Meet Dr. Desiree’ Stephens | Founder & Executive Director

We had the good fortune of connecting with Dr. Desiree’ Stephens and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Dr. Desiree’, can you talk to us a bit about the social impact of your business?
I started The Desired Journey because I saw how many people in our community were hurting quietly and didn’t know where to turn. So many individuals and families struggle with mental health, addiction, trauma, or major life transitions, and they often feel alone or misunderstood. My goal was to create a space where people feel safe, respected, and supported.

At the heart of our work is the belief in meeting you where you are, wherever you’re at in life. Through this approach, we get to walk alongside people as they find healing, hope, and confidence in themselves again. Whether it’s helping someone take their first step toward recovery, supporting a family through a hard season, or simply reminding someone that they matter, the impact is deeply personal. The Desired Journey is ultimately about community – showing up for people and helping them move forward, one step at a time.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
The Desired Journey started because I wanted something different for myself. I had been on the front lines in nonprofit work and knew I wanted to shift direction – I wanted to be in private practice, to build something of my own, and to create a space where I could truly serve people in the way I felt called to. I didn’t exactly know how to get started, and I had a lot of encouragement from my family—especially my dad.

My dad had always wanted to be a therapist and had run his own entrepreneurial businesses in the past. He believed in me and saw my potential to combine both worlds – counseling and running my own practice. After he passed from colon cancer two years ago, I decided it was time to “rip the bandaid off” and finally launch my own solo private practice. That first step was scary, and it was also the most freeing thing I’ve ever done.

Fast forward, and now I’m the owner of a group practice with five amazing therapists. It’s been a journey of wearing all the hats-therapist, business owner, mentor, executive and seeing my vision come to life and watching our clients and team grow has been incredibly rewarding. The biggest lesson I’ve learned is that sometimes you have to take that leap, trust your preparation, and let the people who believe in you carry you through the uncertainty.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
If my best friend was visiting, I’d absolutely start in downtown McKinney—it’s the heart of our community and there’s just so much to do! You could easily spend a whole day (or more) exploring the shops, stopping in at local boutiques, art galleries, and gift stores. There are tons of great places to eat and drink, whether it’s grabbing coffee in the morning, lunch at a local café, or enjoying dinner and live music in the evening. There’s always something happening downtown—festivals, live performances, celebrations—so you’d get to experience the culture and energy of the city in one place.

Downtown McKinney really has something for everyone, and it’s the perfect mix of charm, culture, and community. By the end of the week, they’d get a real feel for what makes this area so special—and I guarantee they’d leave wanting to come back.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
This shoutout truly goes to many people. I would not be where I am today without the professors in the Psychology and Counseling Departments at East Texas A&M University who taught me. Their mentorship, encouragement, and belief in me helped shape not only my professional path, and the counselor, educator, and supervisor I’ve become.

I also want to recognize the mentors I’ve had the privilege of working under in both private practice and nonprofit settings. Their guidance, wisdom, and willingness to share real-world experience played a critical role in my growth. I’m incredibly grateful for my business consultant who has supported me behind the scenes, helping me build something sustainable and aligned with my values, as well as for colleagues who continue to collaborate, encourage, and challenge me in the best ways.

And of course, my family and friends – thankful for their constant love, patience, and belief in me through every season. Finally, I want to acknowledge my students and supervisees, who inspire me daily and remind me why this work matters. Walking alongside them as they grow into ethical, compassionate professionals is one of the greatest privileges of my journey.

Website: https://www.thedesiredjourney.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thedesiredjourney/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-desired-journey/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/The-Desired-Journey/61555311320323/

Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/the-desired-journey-mckinney

Image Credits
https://taylerdukesphotography.mypixieset.com/