Ever heard someone say they just "don't do therapy?"

Even though the profession has gained a better reputation and become more inclusive, there are still many communities that are unrepresented and can have a harder time opening up to someone who probably "isn't going to get it."

That's where finding your niche and ways to connect with and serve that community plays a huge role in how you show up as a therapist, whether that's by having your clients do boxing in session or just normalizing the shit that others can't handle.

If you are curious about what creative representation can look like and how to tailor therapy to clients, as well as the struggles that the therapist may face when making custom therapy available to clients, this episode is for you.

In this episode, I talk with Blaise Harris, therapist, private practice owner, author, and host of the "Dope Black Therapist" podcast, about why he went into private practice, what struggles he faced, and how his experience as a black man and retired firefighter impacts the way he does therapy and shows up for his clients.

Top 3 reasons to listen to the entire episode:

Understand the impact of unaddressed personal issues in professions that demand "leaving it at the door."
Learn how to use creativity to customize and create safe spaces to talk openly, support one another, and break the stigma surrounding mental health.
Hear Blaise's personal story of going from firefighter to therapist and how he shows up for his clients in unique ways while still maintaining self-care.

"Therapy that works" will look different for everyone, and stepping up to create that custom therapeutic environment to match each person's needs can result in criticism and pushback when breaking the norm and challenging the stereotypical therapist image. Despite what grad school teaches, there are many ways to be an ethical and effective therapist who caters to the unique healing processes of clients.

More about Blaise:

Blaise Harris is a licensed mental health counselor and former firefighter with over 14 years of service as a first responder and is the founder and owner of G Squared Consulting and Counseling Services. Blaise has a passion for helping others and hopes to end the stigma surrounding mental health amongst first responders and in the community. Blaise hosts a biweekly podcast called, The Dope Black Therapist, where he shares practices, tools, and coping mechanisms, as well as addresses issues regarding mental health.

Blaise's Website: thedopeblacktherapist.com

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***This episode is the 1st of 10 episodes that All Things Private Practice is re-releasing for 2025. Please enjoy, and we'll be back with new content, resources, and guests in a couple of months.

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Thanks to Our Sponsors: The Receptionist for iPad & Alma!

✨ The Receptionist for iPad

Thanks to The Receptionist for iPad for sponsoring this episode.

The Receptionist offers an iPad list check-in option where clients can scan a QR code to check in, which negates the need for you to buy an iPad and stand. Go to thereceptionist.com/privatepractice and sign up for a free 14-day trial. When you do, you'll get your first month free. And don't forget to ask about our iPad list check-in option.

✨ Alma

Thanks to Alma for sponsoring this episode.

Building and managing the practice you want can be challenging. That’s why Alma offers tools and resources to help you build not just any practice, but your private practice. They’ll help you navigate insurance, access referrals who are the right fit for you, and efficiently manage administrative tasks — so you can spend less time on the details, and more time delivering great care. You support your clients. Alma supports you. Visit helloalma.com/ATPP to learn more.

Mentioned in this episode:

The Receptionist for iPad

I want to thank The Receptionist for iPad for sponsoring this episode. From new patients faced with an empty lobby and no idea where to find their therapist to clinicians with a session running over time and the doorbell ringing, some of the most anxiety-ridden moments of a therapy appointment happen before a session even starts. The Receptionist for iPad, helps you tackle some of that pre-appointment apprehension and anxiety. The Receptionist for iPad is an easy-to-use digital client check-in system that helps your visitors check in securely to their appointments and notify their practitioners of their arrival via SMS, email, or your preferred channel. No more confusion, and less lobby checking or having clients sign in on paper logbooks. It can even help you upgrade and update your demographic information for your clients as well and even validate parking. Start a 14-day free trial of the Receptionist for iPad by going to thereceptionist.com/privatepractice. Make sure to start your trial with that link and you'll also get your first month free if you decide to sign up.

Alma

I want to thank Alma for sponsoring this episode. Building and managing the practice you want can be challenging. That’s why Alma offers tools and resources to help you build not just any practice, but your private practice. They’ll help you navigate insurance, access referrals who are the right fit for you, and efficiently manage administrative tasks — so you can spend less time on the details, and more time delivering great care. You support your clients. Alma supports you. Visit helloalma.com/ATPP to learn more.

Episode 175: FLASHBACK — The Dope Black Therapist: Creative Representation in Therapy [featuring Blaise Harris]