Today we’d like to introduce you to Erica Gregory.
Erica, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
In Elementary and Middle School, I was a shy nerdy girl who had one or two close friends, but I never felt like I belonged. I was finally able to find my friends in high school when I started marching band. I went from surviving mean girls to belonging and thriving as a teen. That is when I started to explore more of who I am. Later, I went to UGA and marched in the redcoat band – there I felt a connection like never before. The culture was: “If we are redcoats, we are friends.” I grew into myself in college and realized the immeasurable impact that belonging and connection had on my personal growth.
I later received my master’s degree in Marriage and Family Therapy because it focused on the impact of your “system” had on your life. AKA – the people around you: friends, family, caregivers, and mentors. I explored jobs in the beginning of my career and again – found a home at Marietta Counseling (MCCA), at the time owned by Cecelia Myers. I belonged there, it was like a family, and I once again was able to grow, this time into the counselor I was called to be. I found the population I was called to work with: Children and Couples – and I grew in my confidence to help others. Before that – I was working a job at MCCA – I was making a difference. Cecelia believed in me and helped me start Johns Creek and Alpharetta Counseling (JCAC). To this day, it is my mission to make JCAC a community in which new counselors can find a home base and grow into their best potential. I want to pour into others and give the gift of belonging because I know the impact it had on me.
Now JCAC has 20 counselors and is hosting six interns this year. We also have a YouTube channel that offers no-cost mental health education and resources. We want to give back to the community that has given so much to us!
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?
There was huge risks taken in starting my own practice; loss, transition, poor health as I grew it into what it is today. But the hardest task was learning how to stop people pleasing which meant: learn my why, discover what JCAC represents as a business, and stay then true to that. So many of us are walking through life wanting to look good, make others happy, seeking approval. My biggest lesson was that seeking approval/fitting in is the opposite of belonging/connection. One cannot be authentically themselves when they are conforming to other’s expectations as they “fit in.” My success came after I was brave enough to discover my inner self and honor that… even when other’s disapproved.
Another big obstacle was a health crisis. The first JCAC office, that I spent long hours working and growing the business in, was contaminated with black mold. In 2018 I became seriously ill from that exposure. Basically, I was poisoned for two years by the air I breathed. That started a healing journey that I am still walking to this day. I am now battling multiple autoimmune diseases and an adrenal disorder as a result from that exposure. I see people working 60-hour weeks like I used to with envy. Now, my energy is limited, I have no endurance, and I have to be selective of what I say yes to. I have to ask for help more and relay on others. This has strengthened my faith and slowed me down enough to discover who I am and who God is calling me to be.
As you know, we’re big fans of Johns Creek and Alpharetta Counseling (JCAC). For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
JCAC is an outpatient counseling center that works with the whole family. We specialize in Play therapy for children, EMDR (Trauma/PTSD counseling), Couples therapy, and Adolescent/Young Adult Counseling.
What sets us apart is:
1) Our counselors specialize in the services they offer: We will offer you a personalized experience.
2) We offer both in-office and online counseling – we are local.
3) We practice what we preach – we offer a supportive work culture – We pour into our counselors so they are ready to support you.
4) You are not a number – Each counselor sees 15-20 of the same clients a week, You are known and you have the same counselor each time.
We are proud of the impact we get to make with everyone we work with. Our counselors walk alongside so many wonderful people who are able to heal and grow in counseling.
We are also proud of our educational model. We host interns and the whole team invests into their growth and development as counselors. Also, with hosting interns, we are able to offer a low sliding scale for low-income families. It is our goal to serve the whole community!
If you would like to start counseling with us, call or schedule a time for us to call you – Our intake line is answered by someone ready to listen and care. If we are not the right fit for your needs, we will help you find who is! Intake line: 404-834-2363, website: www.JCACounseling.com, schedule a consult call: https://calendly.com/JCACOunseling
Can you talk to us a bit about the role of luck?
I don’t believe in luck. I believe in faith, hard work, and good decision-making. God put the right people and circumstances in my life at the right time, and it is up to us to follow through with hard work and good decision-making.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.JCACounseling.com
- Instagram: @JCACounseling
- Facebook: @AlpharettaCounseling
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/johns-creek-and-alpharetta-counseling/
- Youtube: @JCACounseling
- Other: Schedule A No Cost Consult With Us! https://calendly.com/JCACOunseling
