Meet Courtney Butler

We were lucky to catch up with Courtney Butler recently and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Courtney, really happy you were able to join us today and we’re looking forward to sharing your story and insights with our readers. Let’s start with the heart of it all – purpose. How did you find your purpose?

Oh, wow, that’s a big question, but I’ll do my best to give you the highlight reel—though I’ll warn you, it’s a bit of a rollercoaster. I’d love to say I just woke up one day, looked in the mirror, and said, “Therapy! That’s it!” But that’s not how it happened. It wasn’t some lightbulb moment. It was more like life kept throwing me into the deep end, and I had to learn how to swim—not just for me, but for others too.

My journey started with loss. The kind of loss that shakes you to your core and makes you question everything. First, I lost my brother when I was in high school. He wasn’t just a sibling—he was my partner-in-crime, my protector, the one who made me laugh until my stomach hurt. Losing him felt like losing a part of myself, like someone had pulled the ground out from under me.

And if that wasn’t enough, years later, I lost my husband. That grief? It was different. It was like living with a hole in your chest that no amount of time or space could fill. I found myself in this constant battle—trying to make sense of the senseless while navigating the crushing weight of just getting through the day.

Here’s the thing about grief, though: it’s messy, unpredictable, and a bit of a bully. But it also has this strange way of showing you what really matters. Somewhere in that chaos, I realized something: as painful as those experiences were (and believe me, they were), they gave me the ability to truly understand what it means to hurt—and, more importantly, what it means to heal.

I wouldn’t wish those losses on anyone—not even my worst enemy (not that I have one; I’m generally a pretty nice person). But those moments, as heartbreaking as they were, gave me a gift I didn’t expect: empathy. I learned how to hold space for people during their darkest times. I learned how to sit with pain—not to fix it, not to diminish it, but just to honor it and let it exist.

So, here I am, a therapist who sometimes laughs too loud, cries when watching sappy movies, and can hold space for others like it’s my superpower. My purpose, I think, found me through the challenges I faced. And honestly, I feel privileged to walk alongside others as they face their own struggles. It’s a way of honoring my brother and my husband, and it reminds me that even in our darkest moments, there’s light to be found—sometimes in the form of connection, a kind word, or just sitting with someone so they know they’re not alone.

Also, full disclosure: Therapy isn’t all heavy stuff. We laugh a lot too. Sometimes, you just have to laugh through the tears—because life, as chaotic as it is, can be pretty funny in its own twisted way.

Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?

My journey has been anything but linear, but I wouldn’t change a thing because every twist and turn has shaped who I am today. My professional story began in education. I started as a teacher, which was an incredible experience. There’s something so rewarding about working with students—their honesty, curiosity, and energy made every day an adventure. That passion for helping young people eventually led me to become a school counselor, where I got to connect with students on a deeper level, helping them navigate life’s challenges beyond just academics.

But as much as I loved my work in education, I wanted to go even deeper into understanding people and supporting them. That’s when I made the leap to becoming a therapist. Today, I offer virtual therapy services and work primarily with adults. I’m especially passionate about working with people of color, new moms, and anyone navigating significant life transitions.

One of the most defining experiences in my life was having my baby during the height of the COVID-19 lockdown. Let me tell you—having a baby is life-changing enough, but doing it in isolation during a global pandemic? That’s a whole other level. I struggled with postpartum anxiety and had to figure out how to parent in a world where so much felt uncertain and disconnected. That experience gave me a deeper sense of empathy for new moms and a desire to support women going through similar challenges.

Another passion of mine is breaking the stigma of mental health in Black communities. Growing up, conversations around mental health weren’t common—it was often about “pushing through” and showing strength. But I’ve learned that asking for help and prioritizing your well-being is one of the most courageous things you can do. I want to help normalize that mindset in our communities and show that taking care of your mental health is not just okay; it’s essential.

Now, here’s a plot twist you might not see coming—I’m also a Scrum Master in tech! My role involves guiding teams to collaborate effectively and deliver high-quality results. And while it might sound like a completely different world from education and therapy, the skills I developed in both fields have been instrumental in my success.

As a teacher and counselor, I learned how to listen, mediate, and bring people together to solve problems—skills that translate perfectly into leading agile teams. My experience as a therapist taught me how to hold space for people, navigate different personalities, and approach challenges with empathy. All of those skills come into play daily as a Scrum Master, whether I’m resolving team conflicts, coaching team members, or helping them stay aligned on their goals.

What excites me most about being a Black woman in tech is the opportunity to break barriers and create change in an industry that hasn’t always been inclusive. Representation matters, and being in this space means I get to pave the way for others while showing that there’s room for all of us at the table.

So, whether I’m in a therapy session, guiding an agile team as a Scrum Master, or just trying to survive toddler meltdowns at home, my goal is the same: to connect with people, empower them, and create space for growth and healing. At the heart of everything I do is this idea that life is messy, but there’s beauty in that mess. And if I can help others find that beauty, then I know I’m living out my purpose.

Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?

If I had to narrow it down to three, I’d say:

1. Empathy – It’s been the foundation of everything I do, from therapy to education to tech. To develop empathy, start by really listening—without an agenda—when people share their experiences. Seek to understand, not to respond.

2. Adaptability – Life throws curveballs, and being able to pivot, whether it’s starting a new career or navigating a pandemic, has been crucial. My advice? Be open to change and view challenges as opportunities to grow.

3. Communication – Whether I’m counseling someone, running a team meeting, or parenting, clear and kind communication is key. Practice expressing yourself openly and learning how to actively listen—it’ll take you far.

For those early in their journey, remember: these qualities aren’t innate; they’re skills you build over time. Be patient with yourself and commit to learning through every experience. And don’t forget to give yourself grace along the way!

Okay, so before we go, is there anyone you’d like to shoutout for the role they’ve played in helping you develop the essential skills or overcome challenges along the way?

That’s a beautiful question, and honestly, it’s a mix of so many people and forces in my life. First and foremost, I have to acknowledge God—my faith has been my anchor, especially during the toughest moments. When everything felt uncertain, that unwavering belief has always been my source of strength and guidance.

Then, there’s my family—my rock. They’ve always been there, offering encouragement, love, and reminding me to keep going when I felt like giving up. And I can’t forget my friend tribe—my circle of friends who lift me up, laugh with me, and remind me that I’m capable of so much more than I sometimes believe. Having a supportive community like that is priceless.

My church family has also played a big role. Not just in terms of spiritual support, but in providing a safe space where I can truly be myself, where vulnerability is celebrated, and where I know I’m never alone in facing challenges.

Another huge influence has been the mentors I’ve been fortunate enough to have in almost every industry I’ve worked in. These are the people who see something in you before you even realize it yourself. They push you, challenge you, and want to bring out the best version of you. I’ve been blessed with mentors who gave me guidance in education, therapy, and tech—each of them instilling confidence, knowledge, and the belief that I’m capable of greatness.

At the end of the day, having a community of people who support and build you up has been absolutely instrumental in my success and drive to keep going. It’s like having a team of people cheering you on, helping you build your foundation so you can take that next big leap. So, I owe a lot of my growth to them.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://butlercounselinggroup.com
• Instagram: @TalkingWithCourt
• Other: Email: [email protected]

Image Credits

Willie and Kim Photography