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Key Topics: Mental Health • Therapy • Black Women • Finding the Right Therapist • Boundaries • Trauma • Entrepreneurship • Private Practice • Mental Health Stigma • Self-Care • Purpose
Episode Summary
Even therapists need therapists.
In this candid conversation, Dr. Ebony Stone sits down with Dr. Shelby Bradley, licensed professional counselor, supervisor, board-certified telemental health provider, and owner of Powerful Minds Counseling Center, to talk about mental health, entrepreneurship, boundaries, and the power of being transparent about where you've come from.
Dr. Bradley's path into mental health began after a traumatic experience within her own family sparked a desire to better understand psychology. As a first-generation college student, she followed that calling despite being told she was "too smart" to pursue psychology and wouldn't make money in the field.
Her journey has since taken her from case management and substance abuse treatment to domestic violence and sexual assault services, telehealth, higher education, and ultimately private practice.
Together, Dr. Stone and Dr. Bradley challenge the stigma that still surrounds therapy, particularly in the Black community. They discuss why finding the right therapist matters, why it's okay to "shop around" for a provider who understands your needs, and why seeking therapy doesn't mean something has to be wrong.
They also get real about entrepreneurship. From business bank accounts and billing to marketing expenses, late nights, unexpected costs, and the reality that revenue doesn't necessarily equal profit, Dr. Bradley shares what she wishes she had known before opening her own practice.
Whether you're considering therapy, navigating your own healing journey, building a business, or learning how to protect your peace while caring for others, this episode is a reminder that asking for support is not a weakness. Sometimes the people helping everyone else need support, too.
Who Should Listen to This Episode?
This episode is for you if...
- You've considered therapy but aren't sure where to start.
- You've struggled to find a therapist who understands your identity, experiences, faith, or season of life.
- You feel guilty setting boundaries with people who need you.
- You work in a helping profession and spend much of your time caring for others.
- You're considering entrepreneurship or private practice and want to hear the parts people don't always talk about.
- You've built an impressive career but recognize that professional training doesn't necessarily prepare you to run a business.
- You need the reminder that your past doesn't determine where you can go next.
Corner Office Lessons💜 Even therapists need therapists.
Having expertise doesn't make you immune to grief, trauma, stress, or life's challenges. Dr. Bradley is intentional about sharing that she goes to therapy because getting support is part of how she remains healthy enough to support others.
💜 You are allowed to choose the therapist who works for you.
Race, gender, faith, specialty, life experience, and even the season you're currently navigating can matter when choosing a therapist. It's okay to shop around, ask questions, and even change therapists as your needs change.
💜 Boundaries don't mean you don't care.
Dr. Bradley's clients have ways to contact her, but they also know she won't necessarily respond when she's outside the office. Protecting your time and giving yourself room to decompress allows you to continue showing up well for the people you serve.
💜 Knowing your craft and knowing how to run a business are two different skill sets.
Degrees and professional credentials can make you exceptional at what you do without teaching you banking, billing, marketing, compliance, cash flow, or profitability. Entrepreneurship requires an entirely different education.
💜 Don't be ashamed of where your story started.
Dr. Bradley openly shares that the woman she is today came through difficult seasons, including financial hardship, homelessness, family trauma, and becoming a first-generation college student. Transparency about the journey can become part of the impact you make on others.
About Today's Guest
Dr. Shelby Bradley is a licensed professional counselor, supervisor, board-certified telemental health provider, and owner of Powerful Minds Counseling Center.
She specializes in depression, anxiety, trauma, life adjustments, and substance abuse and is trained in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR). She is also a trainer for Adult and Youth Mental Health First Aid and serves as an adjunct professor at William Carey University.
Dr. Bradley's career has included work in substance abuse treatment, domestic violence and sexual assault services, community mental health, telehealth, and private practice. She also serves in professional and community organizations throughout Mississippi and was named Clinical Mental Health Counselor of the Year by the Mississippi Counseling Association and one of the 100 Top Women to Know on the Gulf Coast in 2024.
Through Powerful Minds Counseling Center, she continues her commitment to serving others while working to expand mental health education and access beyond the therapy room.
Connect with Dr. Shelby Bradley
🌐 Website: powerfulmindscounseling.net
📱 Instagram: @Powerful_MindsCounseling
📘 Facebook: Powerful Minds Counseling
Work with Powerful Minds Counseling Center
Individuals interested in therapy can visit the Powerful Minds Counseling Center website and complete the New Client Inquiry Form. The practice responds to inquiries within 24 to 48 hours.
Dr. Bradley is also working to expand her impact through mental health education and community training, while pursuing additional state licenses to increase access to her services.
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