Today we’d like to introduce you to Danielle Locklear.
Hi Danielle, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
I was born and raised on the land of Jumano Nation, Tonkawa Tribe, Sana Tribe and Coahuiltecan Nation (now known as Austin, Texas) so my roots in this community run deep. While most of my life has been in Texas (I’m actually a 5th generation Austinite!), it was during my time living in Seattle that I discovered and cultivated my passion for working within marginalized communities through a career in social work and youth development.
Essentially, while running a teen center I witnessed entire communities experiencing complex trauma coupled with the majority of mental health providers lacking the identity, experience and anti-racist work to create a safe therapeutic space for clients of color. It was a dire gap in services that I couldn’t unsee and I wanted to change that. So I said, “Why not me?” and applied for graduate school.
I worked full time while getting my degree and started off in a group practice before I realized I wanted to branch out on my own. I was looking for a mentor at the time and quickly realized there weren’t many culturally responsive providers out there, so I decided to create the thing I needed from scratch.
I’d never before considered private practice as an option and really only knew the feeling of being overworked and underpaid in a non-profit space, so as it should come as no surprise, I enforced all of that on myself in the beginning. I didn’t realize early on that I was operating from a scarcity mindset – so when I found myself approaching burnout with no one to blame but myself (the joy and curse of self-employment), I knew I needed to create a business that both sustained and fulfilled me. I’ve been anchored in my vision and values ever since and energetically approach my work in an entirely new way.
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey have been a fairly smooth road?
As far as establishing my presence and building my practice, it’s been smooth sailing, but my journey has definitely encountered some obstacles along the way… all of which have led me to recommit to the work in ever-evolving ways. In 2017, my office building was destroyed by arson. I can still remember waking up to a call from the fire marshal and the gut-wrenching feeling of arriving to find everything destroyed. I was able to salvage my filing cabinet and my bookshelf, but other than that started from scratch. The local therapist community really came together to support all of us that had lost our spaces, and for the month it took me to find a new home for my practice, I worked out of colleagues’ spaces free of charge.
COVID-19 has also been an unforeseeable challenge. As a provider who specializes in racial trauma, the complexity of the pandemic along with the civil rights movement increased the need for inclusive providers and most of us faced a strain on our time and energy like never before. The transition to telehealth was mostly smooth, however adjusting to 6+ hours a day of screen time took a toll initially. It’s been several seasons of re-evaluating why and how I do this work.
As you know, we’re big fans of Danielle Locklear Counseling, PLLC. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
I’m a licensed Marriage & Family Therapist, however my personhood and my practice are rooted in an inclusive, trauma-informed and culturally responsive approach to human connection.
I offer individual, couples, family and group therapy in addition to facilitating workshops and healing events that center the BIPOC experience. I specialize in issues of multicultural identity and the trauma of systemic oppression but incorporate mindfulness, somatic work, coping skills, and self-compassion with all of my clients.
I’m most proud that my business has largely grown from word of mouth referrals. I took a leap to start a business that aligned with my values and centered underrepresented populations and the growth I’ve seen over the years is all of the validation I need. I’m exactly where I’m meant to be. By showing up authentically (curse words and all!) and creating approachable and safe spaces for all clients, I believe I’m helping to break the negative stigma around mental health and offer representation and connection to those identities who’ve historically fallen through the cracks of mental healthcare.
We love surprises, fun facts and unexpected stories. Is there something you can share that might surprise us?
My clients are most surprised by the fact that I’m a total introvert. Yes, an introvert who spends all day everyday talking to people. Who da thunk it? Outside of my therapy work, I’m also a writer! Mainly poetry and anecdotal musings, but I’m currently working on a novel that’s really meaningful to me.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.daniellelocklearcounseling.com
- Instagram: dlcounselingatx
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DanielleLocklearCounseling/
- Other: www.thehue-project.com
Image Credits
Headshots by Betsy Y Photography
