Community Highlights: Meet Christy Burkett of Gaia Counseling

Today we’d like to introduce you to Christy Burkett.

Hi Christy, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
After undergrad, I found myself working as a realtor. It paid the bills comfortably, but something was missing. The part I enjoyed most was building relationships, but overall the work didn’t feel deeply fulfilling. Then, after five years in real estate, 9/11 happened. Witnessing that tragedy and the loss of so many lives led me to dig a little deeper inside of myself, reflect on what I wanted out of life.

Through soul searching and research, I began considering psychology or school counseling. I wanted a career that connected me more deeply to people and gave me the chance to make a real difference. I took jobs that allowed me to work with kids in schools and later in a treatment center, so that I could learn about what those career paths would look like. While working at the treatment center, I discovered play therapy. I loved the modality and decided to pursue it.

After completing my degree, I gained a variety of experiences that helped me deepen my understanding of children’s needs. While working as a therapist part time, I also worked part time at a private school and consulted at an early childhood development center. This time was invaluable. In addition to expanding my knowledge and skills, I was able to financially support myself as I grew my private practice. Eventually, I rented a small two-office suite. When another therapist asked if she could join my practice, I drafted my first contract—and just like that, Gaia Counseling began to take shape.

I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
It hasn’t always been a smooth road, although I do believe I have often been in the right place at the right time, and I have had so much amazing support along the way. But there have been challenges. While I was getting my graduate degree, I went through a divorce, which was, of course, emotionally challenging. I’ve wrestled with imposter syndrome and self-doubt, sometimes questioning if I was really cut out for this work or for running a group practice. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve thought about closing the doors because I didn’t feel like I could hack it.

My confidence has grown over the years, but I’m still tested from time to time. The pandemic was a wild time for the group practice. We had to figure out how to do play therapy safely, but without going virtual… play therapy on screens was a nightmare! So we got really creative and therapists were meeting in clients’ yards and in our building’s outdoor common areas.

And just last year, I worked on opening another small business (a networking group for therapists), which ended up leading to significant burnout for me.

We’ve been impressed with Gaia Counseling, 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?
Before the pandemic, our team was just four play therapists, and I was networking a lot to spread awareness in the community & fill everyone’s caseloads. Then COVID hit, and our community’s mental health needs skyrocketed. We suddenly had a waiting list of more than 35 families seeking play therapy. That was the moment I realized the depth of the need we were serving.

Today, Gaia is best known for play and other expressive therapies with children and teens, as well as family therapy. But our team provides a range of services. We offer parent coaching and couples counseling. And we work with adults across the lifespan, especially those going through transitions. We have therapists that work with just about any concern, as well as a wonderful network of other trusted therapists who we regularly refer to as needed.

The amazing therapists who work at Gaia Counseling are the reason that our community trusts us so much. I am continually impressed by the level of insight, skill, collaboration, and commitment to client care that our team members provide. When I hear glowing feedback from our clients and other therapists, which I often do, I am not surprised and very proud to have been connected to each member of this team.

What’s next?
We opened a second location in Glenwood Park last year, within Intown Pediatrics office suites, and we are considering expanding into other neighborhoods. We love Candler Park, so you may see us there soon!

And I love partnering with local agencies to help address gaps in mental health care coverage in our community, so I will continue to look for ways to do that in the future.

Looking ahead, I don’t see huge shifts on the horizon. My focus is on staying rooted in our values, deepening our impact and continuing to support the mental and emotional well-being of children, families and individuals in our community.

Pricing:

• Christy’s rate is $225 for individuals & $250 for couples
• Our other therapist’s rates range from $165-$225 per session
• We offer reduced rate therapy ($75-100) through our therapy intern program.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.gaiacounseling.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gaia_counseling/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/gaiacounseling
• LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/company/gaia-counseling-llc