In this flashback episode, we're not just talking the talk; we're taking a deep dive into personal struggles both therapists and clients face, challenging the stigma around seeking mental health care and embracing our vulnerabilities.

I talk with Sandtrice Russell as she opens up about the need for safe spaces and advocacy, particularly for the BIPOC & LGBTQIA+ communities.

3 key themes:

1. Vulnerability as a Bridge: Therapists' self-disclosure and openness about personal struggles can build rapport and trust, making it easier for clients to open up and be vulnerable in turn.
2. Authenticity in Practice: Showcasing your true values and creating an accepting space for clients of all backgrounds, including LGBTQIA2+, Neurodivergent, and BIPOC individuals, is not just good practice—it's essential for safety and relatability.
3. The Human Connection: Therapy is more than a checklist; it's about actual authentic human connection and openness to change. We must prioritize the rapport and right fit in the therapist-client relationship.

Note from Sandtrice:

I’ve been in the helping profession since 2004. I've been working in my respective field for over 18 years. I graduated with my Bachelor of Science Degree in Psychology from the University of West Georgia in 2004 and later obtained my Master of Science Degree in Clinical Mental Health from Troy State University in 2012. I’m currently a Licensed Professional Counselor and Certified Professional Counselor Supervisor in the State of Georgia. Throughout my career, I’ve worked with individuals across various populations providing mental health counseling, career counseling, mentorship, and life coaching services. I have worked in a variety of settings including residential group homes, outpatient mental health, inpatient mental health, and community-based counseling. I specialize in working with clients coping with depression, anxiety, relationship issues, anger management, trauma, and individuals of the LGBT community who are seeking a safe space. I also have experience working with Veterans and Active Duty Serviceman. In addition to my role as a Licensed Mental Health professional, I’m a Motivational Speaker and Mental Health Advocate who shares mental health advice on my YouTube Channel and all Social Media Platforms under the handle Tree the LPC. I’m extremely passionate about helping and empowering others to prosper. My mission statement for my organizations Unique Destiny Inc & Unique Destiny Counseling is Empowerment through Education.

• Check out the Self Aware and Fucked Up Podcast: podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/treethelpc
• More resources by Sandtrice: linktr.ee/UniqueDestinyInc

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***This episode is an episode that All Things Private Practice is re-releasing for 2025. Please enjoy, and we'll be back with new content, resources, and guests in a couple of months.

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Thanks to Our Sponsors: The Receptionist for iPad, Alma, & All Things Private Practice — 2025 & 2026 Retreats!

✨ The Receptionist for iPad

Thanks to The Receptionist for iPad for sponsoring this episode.

The Receptionist offers an iPad list check-in option where clients can scan a QR code to check in, which negates the need for you to buy an iPad and stand. Go to thereceptionist.com/privatepractice and sign up for a free 14-day trial. When you do, you'll get your first month free. And don't forget to ask about our iPad list check-in option.

✨ Alma

Thanks to Alma for sponsoring this episode.

Building and managing the practice you want can be challenging. That’s why Alma offers tools and resources to help you build not just any practice, but your private practice. They’ll help you navigate insurance, access referrals who are the right fit for you, and efficiently manage administrative tasks — so you can spend less time on the details and more time delivering great care. You support your clients. Alma supports you. Visit helloalma.com/ATPP to learn more.

✨ All Things Private Practice — 2025 & 2026 Retreats

All Things Private Practice has some amazing retreat experiences coming up in 2025 and 2026.

Join us in Edinburgh, Scotland for the second Doubt Yourself, Do It Anyway Summit from July 14th to 17th, 2025! We have an incredible lineup of 12 speakers and offer 12 MBCCEs. If you're a leader or aspiring to start a group practice, join our Leadership Retreat in Chania, Crete, from September 6th to 11th. In 2026, we have two retreats in Queenstown, New Zealand. The first is for Neurodivergent Entrepreneurs from March 1st to 8th, and the second retreat, Beyond Private Practice, focuses on moving beyond one-on-one therapy and creating alternative income streams from March 15th to 22nd.

Spaces are limited, so check the links to sign up today. Doubt yourself, do it anyway!

• Doubt Yourself, Do It Anyway Summit in Scotland: empoweredescapes.com/scotland-july-2025-summit
• Leadership Retreat in Chania, Crete: empoweredescapes.com/greece-retreat-2025
• Neurodivergent Entrepreneurs in Queenstown, New Zealand: allthingspractice.com/new-zealand-neurodivergent
• Beyond Private Practice in Queenstown, New Zealand: allthingspractice.com/new-zealand-income-streams

Mentioned in this episode:

All Things Private Practice — 2025 & 2026 Retreats

All Things Private Practice has some amazing retreat experiences coming up in 2025 and 2026. Join us in Edinburgh, Scotland for the second Doubt Yourself, Do It Anyway Summit from July 14th to 17th, 2025! We have an incredible lineup of 12 speakers and offer 12 MBCCEs. If you're a leader or aspiring to start a group practice, join our Leadership Retreat in Chania, Crete, from September 6th to 11th. In 2026, we have two retreats in Queenstown, New Zealand. The first is for Neurodivergent Entrepreneurs from March 1st to 8th, and the second retreat, Beyond Private Practice, focuses on moving beyond one-on-one therapy and creating alternative income streams from March 15th to 22nd. Spaces are limited, so check the links to sign up today. Doubt yourself, do it anyway!

Doubt Yourself, Do It Anyway Summit in Scotland: https://www.empoweredescapes.com/scotland-july-2025-summit

Leadership Retreat in Chania, Crete: https://www.empoweredescapes.com/greece-retreat-2025

Neurodivergent Entrepreneurs in Queenstown, New Zealand: https://www.allthingspractice.com/new-zealand-neurodivergent

Beyond Private Practice in Queenstown, New Zealand: https://www.allthingspractice.com/new-zealand-income-streams

Alma

I want to thank Alma for sponsoring this episode.

Building and managing the practice you want can be challenging. That’s why Alma offers tools and resources to help you build not just any practice, but your private practice. They’ll help you navigate insurance, access referrals who are the right fit for you, and efficiently manage administrative tasks — so you can spend less time on the details, and more time delivering great care. You support your clients. Alma supports you. Visit helloalma.com/ATPP to learn more.

The Receptionist for iPad

I want to thank The Receptionist for iPad for sponsoring this episode.

From new patients faced with an empty lobby and no idea where to find their therapist to clinicians with a session running over time and the doorbell ringing, some of the most anxiety-ridden moments of a therapy appointment happen before a session even starts. The Receptionist for iPad, helps you tackle some of that pre-appointment apprehension and anxiety. The Receptionist for iPad is an easy-to-use digital client check-in system that helps your visitors check in securely to their appointments and notify their practitioners of their arrival via SMS, email, or your preferred channel. No more confusion, and less lobby checking or having clients sign in on paper logbooks. It can even help you upgrade and update your demographic information for your clients as well and even validate parking.

Start a 14-day free trial of the Receptionist for iPad by going to thereceptionist.com/privatepractice. Make sure to start your trial with that link and you'll also get your first month free if you decide to sign up.