Meet Kollette Tolbert | Founder and Licensed Professional Counselor

We had the good fortune of connecting with Kollette Tolbert and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Kollette, Let’s talk about principles and values – what matters to you most?
When opening my own private practice, I had to consider what values and principles I desired most in previous jobs and how to implement that into a brand that I hope to grow nationally. One of those was family. Since my practice was founded after a great personal loss, the family had to be the cornerstone of my practice. We have implemented flexible work schedules, four day work week, and unlimited PTO. I also wanted my team to work in an office or work from home. Currently, due to the pandemic, we are entirely virtual, but this gives us a unique approach as we can help individuals from anywhere in Texas. Another principle that was important to me was building a team that could differentiate between a friendship and an employee relationship. After working in an environment where a supervisor was not easily approachable, I wanted to ensure my team knew they could come to me with anything. At this time, the In the Valley Counseling team has developed in all the ways I have hoped. Doing this has helped us meet the growing need for counseling in Texas. Our team is ready to support each of their clients with compassion and empathy. Our services’ support system has led us to get positive reviews and referrals from all around Texas, from El Paso to Houston, Lubbock to Brownsville.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
In The Valley Counseling was founded in 2019 after a deep personal loss. Our daughter Landyn passed away in July 2019 with Trisomy 18, Edward’s Syndrome. Realizing that my life goals needed to change and having left the previous job prior to her diagnosis I decided that I would help others navigate valleys that I had myself had walked through. When the practice began I was expecting a slow rise to success. Virtual counseling was still new and many insurances were not yet accepting it. Then in March of 2020, the world changed. The pandemic made virtual counseling a necessity and my practice went from slow steady growth to an explosion of individuals needing help in the midst of a global pandemic. While the growth was exciting it was not easy. Virtual therapy to me was just as new as it was to my clients, but with the help of my team, we navigated it the best we could and identified the many programs that would work best for us. Through this process, I have learned that the people around you are the most important thing. They come with support, new ideas, and their own specialties. Counseling relationships is not just about your clients, but your team as well.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
An amazing place I like to take individuals is Creations Baking Company. They have so many options from Keto, Gluten Free, etc.

Campuzano’s Fine Mexican Food is another favorite of mine. They have a few locations, but the one in Waxahachie has an amazing location in an old home. Their shrimp cocktail is one of the best I have had.

For a night spot I would recommend the Bottled Blonde. They have amazing food and bar service.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I want to thank my family. They have been supportive through the late nights and start-up process. I would also like to thank Marcus. Marcus is responsible for all of my billing services, and my practice runs smoother with him in it. Next, I would like to thank Sheresa. Sheresa came on as a counselor who was open to our vision. Last but not least, I would like to thank our administrative team, Marily, and Jaiden. Marily takes care of all of our social media and referrals. She has been a tremendous asset to the team. Jaiden manages our medical records and keeps all our important documents organized. Both have brought so much compassion and laughter to the team.

Website: www.itvcounseling.com

Instagram: @inthevalleycoun

Linkedin: In The Valley Counseling

Facebook: In The Valley Counseling

Image Credits
Thank you Chelsea Kerley Johnson for the Logo Design. c.kerley@bertkerley.com