Today we’d like to introduce you to Crystal Jones.
Hi Crystal, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
My journey to becoming a psychotherapist began during my undergraduate studies at Hampton University. I grew interested in relationships and family systems when I noticed gaps in these areas after speaking with some of my peers. I wanted to learn more about family systems and how they effect the individual. Which led me to becoming a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. My training in systems has helped me view different parts of the human experience with a broader lens. It let me to question certain systems we uphold in our society and how it has effected us long term; particularly in the black community. I saw that there was a need in my community. A need for more rest, restoration, and care; which led to the creation of Couch Talk With Crystal. Where I incorporate a holistic approach to mental health treatment.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
No, lol not at all. I’m not sure if any entrepreneurial journey is smooth. Being an entrepreneur that is also a therapist is a unique situation. Not many understand unless you are actually in the role of both. In grad school we are taught about how to treat folks, diagnose, counsel, support, etc. However we are not taught about how to run a business; at least not as in depth as our other studies. We rarely even talk about the effects burnout in this profession which was probably one of the more alarming challenges I faced alongside creating a business. I had to learn how to start and maintain a business all while treating clients and taking care of myself along the way. Being an entrepreneur requires a different set of skills and multiple hats that I had to learn to wear by trial and error AND by seeking a LOT of help.
We’ve been impressed with Couch Talk With Crystal, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
My business is a private practice where I serve individuals and couples navigating life and its challenges. I am a licensed mental health professional that specializes in trauma work. I am currently leaning heavily into trauma responsive approaches to assist clients holistically. I am trained in EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Processing), The Gottman Method, Conflict Resolution, The Trauma Conscious Yoga Method, Yoga Nidra, and practice as a certified yoga teacher. I incorporate all of these modalities (and more) into my practice on a case by case basis. Because I primarily work with folks who have experienced significant trauma in their lives, there’s a lot of somatic work involved in order to bring the mind and body online together. This is where my systems approach kicks in. I’m most proud of the clients that come to me, are engaged in the work, and find clarity and liberation throughout the process. It’s an honor to witness the journey. No matter how long I’ve been doing this work, I get emotional when my clients reach that space of freedom. I want to make note that I am very client centered. I’m big on respecting the client(s) needs and boundaries. By no means do I jump in utilizing all of these modalities. Every person is different, we all have different journey’s, experiences and goals; I am simply a guide. The client is the expert 😉
Can you talk to us about how you think about risk?
I believe that risk taking is a huge part of being an entrepreneur. I feel like everything I do is a risk because every decision I make impacts the business; sometimes it’s positive and other times not so much. One major risk I took was switching from being part time in my business to full time. At the time I was a new mom; I’m talking like 6/7 months postpartum. I took a major risk by deciding to go out on my own without a full caseload lined up and a new baby. I will say it was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made. I took that year to build my foundation, learn more about operating a business, solidify my brand, hone in on my niche, and to be a student of mySelf. As a result, my business has only grown since then. I will be celebrating 5 years this October. Me and risk had a complicated relationship years ago, but now my perspective is to just do it scared! I don’t know everything and will never know everything. I will forever be a student to life. I believe that is what has helped me shift my relationship with risk taking. You never know what might come out of it and every rejection is just one more step closer to a YES!
Pricing:
- Solidarity Rate ($260+/ $295+)
- Sustaining Rate ($220 / $250)
- Standard Sustainable Rate ($185 / $210)
- Supported Rate ($145 / $165)
- Community Access Rate ($100 / $115)
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.couchtalkwithcrystal.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/couchtalkwithcrys/
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/crystal-jones-lmft-3976a276
- Other: https://insig.ht/MbgYAznIT2b
