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The Practice of Therapy Podcast (www.practiceoftherapy.com) helps therapists, counselors, and other mental health clinicians start, build and grow in their private practices.  Whether you are just starting into private practice or have been in it a while, The Practice of Therapy Podcast will give you information to help you grow and succeed!

Sep 14, 2020

In this episode, LaToya Smith of LCS Counseling and Consulting Agency joins the show. LaToya speaks about the importance of telling your story as it relates to creating connections and networking in your community. Plus, storytelling is a great way to build your brand and expand your social media presence. Stay tuned as we talk about the Black Lives Matter movement and diversity in private practice.

Meet LaToya Smith

LaToya is the owner of LCS Counseling and Consulting Agency in Fortworth Texas. She firmly believes that people don’t have to remain stuck in their pain or the place they became wounded. She encourages her clients to be active in their treatment and work towards their desired outcome.

She has also launched Strong Witness which is a platform designed to connect, transform, and heal communities through the power of storytelling.

Visit LaToya’s website and connect with her on Facebook, Instagram, Strong Witness Instagram, and Twitter.

Why Story is Important

The more you talk about your story, the easier it gets. It would help if you weren't afraid to speak about your story. Telling your story will help you be more confident in your voice. Plus, people will come up to you and connect with you. We are not out on an island by ourselves - it's time to be vulnerable and create connections. Telling stories will bring healing and understanding through being free, and sharing will allow yourself to be who you are.

Empowering Through Story

Vulnerability will build courage. The most authentic stories allow us to be seen, and that is how the connection is made. When we put words to our pain and our emotions, then we light up. Story will help bridge the gaps. We need to learn to set things aside, listen, and connect through stories and experience. It will help tear down walls and prevent division. When we are willing to hear other people’s pain, we realize that strangers are no different from us.

Black Lives Matter

It’s hard to heal; there is always something. 2020 has been devastating. You can’t stop to catch your breath. It’s so heavy, and therapists are overwhelmed. If your clients are still being traumatized, then it’s going to be hard to heal. Even Black therapists are having a hard time. It’s a lot to process, and unfortunately, it’s not new. People who are not Black can empathize with the community. A faithful ally will do something to prove that they are anti-racist.

LaToya has been part of peaceful protests, and she sees change happening. When you are walking through the protests, you don’t get all the love back. If you’re out at the protests, then you need to practice mental health. There are people out there doing the work that needs to be done, reach out to them, and lend a helping hand.

Storytelling Consultancy

LaToya helps therapists and private practice owners incorporate storytelling into their presentations and social media profiles. LaToya wants to help private practice owners integrate stories into their everyday lives and help boost their business. Visit Strong Witness - an app designed to give people a platform and a safe space to share their stories. They welcome any story you are comfortable with sharing. This includes stories of triumph, victory, pain, joy, gratitude, shame, love, or defeat.

You want to tell stories that will draw people to you. The story should get people to take action. Allow yourself to be seen at the moment. People can connect with you better when they can see you. When you share, people will want to pick up the phone and call you. Use your authentic voice and tell the stories that you are comfortable with.

Being transparent… Some of the resources below use affiliate links which simply means we receive a commission if you purchase using the links, at no extra cost to you. Thanks for using the links!

LaToya’s Resources

Visit LaToya’s Website

Facebook

Instagram

Strong Witness Instagram

Strong Witness Facebook

Twitter

Resources

 Use the promo code "GORDON" to get 2 months of Therapy Notes free.
Learn more about GreenOak Accounting 

Listen to Therapy For Your Money Podcast

Solo to Group Practice: Adding More Therapists to Grow Your Time & Income

Use my link for 1 Month FREE of Brighter Vision services

Brighter Vision Fall Into Cash Event

Sign up for Killin’It Camp – October 5-7, 2020

Check out these great resources from PsychMaven

G Suite for Therapists | The E-Course

Session Note Helper 3.0

Money Matters in Private Practice | The Course

Join the G-Suite for Therapists Users Group

Cool Resources

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Meet Gordon Brewer, MEd, LMFT

Gordon is the person behind The Practice of Therapy Podcast & Blog. He is also President and Founder of Kingsport Counseling Associates, PLLC. He is a therapist, consultant, business mentor, trainer, and writer. PLEASE Subscribe to The Practice of Therapy Podcast wherever you listen to it. Follow us on Twitter @therapistlearn, and Pinterest, “Like” us on Facebook.