Today we’d like to introduce you to Thomas Vance
Hi Thomas, 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?
Growing up, I always had a deep interest in understanding people and the complexities of the mind. I was influenced by my parents; my mom is a social worker for Alzheimer’s patients, and my dad was a drug and alcohol counselor. This curiosity led me to pursue a degree in psychology from The University of West Georgia, a Master’s in Clinical Mental Health Counseling, a PhD in Counseling Psychology from The University of Akron, a Clinical and Research Postdoctoral Fellowship at Columbia University Irving Medical Center training in LGBT Health and a Teaching PostDoctorate Fellowship in Multicultural Psychology at The New School of Social Research out of New York. My academic journey allowed me to explore the intricacies of mental health, particularly within historically marginalized communities.
After completing my education and entering the field as a psychologist, I started my clinical practice and quickly realized the significant gaps in culturally responsive care. Many of my clients, particularly those from historically marginalized backgrounds, struggled to find therapists who truly understood their unique experiences and challenges at the intersection of race, gender, and sexuality. This realization became the driving force behind the founding of ClearMinds LLC.
ClearMinds was born to create a space where individuals from all walks of life could receive accessible, culturally responsive, and evidence-informed mental health and coaching care. I wanted to build a practice that not only addressed the clinical aspects of mental health but also honored the diverse cultural backgrounds of our clients.
Starting ClearMinds was both challenging and rewarding. I focused on building a team of dedicated professionals who shared my vision of providing compassionate and inclusive coaching and mental health care. We leveraged technology to offer tele-mental health and holistic coaching services, ensuring our reach extended beyond traditional geographical boundaries.
Over the years, ClearMinds has grown into a recognized practice that offers a wide range of services, including individual therapy, couples therapy, and holistic coaching. We’ve actively engaged with community organizations, conducted research, and continuously evolved our practices to stay at the forefront of mental health care.
Reflecting on my journey, I see it has been a blend of rigorous academic training, practical clinical experience, trial and error, and a deep commitment to social justice. Each step has reinforced my belief in the importance of culturally responsive care, and it has been incredibly fulfilling to see the positive impact ClearMinds has had on our clients and the broader community.
Today, as the Founder and Clinical Director of ClearMinds, I aim to empower individuals to thrive by providing them with the tools, support, and understanding they need to navigate their mental health journey. I’m excited about the future and ClearMinds’ continuous growth as we strive to make mental health care and holistic coaching accessible and inclusive for all.
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?
It has been a challenging road. One of the early challenges I faced was entering graduate school as one of the few people who looked like me. Being a Black man in a predominantly white academic setting came with its own set of difficulties. There were moments when I felt isolated, doubted my abilities, and questioned whether I truly belonged. The lack of representation made it harder to find mentors who could relate to my experiences and guide me through the complexities of the field.
Taking a multifacet career path that spans corporate spaces, consulting, providing educational content, research, and teaching added another layer of complexity. These roles required a different skill set and mindset; juggling them took a lot of work. Entering the corporate world and consulting organizations required me to adapt quickly, understand organizational dynamics, and effectively communicate the importance of mental health in environments that often prioritize productivity over well-being. Providing educational content and engaging in research meant staying updated with the latest developments in the field, which is both time-consuming and intellectually demanding.
One of my biggest personal challenges was battling imposter syndrome. Despite my qualifications and achievements, there were many moments when I doubted myself and felt like I was pretending to be competent. This self-doubt was compounded by the pressure of building a practice from the ground up. Establishing ClearMinds was daunting. There were countless logistical details, from setting up tele-mental health platforms to navigating legal and financial aspects. At times, it felt overwhelming, and I often questioned if I could turn my vision into reality.
The early stages of building ClearMinds were filled with trial and error. Finding the right team, creating effective systems, and ensuring that our services were truly accessible and culturally responsive required a lot of perseverance and resilience. Financial uncertainties, especially in the beginning, added to the stress. It was a constant balancing act of managing limited resources while striving to provide the best possible care for our clients.
However, these challenges also fueled my determination. Each struggle taught me valuable lessons and pushed me to grow personally and professionally. I received support from my community, friends, and family and the client’s feedback. I tell my clients I will make mistakes and try to improve as I continue learning. This mindset and the visible impact of our work reinforced my belief in ClearMinds’ mission. Overcoming these obstacles has made the journey incredibly rewarding. It has strengthened my commitment to making mental health care accessible and inclusive.
Today, I see those early struggles as integral parts of my story. They’ve shaped who I am and given me a deeper understanding of the importance of representation, resilience, and empathy in mental health.
We’ve been impressed with ClearMinds LLC, 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?
I’d love to share more about ClearMinds. At ClearMinds, we’re all about creating a space where everyone feels seen, heard, and supported. Our mission is to provide accessible, culturally responsive, and evidence-informed mental health care that makes a difference in people’s lives.
We specialize in various services, including individual therapy, couples therapy, and holistic coaching. What sets us apart is our deep commitment to culturally responsive care. We understand that everyone’s experiences and backgrounds are unique and tailor our approach to honor those differences. This means integrating cultural understanding into every aspect of our practice, from how we conduct our sessions to the resources we provide. Being trained in an African-centered psychology, I focus a lot on culture and identity and bringing those values into treatment and conversations.
One of the things I’m most proud of is our team. We’ve built a diverse group of dedicated professionals who share a passion for social impact and community well-being. Each team member brings their unique perspective and expertise, enriching our support. This diversity allows us to connect with clients on a deeper level and provide support that’s both compassionate and effective.
Brand-wise, ClearMinds stands out because we’re not just focused on therapy; we’re about holistic well-being. Our approach integrates mental, emotional, and physical health, recognizing that they are interconnected. We leverage technology to make our services more accessible, offering only tele-mental health that ensures people can get the help they need, no matter where they are. You can learn more about our services at www.clearmindswellness.com.
One critical aspect that makes ClearMinds unique is our emphasis on community engagement and education. We actively collaborate with local organizations, participate in community events, and provide workshops to raise awareness and reduce stigma around mental health. We believe in the power of knowledge and aim to empower individuals with the tools and information they need to thrive.
Additionally, I’m excited to share about My Pocket Therapist, a seven-week guided journal I created to help individuals enhance their self-awareness, personal growth, and relationships. This journal is designed for anyone looking to deepen their understanding of themselves and their connections with others. Whether you are single or in a relationship, continuing your journey to understand yourself and others is helpful. It’s a perfect companion for your morning or nighttime self-care routine. For more information or instructions on how to order it, you can visit www.mypockettherapist.com.
For anyone considering therapy or looking for support, I want you to know that at ClearMinds, you’re not just another client. You’re a part of our community. We’re here to walk with you on your journey, offering personalized care rooted in empathy and understanding. Whether you’re dealing with anxiety, navigating relationship challenges, or simply looking to grow, we’re here to help you every step of the way.
How can people work with you, collaborate with you or support you?
There are several ways people can work with, collaborate with, or support me and ClearMinds:
1) Become a Client: We’d love to work with you if you seek therapy or holistic coaching. We offer a free 15-minute consultation to see if we’re a good fit for your needs. You can schedule a session directly through our website, www.clearmindswellness.com.
2) Professional Collaboration: If you’re a mental health professional, educator, or organization interested in collaborating, I’m always open to partnerships that align with our mission. Whether co-hosting workshops, conducting research, or creating educational content, let’s connect and see how we can work together.
3) Community Engagement: We believe in giving back to the community. If you have a community project, event, or initiative that aligns with our goals of promoting mental health awareness and reducing stigma, reach out. We love being involved in community-driven efforts.
4) Support Our Work: If you believe in our mission and want to support us, there are several ways. You can share our services with your network, provide testimonials if you’ve had a positive experience with ClearMinds, or even donate to help us provide services to those who may not otherwise be able to afford them. I am always looking for grants or funding to create more access for folks to have mental health treatment.
5) Purchase Our Journal: Consider purchasing the My Pocket Therapist journal for yourself or as a gift. This is a great way to support our work while also investing in your or a loved one’s personal growth. Visit www.mypockettherapist.com for more information.
6) Follow Me on Social Media: Follow me on Instagram at @Vanceology to stay updated with our latest offerings, events, and mental health tips. Sharing our posts helps spread the word about the importance of mental health.
7) Invite Us to Speak: I’m available for speaking engagements, podcasts, and panels. I’d be honored to participate if you seek someone to discuss mental health, culturally responsive care, or personal development.
8) If you’re interested in any of these opportunities or have other ideas for collaboration, please don’t hesitate to email us at drvance@clearmindswellness.com or call us at (404) 502-1905. Your support means the world to us, and we’re excited to explore how we can work together to make a positive impact.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.mypockettherapist.co and https://clearmindswellness.com
- Instagram: @Vanceology
- Twitter: @DrTVance
