Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Traci Freeman. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Traci, we’re thrilled to have you on our platform and we think there is so much folks can learn from you and your story. Something that matters deeply to us is living a life and leading a career filled with purpose and so let’s start by chatting about how you found your purpose.
When I reflect on my journey, I have lived a life of risks, chances, and the belief of those who supported me. As a child, I was fearless, always choosing “dare” in games and life alike. My family and friends had a lot of confidence in me, always urging me to chase my dreams. By my teens, I had a successful modeling career and landed the cover of a magazine at 13 years old. Life was a whirlwind of basketball games, social gatherings, and trips abroad, all fueled by a strong sense of self.
Things took unexpected turn when my parents divorced just before I started high school. This was destabilizing and a very hard time for me emotionally. Unsure of my next steps, I enrolled in community college but found myself uninspired. I worked in retail, drawn to fashion, yet it left me unfulfilled. I drifted from my few friends and distanced myself from my family. It was a lonely, confusing time, and I struggled to find my way.
My purpose began to emerge when I finally decided to advocate for myself. It wasn’t an immediate transformation—it took time and inner strength to break free from a bad relationship, return to college full-time, and start rebuilding my life. Through this process, I learned to trust my intuition, value my feelings, and prioritize my relationship with myself. My purpose became more clear when I looked at all the opportunities and paths I could take.
At 23, I fully committed to my education, earning a psychology degree with Magna Cum Laude honors. I felt a deep calling to work with people, to share experiences, and to connect on a meaningful level. I’ve always been drawn to listening to others, discussing life, and reflecting on myself, and it was becoming clear that this was my path.
During this period, I also got married, and for 12 years, we built a life together, raising a beautiful daughter and working on our careers. However, our marriage eventually ended, and I found myself facing another difficult chapter. Living in San Francisco, a city known for its very high costs, I was now single, with a young child, navigating life post-divorce. It was a challenging time, marked by survival mode, but I knew from experience that I had to dig deep and reconnect with my inner self.
It took a few years, but I regained my inner peace. This time, I had the wisdom that only life’s trials can teach. I understood that if I didn’t follow my true passions, I would never feel completely fulfilled. So, I tuned out the external noise—the “shoulds” and “what ifs”—and listened to my inner voice. I truly believe that our purpose is something we already carry within us; we just need to listen.
At 44, I went back to school to earn a Masters in Integral Counseling Psychology and became a psychotherapist. Today, I have a thriving private practice and have recently opened my own counseling center. My purpose, I’ve realized, is deeply rooted in my life experiences. The hardships I’ve faced have made me more compassionate and in tune with myself. My purpose is driven by a love for humanity, a commitment to optimism, and big hope for the future. These values, born from my own life journey, guide me every day.
I had to listen to myself to find my purpose, and it was through this inner listening that I discovered the path I was meant to walk.
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?
I am a multifaceted individual whose journey encompasses the roles of a businesswoman, mother, co-parent, sister, photographer, best friend, social justice advocate, retired chef, and the architect of my own life. With a diverse array of experiences, I bring a holistic perspective to my work as a psychotherapist, aiming to inspire, empower, and guide others on their paths towards personal fulfillment and success.
My fascination with human evolution, behavior patterns, stress management, and self-discovery ignited in 1994, laying the foundation for my journey into psychology. While my career initially led me through the realms of health, wellness, and business for 13 years, it was in 2015 that I made the pivotal decision to return to my passion for psychology. Since then, I have found profound fulfillment in connecting with people, facilitating growth, and witnessing transformative change.
Just like my clients, I have navigated my own share of personal experiences, each contributing to my growth and understanding of the human psyche. Through therapy, I have embraced vulnerability, confronted fears, and unlocked deeper layers of self-awareness. These breakthroughs have not only transformed my relationships and life but have also fueled my dedication to helping others realize the possibility of change and personal evolution.
As a dedicated advocate for social justice and a compassionate guide in both personal and professional realms, I embody authenticity, empathy, and resilience. With my blend of professional expertise and lived experiences, I invite clients to embark on a journey of self-discovery, empowerment, and meaningful transformation.
In March 2024 I opened Whole Health Counseling Center in San Francisco. We have a team of unique therapists that offer a broad range of help through different modalities. I want people to feel therapy and support is accessible, so I decided to offer sliding scale options. This is how I pay forward what my therapist did for me years ago, only charged me what I could afford at the time. It made a big impact on me, and is part of my purpose. I love being a suprvisor, supporting new associate therapists, and building a work environment that’s inspiring and fun to work at.
There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?
At 53 years old, I feel that my relationship with self is the most important quality and skill in life. I have learned to honor my feelings, listen to my intuition, put intention in self care, make time for fun and silliness, nurture my friendships and be the best mom I can be. I trust myself, which gives me confidence. I make an investment in my health so I can show up for people in a grounded way, I feel healthy and strong because I have taken the time to care for myself.
My support system and friends are priceless to me. I am so fortunate to have the most caring, loving, funny, inspiring and genuine people in my life. They lift me up when I need it and continue to build me up. I have put a lot of love and energy into these relationships and they sustain me. I believe relationships can change a person’s life, for better or worse. It really does matter who you surround yourself with.
A skill that took me a long time to learn is compassion. Today I can’t imagine living without it. I am more forgiving and patient with myself because I am less critical. I try to understand why things are the way they are, what is at the root of a thought or action and examine what choices I have. Self compassion and compassion for others help me stay open and connected to life. I am also less judgmental because I seek to understand. It helps me with my self image and identity. I say a lot more positive things to myself that I did years ago.
How can folks who want to work with you connect?
Collaboration is at the heart of my work because I believe that every professional brings something unique to the table. I’m currently writing a couples workbook, The Couples Connection, which is inspired by a workshop I created to help couples deepen their relationships. Over the years, I’ve gained extensive experience in public speaking, and I find joy in teaching and sharing my knowledge with others. I’m eager to explore new opportunities to expand my impact as a psychotherapist by engaging in diverse speaking engagements—whether at businesses, events, workshops, or private organizations. I’m also excited about the possibility of collaborating with podcast hosts. Joining forces in meaningful conversations would be a great way to support each other’s ventures while reaching a broader audience.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.tracifreeman.com
- Instagram: whole.health.therapy
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/traci-freeman-lmft-1337ab56/
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