Conversations with the Inspiring Erica James-Strayhorn, LMFT

Today we’d like to introduce you to Erica James-Strayhorn, LMFT.

So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
From a young age, I knew that I wanted to help people. Friends and family would often come to me seeking advice, guidance, or just someone to listen to them throughout my life. I remember envisioning an office with a client lying on a couch, telling me their most intimate thoughts and allowing me to guide them through their challenges. It was no surprise that I quickly became interested in psychology in high school and never looked back.

I majored in Psychology at North Carolina State University, and when I graduated, in 2006, I was not exactly sure what my plan was and I was I still drawn to helping others. That same year, I excitedly moved to Atlanta, GA where I worked with numerous children and families impacted by autism at The Marcus Autism Center. I gained a profound sense of connection with the human spirit there. I honed my passion for helping others and decided that my talents would be best utilized by working with families, couples, and individuals managing life’s circumstances.

In 2010, I began the Masters of Family Therapy program at Mercer University. Upon the completion of that program in 2012, I became a CORE therapist for Northside Psychological Services in which I provided community-based therapeutic services to children, adolescents, and their families. I wanted to work with a more specific population of children and families so, in 2015, I started working at CHRIS 180, as a community-based therapist with a caseload of foster children preparing them for independent living or adoption. Then I transitioned to a community center, the @Promise Center, that focused on provided services to youth and families in Zone One of Atlanta.

2015 was also the year that I became a fully licensed marriage and family therapist. Although I will always have an affinity for working with children, I have interacted with and assisted many adults who have not yet healed emotional wounds from their childhoods. I am passionate about inspiring clients to look beyond the constructs of their childhood experiences while holding a space for transparency, honesty, and sustainable growth.

In 2016, I ventured out on my own and opened Erica James Counseling, LLC. In private practice, my focus is on individuals and couples. The foundation of my practice is self-care as I firmly believe that the most important relationship is the one you have with yourself.

Has it been a smooth road?
To be honest, the biggest obstacle I have had experienced was myself and being in my own way. I had a narrative in my mind that I did not want to be an entrepreneur and have my own business. Thanks to my husband and a couple of colleagues who gave me the push, I stepped out of my comfort zone and started my business. My advice is to step out of your comfort zone and lean into the fear. Also, make sure you have a strong support team of people around you who will tell you the truth, hold you accountable, and lean into the fear with you.

Please tell us more about your work, what you are currently focused on and most proud of.
I am a licensed marriage and family therapist based in Atlanta, Georgia. I work with a non-profit in Zone One of Atlanta where I provide mental health services and therapy to youth a family in this neighborhood. I also have a private practice in Midtown Atlanta, Erica James Counseling, LLC where I work with adults; couples and individuals. My focus there is assisting individuals with developing, nurturing, and cultivating their relationship with themselves. I also assist thriving young professionals to attain sustainable holistic health using radical self-care. I also greatly enjoy public speaking, hosting workshops, and taking therapy outside of the session room. I also have products available related to self-care and an online journaling program. I am most proud of the way I have grown and developed my practice as I have focused on growing and developing myself.

Looking back on your childhood, what experiences do you feel played an important role in shaping the person you grew up to be?
Yes, I do. Growing up, people always sought me out for advice or just for a listening ear. This was something that I always enjoyed. I am grateful that I have created a way to do this as a career. It is something I am really passionate about.

Contact Info:

• Address: 1100 Spring Street NW Atlanta, GA 30314 Suite 380
• Website: www.ejcounselingatl.com
• Phone: 404-482-2035
• Email: contact@ejcounselingatl.com
• Instagram: ejcounselingatl
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ericajamescounseling/
• Twitter: https://www.facebook.com/ericajamescounseling/

Image Credit:
Kaylin N James

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