Today we’d like to introduce you to Rachel Alerte.
Hi Rachel, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I received my Masters in Family Therapy from Mercer University in 2017. I began seeing clients as a therapist intern in 2016 and currently work in private practice. I have worked in a variety of settings including community mental health, partial hospitalization and intensive outpatient programming, the hospital, and in-home services.
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 have encountered several challenges in my journey to becoming a licensed marriage and family therapist. One of the biggest challenges for me was finding and creating spaces for people who look like me. I’ve been extremely fortunate to have worked at two private practices that were led by black women and The majority of the therapists were black as well.
Over the years, I have learned how to create a healthy self-care routine to protect my energy in spaces that were not welcoming or supportive. My advice to anyone interested in pursuing counseling is to build your support system beyond family and friends. I also recommend finding mentors or supervisors that can provide guidance in addition to connecting with colleagues who can offer support and constructive feedback.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I am a compassion-focused therapist who works with teens, couples, families and adults. I tend to work most often with clients experiencing anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, relationship and family conflict and attachment issues. In addition to working with clients, I have created several mindfulness-based groups. More recently, I have presented on the ethics of self-care for the Georgia Association for Marriage and Family Therapists and through Self-Care in Color, LLC, co-founded by myself and my co-presenter, Edna Abney, LMFT, RYT. Another project that is special to me is my podcast, Rachel Does Therapy, which explores self-care, compassion and mental health topics.
What are your plans for the future?
My plans for the future include starting my own practice through my consultation business, Stay Grounded Wellness and Consultation Services, LLC and completing my doctorate in marriage and family therapy. I am also looking forward to completing and publishing a book on compassion-based practices.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://open.spotify.com/show/01fWBpV8ZeUAmQ52bBgMGO?si=JdL9ahBCTFKmlD0k2NBj-A
- Instagram: instagram.com/racheldoestherapy
- Other: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/rachel-does-therapy-podcast/id1448132468
Image Credits:
First photo/personal photo – Mindful Life Productions
