Fostering a successful private practice while navigating academia, sports psychology, and representation in the therapy field can be daunting—but Dr. Lawrence Jackson has done just that.

As a licensed therapist and mental performance coach, Dr. Jackson has worked with athletes transitioning out of professional sports while also focusing on elevating diverse voices in therapy.

In this episode, Dr. Jackson joins host Michael Fulwiler to share his unique journey from aspiring medical professional to becoming "The Black Male Therapist." 

He discusses his perspective on the challenges of finding representation in the mental health field and how he used social media, particularly Black Therapy Fridays, to build authentic connections and attract clients.

In the conversation, they discuss:

• Dr. Jackson’s journey in developing a multifaceted career that spans private practice, sports psychology, and academic roles, all while maintaining his focus on representation and inclusivity in the mental health space.
• The unique challenges athletes face when transitioning out of professional sports and how mental performance coaching can guide them through identity shifts and career changes.
• The importance of increasing diversity within the therapy profession, along with Dr. Jackson's efforts to support and mentor clinicians of color.

Connect with the guest:

• Visit his website: https://theblackmaletherapist.com/
• Dr. Lawrence on X: https://x.com/blacktherapyfri
• Dr. Lawrence on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theblackmaletherapist/ 
• Check out his YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCoItb2LIXFLlshaDH4FZ8Cw/featured?view_as=subscriber 

Connect with Michael and Heard:

• Michael’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaelfulwiler/
• Newsletter: https://www.joinheard.com/newsletter 
• Book a free consult: https://www.joinheard.com/welcome-form 

Jump into the conversation:

(00:00) Introduction to Heard Business School with guest Dr. Lawrence Jackson

(02:15) The scarcity of Black representation in the therapy field

(05:44) From medical aspirations to psychology

(08:17) Pivoting from sex therapy to marriage and family therapy

(09:55) Launching "The Black Male Therapist" brand and Black Therapy Fridays

(11:02) Sports analogies and systemic thinking to therapeutic practice

(14:10) Private practice during doctoral studies and learning key marketing strategies

(18:55) Transitioning from academia to private practice in the middle of the pandemic

(23:15) Overcoming self-doubt and finding confidence in pricing therapeutic services

(29:00) Evolution of Dr. Jackson’s work with athletes transitioning out of professional sports

(35:42) The intersection of therapy and performance coaching in sports

(40:16) How virtual therapy and supervision transformed Dr. Jackson’s practice

(44:00) Balancing multiple roles in therapy, sports, and education

This episode is to be used for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal, business, or tax advice. Each person should consult their own attorney, business advisor, or tax advisor with respect to matters referenced in this episode.