Hidden Gems: Meet Justin Mink, LCSW of Mink Psychotherapy

Today we’d like to introduce you to Justin Mink, LCSW.

Hi Justin, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
The biggest risk I’ve ever taken is a bit of a double-edged sword: I got sober. Getting sober was risky, as I didn’t know what the future would hold for me, how my life would be different. However, not getting sober obviously presented its own massive risks. Getting sober also meant the risk of finding a new career, living in a new place, being around new people. Although risky, sobriety provided me the opportunity to follow a career path that I could be passionate about, one I never thought possible. How was I going to become a therapist when I couldn’t even help myself? Well, now that I was able to help myself, I made the decision to leave the New York City advertising industry behind and follow the path that I truly wanted to walk. Helping others has always been my greatest passion, even from a very young age. It is where I got the most gratification and also where I felt most valued. I went back to school at 32 and earned my Masters in Social Work from USC, subsequently becoming a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, where I work as a therapist in my private practice (www.minkpsychotherapy.com). As a sober therapist, it has provided me the unique opportunity to not only help people with issues such as addiction and substance use from an educational standpoint, but also help guide clients from a first-hand perspective. At 12 years sober, I have been able to expand my private therapy practice to include work with individuals experiencing an array of issues (depression, anxiety, medical issues, relationships), as well as working with couples as a Gottman Trained Couple’s Therapist.

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
It has been anything but smooth, but it as also been anything but boring. I would take that trade-off anytime. Aside from the obvious challenge I shared above about getting sober, I had to learn that a job with a fancy title and a high salary was never going to make me happy on the inside. I worked in corporate advertising for 10 years before changing careers. I had the big paycheck, the unlimited expense account, the shoulder rubbing with celebrities. While all of those brought me moments of joy, happiness and fun, they were fleeting, momentary highs. The lesson I learned by giving all of that up, was that I would gain such a richer life; not necessarily financially but, a happier, more fulfilling and freer existence. I had to learn to follow my heart instead of my head and bank account.

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
As a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, I opened my private therapy practice about 8 years ago. I work to create a safe and secure environment where in each session, the world can slow down and together we can compassionately explore, understand, and transform behaviors, thoughts, and patterns that may be holding you back from ultimately living the life you want to live.

My style as a therapist is warm and challenging, direct and engaging. I know that no two clients are the same, and treat each client with a specific approach tailored to their wants and needs. You know yourself the best — I’m just here to help support and guide you through your own journey.

I work with individual clients experiencing self doubt or shame, life transitions, unhealthy coping mechanisms (substance use) or facing anxiety and depression. I help clients to rediscover themselves, identify their strengths , and get back to living a self-aware, fulfilled life.

For my couples’ work, many people have heard the name Gottman thrown around in the context of relationships and communication, but the actual Gottman Method is a very well research-based therapeutic and structured model to treat couples who are experiencing challenges in communication. The Gottman’s state that The Gottman Method model is utilized “to disarm conflicting verbal communication; increase intimacy, respect, and affection; remove barriers that create a feeling of stagnancy, and create a heightened sense of empathy and understanding within the context of the relationship.”.

Who else deserves credit in your story?
My family deserves a great deal of credit. Whether it be raising me or helping me through my various struggles as an adult, they have always been there for me. More recently, my wife and son have been tremendous supporters, cheerleaders and teammates. My wife and I share out love for one another, and we also share in our love for psychotherapy, as we are both LCSW’s. (www.kateminklcsw.com). The phrase, “It takes one to know one,” rings very true in our household and our careers.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.minkpsychotherapy.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/justinminklcsw/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/minkpsychotherapy
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/justinminklcsw/

Image Credits
Bee Street Studios