Meet Tekeilla Darden | Licensed Clinical Psychologist & Author

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

Hi Tekeilla, we’d love to hear about how you approach risk and risk-taking
My philosophy about risk taking is anytime one ventures into the unknown it requires taking a risk and many of our future steps are risks because we don’t know what’s in front of us most times. Just starting my psychotherapy business was me taking a risk because I never learned how to make a business out of therapeutic practice. I learned from this that I’d rather take a risk doing something that aligns with my life goals than let something just happen to me. I’ll know I would have at least tried. This is usually easier said than done. The outcomes within my own career have been evident in the areas where I’ve taken risks versus when I haven’t.

What should our readers know about your business?
As a licensed psychologist, tea enthusiast, and storyteller I am in the business of helping others live a better version of their lives. I am where I am today in business because I make it a point to practice what I teach. For me that means finding joy in the here and now as well as looking toward the future because the ability to do both is how I thrive the best. I have a successful practice; could I being doing more? Absolutely. I have also extended my brand to create a tea line called TeaN and utilize my talents as an author, so I can do more with my gifts and with those I can reach. I used to shy away from compliments specifically about my path to success, because for me success is ever evolving. However, where I used to shrink I now stand in joy. I make it known that my success doesn’t need to look like someone else’s to be great, but I love that I can inspire others. My challenges in business are that I often forget that when I see someone else doing something I admire. It’s a constant state of reminding and positively affirming myself. Knowing that I have a lot of growth with my businesses is not always easy for the day to day. However, my life philosophy is that life is meant to be lived and as long as I have something to look forward to in front of me I’m living. I look forward to growing, evolving, shifting and pivoting where I may need to, and obtaining more wisdom along the way. I would love for others who do see me and admire what I do, to understand that I am led by what feels good and adds value to my life and those around me. When I line up all that I do with my brand; helping others work through mental health issues, inspiring through written work, and eliciting warmth through the mindfulness practice of drinking tea, my ultimate brand is about creating positive feelings and experiences.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I want my best friend to feel joy and life when they come to visit, so the first place I’d take them to would be the Dallas Arboretum. Yes, it may not have the flashing lights but it’s peaceful, beautiful and sets the tone of being present. Then I’m taking my friend to get some seafood at The Boiling Spot because who doesn’t want to spend their time in a bib digging through a hot bag full of deliciousness? I can’t forget to get them something sweet at the Cookie Society where the faces are friendly and their grown up version of an oatmeal pie makes this adult feel like a kid again. If the Dallas fair is open, believe this will be a full day on its own because it has all the things that will bring joy. Lastly, I would check out any ballet playing at the Dallas Black Dance Theater because dance movement is joy personified for me.

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?
Dr. Queen Peterson, also known as my mother, deserves a major shoutout because she didn’t allow her beginnings to dictate or define her here and now. She may not have known the successful college counseling career that she enjoys today was in her future so many years back, but it did not stop her from betting and taking a risk for herself and family. She also doesn’t stop at wanting success for herself, but wanting and leading others toward success as well.

Website: www.drtekeilla.com

Instagram: @drtekeilla