We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Valerie Carmel Dorsainvil. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Valerie Carmel below.

Valerie Carmel, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Was there a moment in your career that meaningfully altered your trajectory? If so, we’d love to hear the backstory.

My defining moment actually came about 2 years before starting my practice. In 2018, I started having panic attacks. They started on the heels of releasing my self-published book, Evolve Your MVP and taking on a new role at work. I thought things were going great! Yet, my mental health was on a major decline. I was working too much, up late hours working or due to insomnia, my hair was falling out and I barely ate due to constant nausea. Then one day at work I started to feel tingling throughout my body and what felt like wild horses running through my chest. I tried to take deep breaths but I was overcome by an uncontrollable urge to cry and get away. This happened again and again. Over the course of a few weeks I saw my nurse practitioner, started anti-anxiety meds and went in search of a therapist. But I couldn’t find one! There always seemed to be a barrier: insurance, cost, poor fit, or availability. Annoyed by the whole process I decided to learn more about treating anxiety, reading books, attending trainings and implementing the techniques I learned in my own life. Within a year, I was off my medication, obtained a certification in treating anxiety and was finally taking my mental health serious.

Then COVID happened and the whole world was in a vice grip of fear, panic, stress and isolation. Several people began to ask if I was providing therapy. That’s when I realized the need and the idea to build my practice started. I remembered how frustrating it was to not find the type of therapist I wanted. So I decided to use my professional and personal experience to help others with similar needs. Panic attacks changed the way I saw and wanted to practice mental health. Without that experience I would have never pursued entrepreneurship. I found purpose in my struggle through healing other women like me.

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?

I am the CEO of Valerie Carmel Therapy, a virtual mental health practice that focuses on helping Black female entrepreneurs and professionals to deal with the anxiety and stress of being a boss! I know social media makes achievement and ambition glamorous but the reality is it is hard work. Juggling work, significant others, children, pets, friends, community and still looking good doing it will take a major toll on your mental health if you don’t prioritize self-care. We focus on demystifying mental health and guiding our clients to create a lifestyle that promotes and maintains their mental wellness. We do this through direct client care but also through training and speaking for community and corporate organization.

Putting training and knowledge aside, what else do you think really matters in terms of succeeding in your field?

That’s such a great question! I would say to remember that you are human, first. This matters not just in the way you show up for clients but also in how you show up for yourself. People want to work with someone they like and feel comfortable working with. Your knowledge and training is important but it won’t benefit anyone if they aren’t engaged and willing to connect with you. It is also important to prioritize self-care by honoring your human needs. The goal is to continuously pour into yourself so the proverbial cup stays full and the consistent overflow is shared with everyone else.

Are there any books, videos or other content that you feel have meaningfully impacted your thinking?

I’ve been reading “Atomic Habits” by James Clear and it has been really helpful in my pursuit to develop good habits to manage both personal and professional responsibilities. Another great resource has been participation in community and professional groups. I started a small peer group, NextGen Therapists with other female therapists in private practice to offer support, share resources and consult on cases. I also am a member of Women on the Rise, International and they provide phenomenal opportunities to learn about financial empowerment, be active within the community and connect with other women.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://valeriecarmel.com/
• Instagram: www.instagram.com/thevaleriecamel
• Facebook: www.facebook.com/thevaleriecarmel1
• Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/thevaleriecarmel

Image Credits
Professional shots done by Andrea DelaCruz, lifestyle shot done by SheenaMarie Photography