Today we’d like to introduce you to Anastasia Lockin.
Hi Anastasia, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
I truly believe my personal journey and personal experiences nurtured my desire to pursue my career as a licensed marriage and family therapist. My professional and personal path thus far has been directly related to my childhood and my desire to become educated, and lean into deep healing so I did not repeat the same patterns as I witnessed growing up. As a child and progressing into young adulthood, I didn’t fully own my God-given gifts or accept all parts of myself which lead me down a road of headache, heartbreak, people pleasing and adopting the truths of others. In my last year of college, I had a traumatic relationship experience that changed my perspective, and would shape me for years to come. It woke me up and was a catalyst for my own healing process. After a few months of working with a grief therapist, I realized that I had associated worthiness with being accepted and loved by others. Unfortunately, this came at the expense of my own emotional, mental and spiritual expense. I adopted false truths of others in order to make myself small and keep others comfortable.
By the age of 22, I had experienced multiple traumas and heartbreaks all along the road from child to adulthood. I felt so lost while simultaneously trying to maintain my image, like I had it all together and quite frankly- it just became too much. Finally, I took a chance and did something for me. I moved back home with my parents upon graduation and allowed space for healing without the distractions or the loud noises I was always surrounded by. No longer was it about trying to appeal to others or seeking the validation and approval of my peers. This time was all about me working through my grief. I recognized that I had a deep desire to learn and continue my education despite feeling unworthy and the lacking confidence I once had. I applied for one graduate program in Counseling Psychology at the University of San Francisco and I remember telling myself, “If I get in, then I will take it as a sign and it’s meant to be”. Although I was at my lowest point emotionally, I still had the faith and intuition to realize that this graduate program was what I needed to pursue in order to evolve as an individual. I had an inner knowing that the specific masters program in Counseling psychology I applied to would allow me to learn from my mistakes, and understand how my past traumas had affected me in my present while also learning corrective actions for my future.
Even at my lowest lows and with a deep feeling of hurt, I had an immense amount of conviction that I didn’t have to be a product of my circumstances, intergenerational traumas, hurts, or betrayals. I possessed such a strong desire to gain the knowledge and understanding of psychology, human behavior, cultural motivations and healthy family dynamics with boundaries, so that I could help guide others along their healing journey. I wanted to be for others who I wished I had during the darkest times of my life. I knew becoming a therapist would allow me to be in a space where I could constantly grow, evolve and it would be a career in which I could embody lifelong healing and learning.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
My belief is that struggle is what makes us all human and our own personal struggles hold the key to self-awareness and healing. I have personally struggled with working through the implications of my childhood which have shown up and caused emotional dysregulation in my life personally, professionally and academically. I inherited the long-lasting effects of intergenerational traumas from my ancestral lineage. All of my struggles have been catalysts for me. They inspire me and often times, I do my best to acknowledge them, feel them and learn how to break toxic intergenerational cycles of: confusion of self-identity, perpetuation of caretaking in relationships at my own emotional and spiritual expense, misplaced shame and guilt, anxiety, low self-esteem, depression, scarcity mindset, perfectionism, people-pleasing and imposter feelings.
By stepping out of the box of perceived safety by choosing to become a full-time entrepreneur and dedicating my life to healing myself and aiding others in doing the same; I struggled for the season with letting go of the illusion of what I was told makes an individual secure and successful. Self-doubt, imposter syndrome, being fearful of telling my truth while feeling like I had to show up “certain way” in order to succeed as an entrepreneur and therapist was an emotional and spiritual block for me. I had to do the inner work and heal from these limiting belief and fears. I was able to do so, with the guidance of my therapist, healers, and my soul sisters who have supported me in my healing journey when I needed them the most and we were most definitely aligned to connect in this lifetime.
Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
Unlock Your Joy Therapy was founded with a mission to aid Women of color toward a path of healing, authenticity and purpose despite Mental health and risk factors such as anxiety, depression, intergenerational trauma, and cultural microaggressions for the sake of our collective to succeed, connect with our greatest gift of intuition, thrive and celebrate the diversity of our own human experiences while returning to a place of unconditional love.
I am a Spanglish speaking biracial Black and Latina intuitive holistic licensed marriage and family therapist with over ten years of clinical experience with a passion to aid Women of Color in their healing journey. As a therapist, I hold space for my clients to be seen and heard in a nonjudgmental sacred space as I guide them to reclaim self-love, joy and heal from self-esteem struggles, depression, anxiety, co-dependency, toxic relationships, and intergenerational trauma. My passion and purpose as a therapist is to support my clients along their healing journey as they reconnect with the powerful, unique and purposeful individuals which they have always been.
My belief is that every individual has the inner strengths to thrive while living in a space of love and joy. Through clinical work, education, life experience and personal healing, I have come to realize and understand that we all have special strengths, different insights, personal meaning and purpose for our lives. I offer a compassionate down to earth, holistic integrative approach to therapy. I aim to empower my clients toward the path of radical acceptance, self awareness, and forgiveness so they may live fulfilled, joyful and gratifying lives.
Can you talk to us about how you think about risk?
I believe risks are one of the rites of passage to self-actualization and tapping into one’s truest potential. Every day we have the opportunity to take a risk. Whether it is to show up more vulnerable, transparent, loving or committing to starting the business you have always dreamed of. Taking the risk can literally be just taking the first step toward something. One conscious action that allows you to begin your process toward what you know you desire and deserve.
What I have come to learn throughout my personal journey is that through taking risks and doing the very thing your inner voice is guiding you to do, there is always support on the other side. When we allow the space to be led by our intuition and with an open, pure and faithful heart that is when we have the opportunity to become the alchemist of our lives and experience true joy.
Pricing:
- Individual 50 min Therapy Sessions $200
- Individual 90 min Therapy Session $250
- Family 60 min Therapy Session $250
- Couples 60 min Therapy Session $250
Contact Info:
- Website: www.unlockyourjoytoday.com
- Instagram: @unlockyourjoytherapy
- Facebook: https://www.linkedin.com/in/anastasia-locklin-m-a-lmft-she-her-hers-a4ab261b7/
Image Credits
All photos @Kenneth Davis @KDtheshooter_
