We recently connected with Jade Hunter-Wofford and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Jade, 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?
As a Fort Worth, Texas native, my roots in the Lake Como community run deep. Family has always been central to my life. Growing up in one of Fort Worth’s most ‘infamous’ neighborhoods, I bore witness to the enduring impact of generational trauma and hardship on my own family, as well as on my neighbors and their families. My journey was marked by the despair of watching loved ones grappling with addiction and attempting to self-medicate untreated generational trauma and mental illness. I saw firsthand how these struggles were often met with stigma, criminalization, and recidivism rather than compassionate support, education, and access to treatment for healing.
A pivotal moment came during my college years when I worked at an addiction rehabilitation facility located in my college town. There, I came to understand the profound link between childhood trauma and addiction. Witnessing the transformative power of skilled therapy and education in changing lives, I recognized the inherent injustice in the unequal access to healing opportunities. I became acutely aware of the disparities in the narrative surrounding mental health and trauma—depending on one’s background and circumstances.
This realization ignited my passion to pursue a career dedicated to mental health and education. I currently have three degrees and two professional licenses. I hold a bachelor’s degree in psychology, a Master of the Arts in Professional Counseling, and a Doctorate in the Philosophy of Marriage and Family Therapy. In 2021, I opened Dr. J Therapy PLLC, providing affordable, accessible, trauma-informed therapy to individuals and families from all walks of life, empowering them to heal, grow, and thrive, regardless of their socioeconomic status or background.
Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about yourself before we dive back into some of the other questions we had for you?
At Dr. J Therapy, we embrace individuals from all walks of life, with a special focus on supporting BIPOC, young adults aged 21-40. I am deeply passionate about empowering individuals to enhance their lives and relationships through targeted services designed to meet their unique needs. At the heart of our practice is a commitment to providing culturally responsive care that acknowledges and addresses the diverse experiences of BIPOC communities. We understand the importance of creating a safe and inclusive space where everyone feels heard, valued, and understood.
Our specialized services include Couples Therapy, Mother and Daughter Relationship Therapy, and Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy for trauma. Each service is carefully crafted to empower individuals to overcome past traumas and develop healthier coping mechanisms, leading to more fulfilling relationships.
What truly sets us apart is our dedication to creating a supportive environment that feels like home. We strive to recognize and honor the richness of diverse identities and experiences, infusing every aspect of our work with care, professionalism, authenticity, and sensitivity.
In addition to our core services, we take a holistic approach to care, addressing both the mind and body. Through therapeutic interventions, psychoeducation, and skill-building exercises, we equip our clients with the tools they need to navigate life’s challenges with confidence and resilience.
Our goal is to support our clients in cultivating stronger, more meaningful connections – both with themselves and others. By providing specialized services tailored to the needs of our community, we are committed to helping individuals lead lives rooted in authenticity, connection, and empowerment.
In addition to our core therapy services, I’m thrilled to announce some exciting new developments at Dr. J Therapy. Starting in Summer 2024, we will expand our offerings to include community yoga events. These events will provide an opportunity for individuals to come together, connect, and prioritize their mental and physical well-being in a supportive and inclusive environment.
But that’s not all – we’re also launching a line of inspiring merchandise to normalize mental health and celebrate the strength found in vulnerability in Spring 2024. Each item will feature empowering messages designed to remind individuals that they are seen, loved, and accepted just as they are. Whether you’re wearing our apparel or displaying our merchandise, we hope you’ll feel a sense of empowerment and belonging, knowing you’re part of a community that values authenticity and resilience. Keep an eye out for these exciting new additions coming soon!
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?
Reflecting on my journey, three qualities that have been most impactful are faith, grit, and curiosity.
Faith: My faith has been my rock, providing grounding and encouragement in tough times and fueling my pursuit of meaningful work. For those just starting, I advise nurturing your faith and spiritual beliefs to keep you grounded and connected to your purpose.
Grit: Grit and a never-quitting spirit have been crucial in overcoming obstacles and setbacks. Cultivating grit involves pushing through difficulties, staying focused on goals, and refusing to give up. To develop this quality: set realistic goals, break them down into manageable steps, and celebrate small victories along the way. Remember, setbacks are part of the journey; it’s how you respond to them that counts.
Curiosity: Curiosity has been the driving force behind my desire to learn, grow, and connect with others. It is the foundation of empathy and connection, allowing me to understand different perspectives and experiences. For those starting out, I encourage you to approach every opportunity with an open mind and a willingness to learn. Ask questions, seek out new experiences, and be open to exploring different paths. Embrace the joy of discovery and let curiosity guide you on your journey.
Additionally, two other qualities that have been instrumental are willingness to help and support others and always being teachable.
Willingness to Help and Support Others: Offering help and support to others has kept me connected and community-minded and allowed me to receive the support I need to keep moving forward. My advice is to cultivate a mindset of generosity and compassion. Look for ways to lend a helping hand to those around you, knowing that giving back can be incredibly rewarding and can create a strong support network for yourself as well.
Being Teachable: Recognizing that I do not know everything has been crucial in my journey of growth and evolution. Remaining teachable means being open to new ideas, feedback, and perspectives. It’s about embracing humility and recognizing that there is always room for improvement. For those early in their journey, seek mentors and continuing education opportunities, and surround yourself with people who inspire you to learn and grow.
Before we go, maybe you can tell us a bit about your parents and what you feel was the most impactful thing they did for you?
The most impactful thing my parents did for me was to model resilience and an “everything is figureoutable” spirit. Raised by a single mother, I witnessed her courage, ingenuity, and resourcefulness firsthand. Her relentless determination taught me never to give up, no matter the obstacles. Whenever I face challenges, I remember her example, dust myself off, adjust my approach, and keep pushing forward. Her unwavering belief that anything is possible has instilled in me a tenacity and determination that continue to guide me in all aspects of my life. Thank you, mommy!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://drjtherapy.clientsecure.me
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dr.jtherapy/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Drjtherapy
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jade-hunter-phd-lpc-lmft-associate-4b73a9178/
- Other: Meet Monacrch: https://drjtherapy.clientsecure.me
Image Credits
Angela Germany A Germany Photography https://ci3.googleusercontent.com/mail-sig/AIorK4xRrxceV1ZEix_MukF6oayx0K90vjhaJmO5EZ48FxKRjRp1m97euLpsHqT0GSs6PuIdwm0qFPg https://www.instagram.com/angelagermanyphoto/?hl=en
