We were lucky to catch up with Shundrika Jones recently and have shared our conversation below.

Shundrika, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today. Was there a moment in your career that meaningfully altered your trajectory? If so, we’d love to hear the backstory.

There have been a few moments in my career that have reassured me that I was living in my purpose. However, one of the defining moments in my professional career came after working serving as the adolescent clinical program director at a hospital where I was able to facilitate groups. Seeing the children progress weekly and receiving direct feedback from each of them and the families are moments I live for. I have always been honest with myself that I will not be able to help everyone who enters therapy, but if I can help the majority of them I am satisfied. In this specific situation, not only was I able to help the child, but I also helped the family system.

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?

I have served in the mental health field for over seven years. As a veteran, I have experience working with a vast range of individuals from different cultures and backgrounds. With my extensive knowledge in dealing with trauma, my education, and my career journey, I can relate to individuals personally and professionally.

I aspire to provide support, guidance, and compassion to individuals so that they can overcome life challenges and traumatic events as I have.

Mental Health in the African American community is evolving from the historical belief that we should take all of our problems to the church rather than a therapist. I want to share the importance of utilizing the available resources so that you become the best version of YOU.

I use various therapeutic approaches such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Psychotherapy, and Solution Focused Therapy in order to meet the needs of my clients. I am a Certified Clinical Trauma Professional trained in Eye-Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR).

Do you think you’d choose a different profession or specialty if you were starting now?

If I could go back, yes, I would choose the same profession. My profession affords me the opportunity to help people in various ways. It is no better time than now to be a mental health professional. We help others so that they can in turn help others and live a more optimal life.

Do you have any insights you can share related to maintaining high team morale?

Collective Psychotherapy currently has two other behavioral health providers. As the owner/director, I will tell any leader to listen and support your team in order to maintain morale. Being an effective leader and managing a team requires more than a title. You have to care about people. I take time to get to know my team members to include their short and long term goals, hobbies, family support, etc. Additionally, as you look to elevate the business, include team members when appropriate. Ask for their input on ideas and discussion topics.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.drshundrikajones.com/
• Instagram: _CEOTherapist_
• Facebook: Dr. Shundriak Jones
• Other: https://collectivepsychotherapy.com/

Image Credits
Chbphotography- professional photos Virtual Administrative Projects- Book Photo