We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Tahleekah Partee-Young a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

TahLeekah, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. We’d love to hear the backstory of how you established your own practice.

I’d often entertain the idea of becoming a private practice therapist, since obtaining my MSW degree in 2010, but I knew that this goal would be reserved for the distant future. Following several years of practicing therapy within an organization, I would witness co-workers depart from their nine-to-fives, and venture off into private practice. I was in awe of their bravery! A turning point for me happened during COVID, when we were all quarantined. I remember just having a little more time to think. I recall having a conversation with God, letting Him know that I’d like to become a private practice therapist. Still, I was comfortable with my current employer of 14 years.
The next thing you know, some things started to shift and I had become uncomfortable in that same setting. Hindsight, I know that it was all in God‘s plan, to get me to move on my goal. I can honestly say, that I couldn’t be more happy working in private practice!
The first step that I had to take, was acknowledging that I wanted more. While I was still working in an agency, I hired a consultant to show me the ropes around setting up my own practice. I would definitely recommend seeking out this type of guidance. I would also recommend staying in contact with former colleagues, professors, etc. As I was transitioning, I had already known others who took the leap. One in particular would periodically attempt to recruit me to do private practice with them. So when I was ready, I said, “Let’s talk.”
Finally, always ask questions if you get lost along the way. My advice to any young professional who might consider starting their own practice… get a few years of experience, then DO IT!!!

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

Heal-Encourage-Motivate LLC
www.heal2motivate.com
Private Practice Therapist:
I’ve been a therapist for 14 years. I have experience with a wide array of populations. I also have an advanced certification in addictions counseling. I have a heart for women and have recently become passionate about helping individuals see their worth, establish healthier boundaries, and identify and heal from past wounds in order to cultivate healthier relationships.
FB: Heal Encourage Motivate LLC

Shea Buttercups by TahLee LLC
www.sheabuttercup.com
Maker, Artisan
I am also a crafter of homemade bath and body care. My best-selling product is whipped shea butter. I would consider this my part-time business. Shea Butter is not just any lotion or cream, but it promotes the healing and repair of damaged skin. I’m just as passionate about this, because I know it’s helping to improve one’s condition. Both ventures help me to achieve my purpose, which is to serve as a catalyst to help with the healing journey!

FB: SheaButtercupsbyTahLee
Insta: SheaButtercups

Have you ever had to pivot?

I got my undergraduate degree in communications. I initially wanted to be in broadcasting or public relations. When I graduated, I had the opportunity to go into an intensive 10-day media sales institute. I was recruited to attend a training program in North Carolina. Unfortunately, I totally dropped the ball with that opportunity. I had relocated back to Michigan from Maryland (where I attended school) and because I had not had many professional connections in Michigan, the media opportunities slowed and the connections just weren’t there. For a few years, I had to find a job that wasn’t necessarily in my field. Fortunately, one of those jobs, sparked my interest in becoming a therapist. I ended up enrolling in a local MSW program and here I am!

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

I really think confidence is needed to succeed in any field. We can have all of the book knowledge and training, but if the confidence is not there, then it may take longer than expected to accomplish goals. I also realize that we don’t have to have all of the answers upfront in order to kickstart a business. Most Business owners will fail at something and learning from those failures is what helps build resilience.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.heal2motivate.com
• Instagram: www.sheabuttercup.com
• Facebook: Heal Encourage Motivate LLC
• Other: Facebook page for Shea buttercups:
  SheaButtercupsbyTahleeWebsite for Shea Buttercups:
  www.sheabuttercup.com

Image Credits

Professional Photo by: Doug Sims Photography