Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Tracy Locke. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Tracy, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today We’d love to hear the backstory of how you established your own practice.
I had a rough start in life due to complex trauma and found myself in unhealthy relationships. I felt trapped in my marriage, but I did not see a way out to care for my 3 children without any work history or skills. I was a stay-at-home mom for many years. One evening in my mid 30’s around 2010, I saw a movie based on true events and there was a social worker in this movie. I was so moved by the social worker in the movie that I googled “social worker” that evening and within a week I was enrolled in school. I graduated with my BSW in 2013 with a 3.9 GPA and at 39 years old, became licensed as a LBSW. I began working as a skilled nursing facility social worker. I was able to eventually change my personal situation due to having a career with stable income along with growth in my self-esteem and confidence.
I made the decision in 2018 to apply for graduate school as I wanted to go further into the field than the LBSW licensure level would allow. I graduated in May 2020 with my MSW. at age 46. I took my licensing exam and my license was upgraded to LMSW. I became a hospice social worker and shortly afterwards, at the same agency, I was promoted to Director of Psychosocial Services where I managed the social workers, chaplains, and volunteer program. at the agency. I was employee of the year in 2021 at Angel Hands Hospice. I was proud to be apart of this agency and enjoyed being in leadership.
After several years at Angel Hands, I decided that I really wanted to become a therapist and help others more directly who may be dealing with trauma, anxiety, personality disorders, or relationship issues (including domestic violence). I began my clinical supervision for the next 2 years in January 2022, I started some counseling part-time and continued at Angel Hands.
At age 50, I became an LCSW. I now have my own private practice. I feel honored every day to have the chance to help others discover who they really are, work through challenging circumstances, to overcome traumatic life experiences, and gain the ability to cope with life’s stressors in healthy ways.
I will be at my private practice full time July 1 2024.
In March 2025 I was awarded by NASW (Texoma branch) as field instructor of the year. I enjoyed managing and supporting college interns.
My future goals include growing my practice, additional trainings (especially DBT and EMDR), and eventually being an LCSW supervisor where I can supervise LMSW’s who are working towards becoming LCSW’s.
I am proud of myself for overcoming many obstacles in life. I attribute my success to my own determination, the mentors in my life, and God who never left my side in both good and hard times.
Tracy, 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 goal for my clients is for them to gain a sense of inner peace in their lives, even during challenging circumstances. I enjoy helping clients develop healthy ways to cope with life stressors, regulate difficult emotions, and challenge (and overcome) negative core beliefs.
My professional and personal real life experiences enable me to connect with clients on an intimate and nonjudgmental level. I enjoy helping clients gain insight into the roots of why they may struggle more in certain areas regarding their mental health and relationships.
I view all of my clients with unconditional positive regard.
I use Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, Trauma Focused Therapy & Solutions Focused. CBT teaches reframing negative thoughts to improve feelings & behavior. DBT is learning to regulate emotions. Trauma Focused can help process upsetting beliefs & overcome the effects of trauma. SFBT is short term & promotes change through goal setting. I also offer Christian counseling.
Do you think you’d choose a different profession or specialty if you were starting now?
I would absolutely not change a thing. Social work is not an easy field. It is often grueling and thankless,, but social workers are given the opportunity to truly make a difference in people’s lives. There are so many areas of social work, it is a very versatile career path. My struggles in the field made me a stronger clinician,
Any advice for managing a team?
I managed many employees at Angel Hands Hospice. I found the most effective way to manage people is to remember they are people and to be a support system for them. I was always willing to help in any way I could. I highlighted each employees’ unique strengths and I found that in treating the employees with respect, they were typically pleased with their employment and felt supported by leadership. My policy was always open door without judgement. I gave them space to process difficult cases and vent when they felt frustrated. I enjoyed being able to support them along with college interns who were preparing to enter the field of social work.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/therapists/tracy-ann-locke-waxahachie-tx/970130
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tracy-locke-9ab7402b8?lipi=urn%3Ali%3Apage%3Ad_flagship3_profile_view_base_contact_details%3B3dG3GB8zReKZozGGUX8v8g%3D%3D
- Other: Audreycrouchcounseling.com
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