We recently connected with Jennifer McPherson and have shared our conversation below.
Jennifer , so good to have you with us today. We’ve got so much planned, so let’s jump right into it. We live in such a diverse world, and in many ways the world is getting better and more understanding but it’s far from perfect. There are so many times where folks find themselves in rooms or situations where they are the only ones that look like them – that might mean being the only woman of color in the room or the only person who grew up in a certain environment etc. Can you talk to us about how you’ve managed to thrive even in situations where you were the only one in the room?
I remember time in my academic and professional career when being the only Black person in the room made me uncomfortable and exacerbated my feelings of imposter syndrome. It was something that I dealt with for years in classrooms, trainings, meetings, almost anywhere that I went pertaining to the mental health field. However, over time with experience and support, I learned to not allow myself to skrink into the corners of rooms and to speak up. To allow others to sit in the discomfort of a strong. Black woman’s presence as she spoke her truth, highlighted radical topics, and to feel the power behind my words. It’s in those moments that I realize that what I have to say and offer is important not just for myself but for those that look like me in my field and for the communities that I serve. I am a representation of others and being the only person in the room is empowering and important.
Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?
My name is Jennifer A. McPherson and I am a Licensed Professional Counselor in the States of Pennsylvania, Delaware, and Florida; Coach, Consultant, Clinical Supervisor, Public Speaker, and Amazon Bestselling Author. But most importantly, I am the Owner/Clinical Director of McPherson Clinical & Consulting Services, a mental health group practice that provides in-person and telehealth based care to BIPOC and LGBTQIA communities.
McPherson Clinical & Consulting Services was founded in 2018 when I realized a need for increased representation in the mental health field for BIPOC clients and the need for LGBTQIA affirming care. Over the years, McPherson Clinical & Consulting Services has grown from a solo telehealth only practice to an award-winning, dynamic, multi-clinician group practice in Wyncote, PA.
Throughout 2024 we will be scaling up our services to expand to additional states and to offer wellness services in order to enhance the full spectrum of health and wellness for BIPOC and LGBTQIA clients. Additionally, each month we offer free psycho-educational webinars via MeetUp focused on mental health and wellness available to to everyone, worldwide.
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?
Looking on my journey, being both the clinician and the client has been helpful to my craft. even though I am a therapist, I also attend therapy myself for my own mental health. As a healer, I need to ensure that I am healthy as well. Being proactive in my self-care is important and prevents me from experiencing burnout so I can be the best leader and clinician possible. Lastly, having a tribe that looks like me has been beneficial to my growth so I make sure to remain active in organizations that promote the work and visibility of clinicians of color.
Okay, so before we go we always love to ask if you are looking for folks to partner or collaborate with?
McPherson Clinical & Consulting Services is always looking to partner, collaborate, and hire mental health, health, and wellness professionals to expand our mission of supporting BIPOC and LGBTQIA communities. Currently, we are developing site in the States of Delaware and New Jersey and will soon be hiring licensed mental health professionals that represent BIPOC & LGBTQIA communities. We are also looking for wellness professionals specializing in Reiki, Sound Healing, Breathwork, and Acupuncture for our Wyncote, PA site. Those interested in working with us can reach out to us at admin@mcphersonccs.com to learn more.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://mcphersonccs.com/
- Instagram: @mcphersonccs
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/mcphersonccs
- Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/mcphersonccs
