Today we’d like to introduce you to Shavonne James.
Hi Shavonne, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today.
What drew me to the field of mental health stemmed from my love of hearing people’s stories and getting to know people on a deeper level. I always found that it was therapeutic for people to talk about things even before I knew what “therapeutic” was. My favorite memories throughout school, starting in elementary, have been sitting with a friend and just talking about life, theories, and emotions. I was the kid that read, journaled, and wrote stories all day. I never shyed away from intense feelings or topics because I’ve always been a curious person that felt things very deeply. I also really liked trying to figure out how things worked or came to be. Therapy seemed like the best of both worlds.
I took two years of Psychology in high school, and it completely changed my life because it was the moment I found something that really aligned with everything I already liked to do. At first, it was about me trying to figure myself out, and then, in college, it was learning more about clinical approaches. I majored in Psychology with a double minor in Philosophy and Creative Writing. Then in graduate school, I received my Master of Social Work degree with a focus on Clinical Practice. It honestly has been so amazing because there was so much clarity for me from the beginning. I knew that I wanted to be a therapist from that first Psychology class in 11th grade.
I worked in a children’s advocacy center, a middle school, a high school, in housing services, and community mental health prior to going into private practice. I remember the feeling of leaving my full-time job with nothing but confidence because it was the moment of my dreams materializing. I started Paper Cranes Counseling as a solo practice with hopes of it one day becoming a group practice, and now it is! I’m really enjoying being able to work with people again, as having a solo private practice can feel isolating at times. I absolutely adore the clinicians that I’ve brought aboard, and I feel that they all offer a little something different to the team, which is great for clients because I believe that therapy is most effective when the relationship is a good fit.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way? Looking back, would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
I didn’t have any reservations about starting a private practice, but that short time period of waiting for my first client felt like forever! There was a split second of imposter syndrome, and then I reminded myself that I wasn’t new to therapy. Being in session is such a comfortable space for me that once it happened all of my nervous energy washed away.
Fast-forward to March of 2020, when the pandemic started; I shifted to doing virtual sessions. I was a little nervous about whether a strong connection could still be built because I often rely on the energy that’s felt in someone’s presence to help guide me, but it has been amazing. I often actually forget that I haven’t met most of my clients in person, and I also get a sneak peek of things I wouldn’t be able to see otherwise – such as their pets, room decor, family, etc. It feels like a deeper invitation into their lives, and I’m grateful for it.
Transitioning from being a solo practice owner to a group practice owner has been the most recent adventure, and the only challenge has been shifting my mindset from just focusing on my clinical skills to now also sharpening my skills as a business owner with a team of more than just me. I’ve got to say that I’m actually loving how much I’ve been learning about business and setting up systems because both hemispheres of my brain seem to be equally activated during this season. I use a lot of my right hemisphere in therapy and my left hemisphere in business, so I feel very balanced right now.
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?
Paper Cranes Counseling provides wellness seekers with culturally affirming, holistic care and proudly strives to incorporate social justice and liberation-oriented practice through the empowerment of historically oppressed groups. We work with people on the difficulties that come with navigating identity, interpersonal relationships, and the inner child. Our services include individual therapy, couples therapy, family counseling, and psychological testing (although not every clinician offers all of these services). We offer free phone consultations so if you, or someone you know, is looking for a therapist, give us a call!
Is there any advice you’d like to share with our readers who might just be starting out?
For any clinicians starting out in private practice, I would say to be patient and stay confident in your abilities. In line with our community mindset, it’s always a pleasure connecting with other therapists and wellness practitioners, so feel free to contact me. I really appreciate learning from other practitioners’ work, especially in alternative healing practices such as reiki, energy cleansing, ayurveda, traditional Chinese medicine, acupuncture, trauma-informed yoga, etc. I know when I started, the support I received from other therapists was really priceless, so I’d love to connect and keep that support going!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.PaperCranesCounseling.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/papercranescounseling
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/papercranescounseling
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@papercranescounseling
Image Credits
Blossom Blue Studios
