, I am forever grateful.
Main Steps in Establishing the Practice
Vision and Planning:
My vision was to create a practice that embraced a relational, humanistic approach to therapy. I aimed to provide a space where clients could experience genuine connection, empathy, and empowerment. To achieve this, I developed a comprehensive business plan that outlined my goals, target audience, and the range of services I aimed to offer. This plan also included financial projections, marketing strategies, and operational plans.
Licensing and Legalities:
Ensuring that I had all the necessary licenses and certifications was crucial. I made sure my qualifications were up-to-date and complied with all state regulations for running a mental health practice. I registered my business, obtained the necessary insurance, and consulted with a lawyer to cover all legal aspects, including client confidentiality agreements and business policies. Big shout out to Enrichment Support Services, LLC located in Pembroke Pines Florida. This is where I completed my graduate studies internship hours as well as my State mandatory hours.
Setting Up Online, In-Home, and School Services:
To provide therapy sessions remotely, I invested in a secure, user-friendly telehealth platform, ensuring clients could access therapy from the comfort of their homes. I also established partnerships with local schools to offer on-site therapy services for students, addressing mental health issues early and supporting their emotional well-being. Additionally, recognizing the need for young children to receive therapy in a familiar environment, I started offering home visits for children 10 and under, allowing me to observe and interact with them in their natural settings.
Building a Network:
Building a referral network was crucial for getting my practice off the ground. I connected with other healthcare providers, schools, and community organizations to inform them about my services. I joined professional associations and attended networking events to meet other professionals in the field. I also want to acknowledge The Conquer Network by Seneca Williams for providing an emotionally safe space as I navigated the unknown and my business anxieties.
Marketing and Outreach:
Marketing was another crucial step. I had assistance and guidance from cP Cloud Hosting LTD’s team to create a professional website detailing my services, therapeutic approach, and contact information. Utilizing social media and local advertising increased visibility. Offering free workshops and seminars on mental health topics helped establish my presence in the community and attract potential clients.
Key Challenges
Financial Strain:
Managing the financial aspects, especially in the initial stages when the client base was still growing, was one of the biggest challenges. Prayer as well as careful budgeting and planning were essential to navigate through this period.
Building a Client Base:
It took time to build a steady stream of clients. Patience and perseverance were crucial during the initial months. I focused on providing excellent service to every client, knowing that word-of-mouth referrals would eventually follow.
Balancing Roles:
As a solo practitioner, I had to juggle multiple roles—therapist, administrator, marketer, and more. Balancing these responsibilities was tough, but it taught me essential skills in time management and delegation. Knowing when to seek help was key to my success. I want to extend my heartfelt thanks to my dear friends from Long Island, Virginia, Brooklyn and South Florida. Your prayers, financial gifts, late-night talks, and more were invaluable to me.
What I Would Do Differently
If I could do anything differently, I would focus more on networking earlier in my career. Working at a local nonprofit for years, which was very supportive of my family life, along with the unwavering support of my immediate and extended family, especially my husband and parents who provided a strong foundation for my career. While I deeply valued my supportive work environment and family, connecting with others in the field earlier could have eased my transition from agency work to full-time private practice. However, I wouldn’t change much, as every step taught me valuable lessons and led me to where I am today.
Advice for Young Professionals
Have a Clear Vision:
Know why you want to start your practice and what you hope to achieve. A clear vision will guide you through the challenges and keep you focused.
Plan Thoroughly:
Develop a comprehensive business plan. Understand the market, your target audience, and the financial aspects of running a practice.
Network:
Build strong connections with other professionals. Referrals and collaborations can significantly boost your practice.
Invest in Marketing:
Don’t underestimate the power of a strong online presence. Invest in a professional website and utilize social media to reach a broader audience.
Seek Support:
Surround yourself with a support system, whether it’s mentors, colleagues, or professional associations. Their guidance and encouragement can be invaluable.
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.
My name is Sherida Gayle, LMFT, a licensed psychotherapist in Florida and the proud owner of Empowerment Counseling and Psychotherapy Services, LLC. I am a wife and the mother of four wonderful children. Born in Kingston, Jamaica, I migrated to the United States and spent my adolescent years in Brooklyn, New York. My diverse background and experiences have shaped my understanding and approach to mental health and wellness. I hold an Undergraduate Degree in Psychology, a Master’s Degree in Professional School Counseling, and a Master’s in Marriage and Family Therapy.
At Empowerment Counseling and Psychotherapy Services, LLC, I provide comprehensive support to individuals, couples, and families navigating various challenges, from stress and anxiety to depression and significant life transitions like childbirth, marriage, divorce, job loss, and retirement. I also specialize in assisting new parents, co-parenting dynamics, mom guilt, addressing behavioral issues, and guiding clients through the unique challenges faced by first, second, and third-generation immigrants.
Additionally, I offer specialized care for children from birth to 6 years old, tailoring my approach to address their specific emotional and developmental needs. Endorsed by the Florida Association of Infant Mental Health (FAIMH), I am deeply committed to providing specialized support for young children and their families. I would also like to introduce “Inhale Exhale: A Self-Care Journal Made For Me Journal for children which includes deep breathing techniques (Emotional Regulation and Affirmations): Ages 3+,” available on Amazon. This journal helps children learn to regulate their bodies through conscious breathing, reducing anger, stress, and anxiety, while encouraging them to acknowledge and express their feelings through journaling or art, fostering meaningful conversations. I want to extend a special thank you to Sakshi Bagga for her invaluable assistance with formatting my children’s journal. Sakshi’s expertise in design and organization significantly improved the readability and overall presentation of the journal. I am truly grateful for her support.
Therapeutic Approach:
My therapeutic approach is eclectic, focusing on promoting overall wellness and mental health in all aspects of life. I strive to deliver compassionate, personalized care that honors the diverse backgrounds and experiences of each client. My goal is to empower individuals and families, fostering resilience and positive growth in everyone I have the privilege to serve.
Services and Offerings:
Empowerment Counseling and Psychotherapy Services, LLC provides a range of therapeutic services tailored to meet the unique needs of each client. I work with individuals, couples, and children, offering virtual sessions, school visits, as well as home visits.
What Sets Us Apart:
What sets Empowerment Counseling and Psychotherapy Services, LLC apart is our commitment to compassionate, personalized care and cultural competence. I believe in the importance of respecting diversity and providing a safe space for all clients to explore their feelings and experiences. My holistic approach addresses both individual and relational dynamics, fostering personal growth and healthier relationships.
Proud Achievements and Core Values:
I am most proud of the positive impact my work has had on my clients’ lives. Helping individuals and families overcome challenges and achieve emotional well-being is incredibly rewarding. My dedication to empowering others and providing high-quality, compassionate care is at the core of everything I do.
What I Want Potential Clients to Know:
For those considering my services, I want you to know that my practice is built on a foundation of empathy, respect, and genuine care. I am committed to helping you navigate life’s challenges and achieve your goals in a supportive and non-judgmental environment. Whether you’re seeking individual therapy, couples counseling, or specialized services for children, I am here to provide the guidance and support you need.
Do you think you’d choose a different profession or specialty if you were starting now?
I could not imagine not being a Yardie and BIPOC Therapist! I would enthusiastically choose to be a Marriage and Family Therapist once again because MFTs utilize relational frameworks to address a variety of mental, emotional, and relational challenges. The relational framework is important because it recognizes that individuals are deeply interconnected with others and their environments, acknowledging the impact of relationships on an individual’s mental health and well-being. This approach views problems within the context of these relationships, resonating with me deeply as I have a profound passion for helping others and firmly believe in therapy’s transformative potential.
My decision to pursue this path has been significantly influenced by my personal experiences and background, driving me to seek opportunities to positively impact children, individuals, couples, and families. Furthermore, my empathetic nature and adept communication skills equip me well for this role, allowing me to provide culturally competent support. I find fulfillment in assisting families as they navigate life’s challenges with compassion and understanding.
Other than training/knowledge, what do you think is most helpful for succeeding in your field?
In addition to training and knowledge, empathy, effective communication skills, and the ability to establish a strong therapeutic alliance are crucial for success in therapy. Connecting with clients on a personal level, understanding their perspectives, and communicating effectively can significantly enhance the therapeutic process and outcomes. Flexibility, openness to learning, and a genuine passion for helping others are also vital qualities in this field. Setting boundaries, practicing self-care, engaging in inner work, and having a supportive community are additional tips for success.
Engaging in inner work heightens my awareness of biases, triggers, and limitations, enabling me to approach therapy with greater self-awareness and humility. This self-awareness helps me manage my emotions and reactions during sessions, leading to more effective support for my clients. Furthermore, inner work aids in preventing burnout and maintaining my mental health, which is crucial for providing high-quality care.
Additionally, I believe that receiving regular supervision, is vital for personal and professional growth in this field.
“Sometimes your joy is the source of your smile, but sometimes your smile can be the source of your joy.” – Thich Nhat Hanh
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.empowercaps.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/empowerment_caps/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/EmpowermentCAPS/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/gaylesherida
- Other: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0B6T3Y414/ref=cm_sw_r_apa_i_4KKRPXNEBFSZHRXJ2CA6_1
