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

Hi Parker, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
Starting my own private practice was an idea that came out of emotional frustration stemming from the companies and practices that I had previously worked in. Unfortunately, subpar business practices forced me to leave those environments. I had one plan in mind. To succeed and thrive in a business, servicing people that looked like me, with people that looked like me. My personal mission is to redefine the “Strong Black Woman” narrative to a reality that does not require Black Women to struggle mentally, emotionally or financially, endure abuse and trauma, or lack healthy boundaries by HELPING YOU, HELP YOURSELF.

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
In 2019, I founded Fortified Counseling PLLC but the road definitely was not easy. Obtaining the proper education and experience was a large obstacle for me due to being a single mother and moving to a city with no support. It took me ten years to reach my career goals.

Since 2010, I have grown my knowledge in various areas of Psychology. I have worked in Crisis Services, Clinical Research Psychology, Substance Use Disorders, Criminal Psychology and Private Practice. These opportunities allow me the ability to stand out by understanding the needs of different populations and providing various services to guide others in healing. My education has never stopped.

I participated in Dope Therapist Academy to learn on-going skills to effectively provide therapy while operating my practice and was a part of the 2020 cohort. In 2022, I graduated from the Goldman Sachs One Million Black Women: Black in Business program where I acquired an extensive amount of business intelligence from experts throughout the Goldman Sachs company and their partner 1863 Ventures. This would be my proudest moment thus far because it was an opportunity for me to self reflect and truly process the moment I was in and how I was living my dream.

I have devoted over 13 years to improving my clients lives by providing individualized care that prompts strengthened supports, resiliency, and life-changing outcomes. I am also passionate about providing guidance and resources to other mental health providers that enable them to be staples in their communities while encouraging a healthy work-life balance.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
If my best friend was visiting Dallas, I definitely would have to take her to all of the staple restaurants here. Rudy’s Chicken, Fuel City tacos, and Aunt Irene’s are a few of my faves. Of course, I would also incorporate the upscale restaurants around the city. We would drink sidecar’s while we hit day parties and sports events. I’d make sure to have us in by 8pm each outing because the recovery when you’re 30+ is real. LOL

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?

Growing up I was the fourth of five siblings. This allotted me the ability to learn from others and what was presented in front of me.  My two oldest brother’s both served in the military, one serving in the U.S. Navy, and the other in the U.S. Army.  After serving tours out of the country, going to war in Iraq, they both experienced symptoms of PTSD. I changed my major from Pre-Law to Psychology and never looked back. I then recognized I had been blessed with the gifts of emotional availability, wise counsel, and guidance.
Additionally, I got my start as a Therapist-Intern in 2010 with a non-profit Mental Health psycho- rehabilitation center located in my hometown, Memphis, Tennessee. Back then, I serviced both Severe Mental Illness and Intellectual and Developmentally Disabled clients of the center. My then Intern Supervisor, Perry Jenkins, eventually hired me on and became my first substantial mentor for four years before his passing.

I will never forget Perry and all that he recognized in me. It was like I was his sponge, and he consistently saturated me with knowledge outside of the classroom on topics like practicing empathy and patience in therapeutic relationships, boundary setting and living a healthy and balanced life as a therapist and walking in my purpose to make a positive investment into the world. Those are things I didn’t learn from a book and I’m so grateful to
have experienced a season with Perry.

Website: www.fortifiedcounseling.com

Instagram: @talkwithparker

Twitter: @talkwithparker

Facebook: https://facebook.com/fortifiedcounselingpllc

Other: Podcast: Talk With Parker

Image Credits
@lynncreatesphotos

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