Today we’d like to introduce you to Marleen Salters.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
I grew up in Louisville, Kentucky, also known as the Bluegrass State. At a young age, I was fascinated by various professions that centered around meeting people and listening to their life stories. Although young, I knew the world could offer me more and wanted to explore beyond my hometown. My ambitions to see, experience, and learn more, is what prompted me to move to Atlanta, Georgia. I enrolled in Clark Atlanta University in 2015; upon my completion, I received a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology in 2019. During my matriculation at Clark Atlanta University, I experienced a culture shock in Atlanta; so many people who looked like me and thriving.
After I graduated from Clark Atlanta University, I wanted to further my education. I enrolled in Mercer University where I received my Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. In the past few years, I’ve gained experience in the mental health field, as I have worked in behavioral health facilities, worked with Autism children, and interned at a private practice. Currently, I am a mental health therapist at The Healing Suite, LLC. Throughout this experience, I have had the most amazing support system from my family and friends.
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?
As with many of life’s travels, not all roads are perfectly smooth. My main struggle was coping with the untimely passing of my brother, Edward L. Salters (September 1, 2022). As I was a full-time student in my final semester at Mercer, I found it, a surreal experience burying my sibling before our parents. My brother’s death made me realize that death has no age limit. After my brother’s funeral, I told myself I would start living more intentionally. I Adopted a highway’ in Louisville in memory of my brother and hosted community clean-ups.
During this time, I was studying for the Counselor Preparation Comprehensive Examination (CPCE) and was working two jobs. I had fallen behind on my internship hours and needed to complete 100-plus hours in one month. In taking the CPCE, unfortunately, I missed the university’s required passing test score by one point, thus, causing me to wait until the next semester to retake the exam. I took a month off to mentally reset, then started back studying spring semester for the CPCE. Successfully, I passed the CPCE and would walked across the stage at graduation. As I was closing this chapter with graduate school, the common question being asked was, “What’s next?’. The uncertainty of that answer began to worry me.
Rejection… no one likes rejection, but I think learning how to cope with rejection is important. I applied for jobs in my field and reached out to therapists for work opportunities, but did not receive any offers. I began to get discouraged, but this is where my faith and trusting in God kicked in. Through perseverance and determination, I was able to acquire a position at a mental health private practice. This experience taught me that you could get 100 No’s and be one step away from a yes. So, for anyone struggling with a similar situation, like this, or trying to find work — Keep Going!
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 work at a private practice called The Healing Suite, LLC under the supervision of Ciara Pierce, LCSW. I provide individual therapy for adults ages 18 and up. My specialty entails working with those who experience anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, stress, and trauma.
I think what sets me apart from others is being able to connect with people regardless of age, gender, gender identification, ethnicity, or religious affiliation. I am, in essence, a people person.
I am proud to be a therapist at a black-owned and woman lead private practice, and feel blessed to be a part of a practice, where we work together as a team. Also, I am able to learn the logistics behind running a private practice.
Presently, I am accepting new clients and offer free 15-minute consultations. Also, hybrid sessions (online and in-person) for 50 minutes are provided.
Can you share something surprising about yourself?
Something surprising that most people who know me or work with me might not know is that I can be introverted. For the most part, I consider myself a lively and extroverted person. The field that I am in, you interact with a lot of people and it can lead to burn out. I like to say I do a good job with practicing self-care on my free time.
Contact Info:
- Email: marleen@thehealingsuite.com
- Website: https://the-healing-suite-llc.business.site/
- Instagram: @MentalbyMarley
- Other: https://koalendar.com/e/marleen-salters-ms-scheduling
Image Credits
Photo in the black blazer and royal blue pants – by Hannah Allen @caughtbyhan
