Today we’d like to introduce you to Katrina Pointer.
Katrina, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
I have always wanted to be a therapist. I grew up in the Bay Area witnessing the effects mental health and substance abuse had on my community and wanted to help. The stigma against mental health in the African American community is something that stops our family and friends from seeking the help that they need and I wanted to change that. I moved to Atlanta to attend Clark Atlanta University and after graduating with a Bachelors in Psychology, I attended grad school at Argosy University. After receiving my Masters in Community Counseling with a certification in Marriage and Family Therapy, I immediately began working in the field. I have worked in several different settings including children in foster care, hospitals, and crisis line. Through that time I discovered that my true passion is working with couples and adults who are struggling to find happiness and self-love. I realized that the people I wanted to help as a child problem started at home and I wanted to do my part to break that cycle.
Two years ago, I started my private practice, Love Therapy, and strive to provide a space where people can feel comfortable and open to express themselves. I am determined to fight the stigma in my community and show African Americans that therapy is not taboo and people like me get it and understand. Today I run a successful practice where I work with couples and individuals on self-love, overcoming childhood trauma and walking in their truth. I also consult, supervise and mentor new clinicians as my way of paying it forward.
Has it been a smooth road?
It has not been a smooth road lol I have struggled with working in environments that were uncomfortable and working for agencies that did not value me as a therapist. It can be difficult to find your footing in this field and narrow down exactly what it is that you want to do.
So, as you know, we’re impressed with Love Therapy and Consulting – tell our readers more, for example, what you’re most proud of and what sets you apart from others.
I am a licensed therapist, relationship coach, supervisor, consultant, and speaker. I specialize in all things relationships and work with couples and individuals looking to build the relationship with their partner or themselves. I also specialize in working with African American women with anxiety. I am known for working with couples in regards to premarital counseling and helping couples move past baggage.
I am most proud of the work that I do with individuals that helps them find happiness and discover their truth. I believe that in order to live your best life you must find your happiness and be determined to live in it everyday. The idea that there is no African American therapist is false. There are several of us out here making changes in our community. I don’t believe that anything sets me apart from them, I am just proof that it can be done.
Let’s touch on your thoughts about our city – what do you like the most and least?
I love the culture that Atlanta has. There is always something to do and several options to choose from. The city is so vibrant with people, museums, parties, and restaurants that one can do a different thing every day of the week. I also love that Atlanta is a place where young black professionals can strive.
I least like the traffic of course lol.
Contact Info:
- Address: Cascade Professional Park
Atlanta, GA 30331 - Website: www.katrinapointer.com
- Email: katrinapointer@gmail.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/katrinapointer/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/katrinapointer/
Getting in touch: VoyageATL is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
