We were lucky to catch up with Siyara Dobbs recently and have shared our conversation below.
Siyara, appreciate you joining us today. If you had a defining moment that you feel really changed the trajectory of your career, we’d love to hear the story and details.
When I initially started graduate school it was with the intention of making more money; my BSW was not affording me financial gain or professional development. With that in mind when my daughter started Kindergarten I began the traditional MSW program at North Carolina Central University. Our program required us to have an internship our first and second year. During my first year, I interned as a Substance Abuse Counselor at an Intensive Outpatient Center by the name of Souhtlight. As an intern, I lead 3 hour group sessions, 3 times a week and also created Individual Treatment Plans in an effort to help group members meet their goal of obtaining and maintaining sobriety.
This was very challenging yet rewarding for me given my childhood experiences. My mother, a single woman, of two has always struggled with substance use. The choice of substances varied but the one in which she still struggles with is alcohol. The first few weeks of leading the group was difficult because almost every group member reminded me of my mom. Hearing their backgrounds, learning what led to their addictions, coupled with gaining the clinical knowledge allowed me to have a better understanding of their difficulties as well as my mom’s. Their display of courage, vulnerability, and determination week after week inspired me. I was reminded that it is never too late for change. With the proper resources, will-power, and support sobriety and mental wellness can be achieved.
We celebrated the group members’ milestones by giving them sobriety chips. We did this for 30, 60, 90, and 120 days. During the first celebration, it was in that moment when giving individuals their chips that I knew I wanted to become a therapist. My heart was so full and I was so proud of them. My first patient to complete the program was 72. 72! Again, I was reminded that it’s never too late. If and when my mom is ready I’ll be able to provide the appropriate resources and be a part of her support system. Until then, I will continue to aid individuals with their healing and provide them with alternative, healthy ways to cope when dealing with life’s challenges.
Siyara, 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?
My name is Siyara, pronounced “Sierra” . While I was not born in North Carolina, I consider myself a native as I have spent the majority of my life here. My mom, little sister, and I moved around A LOT. I attended 3 elementary schools, 3 middle schools, and finally settled down in Fuquay- Varina, a small town outside of Raleigh which is where I graduated high school. Despite the many obstacles I faced as a child: single mom, absent father, instability, substance use, etc.. I managed to not become a product of my environment. I’m almost positive this was due to individuals such as: guidance counselors, mentors, and teachers that helped me along the way.
I graduated from East Carolina University in 2010 with my Bachelor’s of Social Work. I, too, wanted to be the reason someone beat the odds. Unplanned, I gave birth to my daughter in 2011, and while I was stable working at the Department of Social Services, I wanted and needed more. As mentioned previously, when my daughter started Kindergarten I applied to Graduate school. In my mind, school was something we could do together. We read together, completed homework together, studied together, and had pizza on Fridays as a reward for completing our school week. I’d like to think my daughter witnessing me getting my Master’s while working full time and caring for her will be a reminder to her and anyone reading this, that they, too, can do hard things.
Obtaining my own Private Practice was always the goal. I just didn’t know when. I completed graduate school in 2018 and soon after embarked on the road to become a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. 3,000 clinical hours, 40 CEU’s, 2 years of school and 1 state exam later, I became fully licensed. In an effort to obtain clinical hours, I worked at a Psychiatric Hospital as well as a Private Practice. I gained a wealth of knowledge and experience working at the hospital but also learned it was not my permanent setting. Working for a Private Practice afforded me the opportunity to have more direct practice with clients and also provided more experience. After a year and a half, I decided it was time.
I launched Pieces to Peace, PLLC, my private practice, in July 2022. I chose the name Pieces to Peace with the concept of going from something broken to something whole. Life happens to all of us, therefore we all have some “pieces” we aren’t proud of but ultimately all parts make us whole. My targeted population are persons of color although I am open to servicing anybody. I target persons of color specifically as therapy has always been seen as taboo in our community. My goal is to cultivate an environment in which individuals feel seen, heard, and understood while being their authentic selves. I assist individuals with life transitions, anxiety, depression, peer relationships, self-esteem and much more. I feel persons of color are willing to seek assistance from someone who looks like them. Representation matters.
I am proud of myself for taking the leap and for the success of business thus far! I like to remind myself and others that we are more than our circumstances. Guidance, discipline, and determination goes a long way. I allowed my pieces to make me whole, will you?
Putting training and knowledge aside, what else do you think really matters in terms of succeeding in your field?
Transparency. I believe in being honest and open. There is power in authenticity. Confiding and disclosing your closest and sacred things to a stranger can be scary and uncomfortable. I like to remind my clients that I, too, am a person. One who has made and will continue to make mistakes. Remind them that, even our darkest moments do not define us but what we do thereafter, does. Developing this rapport from the very beginning has proven to be a success thus far. I look forward to seeing how much I, my clients, and my practice will grow from being authentic.
What’s been the most effective strategy for growing your clientele?
Social Media. It’s ironic because while I enjoy social media for my personal use and entertainment. I do not enjoy it for business purposes. Creating content be it a reel, story, post, etc creates so much anxiety for me. I find myself wondering if the content will be useful, does it make sense, will anyone like it? All of the things. However, I had to realize that it’s not about any of that. It’s not about likes, comments, shares, etc. it’s about relaying information. Nothing more. Nothing less. I’ve learned that your audience will find you all you have to be is you.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.piecestopeacepllc.com
- Instagram: instagram.com/pieces.topeace/
- Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/siyara-dobbs-lcsw-9b34b4162
Image Credits
Johnathon Newkirk J.Newkirk Photography Mobile: 910-273-5985 Email: J.NewkirkPhotography@gmail.com