Meet Tatiana Smith Robinson | Licensed Professional Counselor Supervisor

We had the good fortune of connecting with Tatiana Smith Robinson and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Tatiana, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
The thought process I had behind starting my own business was making sure I bring something to the community and the culture that was not normalized at the time. Therapy has always been taboo within the communities of color and I wanted to change the view of what speaking to a therapist can look like or what it is in general. I wanted to bring it to the forefront to let people know that healing is necessary, healthy, and it’s great! I wanted to break the stigmas of keeping things to yourself and not letting others know your information within our communities of color.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
I am the owner and founder of T Smith Counseling LLC, it is a private practice where I specialize in assisting married couples and those in relationships on how to restore intimacy within their relationship, learn healthy communication strategies, learn boundaries individually and within all types of relationships, infidelity, and how to overcome broken trust. What sets me apart from other therapist is that I have a heart and passion for couples and relationships and I focus mainly on people of color and the cultural struggles that we deal with in this particular area. Dispelling childhood myths that we have been conditioned to believe when it comes to love and relationships.

What I am most proud of is my couples workshops that I do, Intimacy Restoration Retreats for couples and I do a annual event called Cupcakes and Mental Health which is about dispelling myths within the communities of color when it comes to mental health and wellness and the importance that it has in our lives. When I think about how I got to where I am today in my business I must say that I did have some good mentors that have set up great private practices and I took heed to what they did that worked as well as change the blueprint of things that I felt like needed to be added or taken away. It was and has not been easy, but being my authentic self when it comes to clients as well as employees I feel has gotten me to where I am today. I am not your average therapist that you might see on TV I am very straightforward with the truth, but also in your corner.

Lessons I have learned along the way is that being your own boss is great, but it’s not easy in any form. You are everything, you work more and you work harder than you would if you were with a corporate company. What I have had to really focus on is taking care of myself and being mindful and present in the moment. Self-care is the number one lesson that I have learned along the way, you cannot pour from an empty cup and help others if you are not full. Being a therapist we take on others issues and concerns and people dump and unload on us all day and so taking care of yourself is a must, especially when you are in the serving field.

I want the world to know that therapy is great it is a wonderful managing tool. Nothing has to be detrimentally going on with you in order for you to utilize a therapist and counseling. I want the world to know that I am an author as well as a speaker and a proud mother. Even though you are a business owner you are so much more than that and that’s what I have to remember and tell myself daily.

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.
I would take my bestie to hang out at Klyde Warren Park, its a great area to chill and tons of food truck and food options. Go to Pangea for a great dinner and drinks. Hang out at Legacy West, which is good for walking around and hanging out. Lastly, hang out at Grandscape and go to Puttery and Lava Cantina for live music and drinks.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
My parents, family, and friends who have supported me along the way. My parents have always been my number one fans and has always pushed me to be successful and succeed in life and as an entrepreneur. The encouragement that they gave me in making the decision to step out on my own gave me the confidence that I needed to start my own private practice. Entrepreneurship is in my blood so it’s not foreign to me. I appreciate all my family and friends that are always at events that I host, they buy my books and other products, and they are always speaking life into me and speaking to others about me. They are always there to help me and volunteer where I need them and for that I am extremely grateful.

Website: www.tsmithcounseling.com

Instagram: tsmith_counselingllc

Linkedin: Tatiana Smith, M.A. LPC-S

Twitter: podcasttotc

Facebook: T. Smith Counseling