Today we’d like to introduce you to Danielle Currie
Danielle, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
Hi, everyone! Well my name is Danielle and I was born and raised in Atlanta, Georgia. I grew up on the south side of metro Atlanta. I was raised by my loving parents, grandparents and I have a younger brother. I graduated from Clark Atlanta University with my bachelors in Criminal Justice and Georgia State with my Masters in social work. From there I began working in the helping profession as a social worker. I have worked in just about any social work job you can think of. From homeless shelters… to crisis lines,……to child welfare…… to clinical supervisor roles. I worked my way through the social work profession and gained massive experience working with people in need. I consider myself as one of the most down to earth individuals you will ever meet. Why? Because I have been various versions of myself, searching for identity and space in the world. I understand how it feels to go through life presenting one way to the world but feeling another. Throughout the ups and downs in my life, I had no idea I was being prepared to help various types of people. Each version of myself represented a client that I later came into contact with. My own experience with mental health enabled me to create the practice you see today. Safe Space Therapy and Retreats. A space where humans can be seen, served ,and supported authentically as they are. I desire to show up for the people that feel like they are screaming for help….. but no one hears them. I desire to show up for the people that feel like no one would understand them if they tried to articulate their needs. I will see you….. I will hear you….. I will hold space for you. And while I had to learn (and still learning) how to operate in that perspective with boundaries…. I am honored to be the vessel that I am today. I was blessed to have people placed divinely in my life to help me through my healing journey. I aspire to be that for others. I use my clinical expertise and my love for travel and retreats to help catapult people into the lives they desire. The phrase for my practice is “marked safe” which means that you are marking yourself safe from whatever storm, diagnosis, trauma or tragedy you experience.
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?
Haa…haaa it has been anything but a smooth road for me. However everything that I went through shaped me who I am today so I’m grateful for it all. From being a first generation college graduate to facing various adversities such as trauma, severe bullying that caused me to bully others in return, severe low self esteem and loss, I have had my share of experiences. I was fortunate and blessed to grow up with a loving family who gave their best to provide me the support I needed . My family did an excellent job instilling in me good character, tenacity and strength to never give up. Which is how I got through the struggles . I watched my mother and father suffer and overcome illnesses for the majority of my life. It was so hard for them but through this I learned to keep going, have faith and the importance of having good people in your life for support. I always say family taught me what it means to love selflessly and be there for each other no matter the circumstance. Although I struggled in many interpersonal relationships, my family’s dedication and love toward each other taught me how to be a good friend to people in my life. I have countless stories of me overcoming various trials in my life to include poverty, struggling in my academics , losing close loved ones and even experiencing trauma as a child. I am open to share as I feel led about the experiences that shaped me. But some things I just want to heal from personally. It was through these hard times that I developed a strong relationship with God. I am dedicated to living my life for him. I believe that life is challenging in itself and there is no way possible you can do it without faith. Faith in God has saved me from suicidal attempts, and deep feelings of worthlessness. There were many moments in my life where I just wish I did not exist but God’s loving grace brought me through. In spite of all of the dark times I have always believed that I could excel at whatever I do. I have the “toxic trait” of thinking I can do absolutely anything which has definitely bit me in the butt at times lol. But it has also opened doors for me that I never imagined. I am very confident in my skills and believe I can do anything I put my mind to (with Christ of course lol). My Alma Marter, Clark Atlanta University saying is “Find a way or make one.” Which is why I knew CAU was the only place for me! I have always found a way to accomplish all of my goals. Nothing that I have obtained has been easy or came without a fight but I stood my ground and worked relentlessly until I got what I desired. I believe in perseverance and will continue to fight for the best version of myself and my life.
Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I own a group practice located in Washington, DC named Safe Space Therapy and Retreats. Safe Space was founded in 2021 by accident. I had no intention of having my own private practice or being a therapist. I started doing therapy on the side for extra money not realizing I was walking in my gift. Prior to opening my business I would do contract therapy for other agencies. I quickly built a following of young professionals, distressed couples and others who were struggling with their mental health. I would have intense sessions where I would hold space for the person…. while also empowering them to work a plan that will change their lives. My favorite thing to say to clients would be ” If you do not do the work, you won’t see results….If you want a different result in your life you MUST do something different.” As I guided many of my clients through their healing journey I became popular and requested amongst my work agencies. I then figured I would open my own practice so I can see my own clients. From their I was approached by a young lady named KeIra Brown who was looking for an internship to go with her busy schedule. I was like uhhhhh ok I guess having an intern would be cool! I didn’t know what the heck I was doing. That moment was one of the best moments of my life because not only did she start helping me get things organized, create ascetics and organize my first international retreat, she then became a licensed therapist and started seeing clients! Next thing you know I had another clinician….then another… then another! I can’t even believe I have all these people working for me now and it all started with her. I will forever thank her for her contribution! Safe Space now serves individuals of all ages and specializing in trauma, major mental health disorders, severely distressed couples and various life transitions. I have 6 junior licensed clinicians who all are skilled and hold the highest level of quality in their therapeutic expertise. I am extremely selective of people who can work at my practice because I pride myself in giving exemplary clinical work, amazing customer service and genuine care to the clients we serve. I believe that everyone deserves wellness and ensures to treat my staff with the utmost respect to include competitive pay, flexible schedules, clinical support and fellowship. I truly want to be the best supervisor I can be.
Safe Space also has a retreat component to their therapeutic approach. I believe that people need retreats, so they can remove themselves from their environment to reset, heal and identify what they truly need. As long as we are operating in the same chaotic environment that is causing harm, people will have a hard time finding the root of their issues. Without identifying the root, people will not heal and mask their hurts with unhealthy habits, people, careers and obligations. I have hosted various retreats that provide both experience, fun , while also empowering others to heal themselves. I hosted my first international retreat for educators who were experiencing burnout from returning to the classroom after COVID. The retreat was held in the Dominican Republic and attended by 12 individuals. I have hosted various day retreats and workshops that provide people with fun, laughter and a space to heal.
Currently, I am providing clinical work and retreat hosting in the DMV area and Atlanta ,Georgia. I desire to continue to expand my services throughout the country as I pursue my joint PHD and JD degree. My ultimate goal is to provide therapy services , wellness retreats and policies for celebrities and professional athletes. I believe that they are amongst one of the most vulnerable populations but are overlooked because of their fame, money and obligation to perform. My mission is to help “See those that are Unseen by so many people in their lives.” Clinically, I specialize in working with individuals that have neglected their mental health to show up or “perform” in other areas of their lives. These other areas include your career, relationships, roles at home etc. I hope to help break the stigma of mental health and encourage people to look within themselves for healing from their wounds.
What makes you happy?
So I am super adventurous, social and love having a good time. Vague but true lol. I experience joy when traveling internationally, dancing, watching sports and listening to music. I aspire to be fluent in spanish, choreograph professional dances, write books, and DJ outside of my clinical life. When I am not trying to accomplish a new hobby I enjoy time with my loved ones. I really enjoy celebrating my birthday, wearing pink and being a “girly girl”. I can be the life of the party, a homebody that binges tv shows for hours and a great shoulder to lean on if my loved ones are in need. I believe life should be enjoyed to the fullest. Try that new experience! Travel! Make a new dish! It’s always something to do in the world to cultivate joy! Life is hard so we should enjoy all the things we can.
My ultimate happiness comes from my belief in Christ. I am passionate about my faith and I will profess it until the end of time. Without faith in God I would have absolutely nothing. I am grateful for the religious institutes that have taught me the foundation needed to have a spiritual relationship.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.safespacetandr.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/safespacetandr/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/markedsafe1
- Other: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/self-care-soiree-atl-edition-tickets-919797056757
