Meet Yvette Howard

We recently connected with Yvette Howard and have shared our conversation below.

Yvette, so good to have you with us today. We’ve always been impressed with folks who have a very clear sense of purpose and so maybe we can jump right in and talk about how you found your purpose?

I didn’t grow up hearing words like “therapy,” “mental health,” or “self-care.” In my household, we leaned on faith, family, and keeping things private. If you would’ve asked me as a kid what my purpose was, I would’ve had no clue how to answer.

My journey into mental health wasn’t sparked by a textbook or a lecture; it began in the records room of a police department. I was reviewing domestic violence reports as a civilian employee, reading one heartbreaking story after another, and I remember thinking, there has to be more we can do beyond just documenting pain. That was my first nudge from purpose. I didn’t have the language for it at the time, but I knew I wanted to be on the other side of the table supporting, listening, and helping people rebuild.

That led me to pursue my master’s in social work. Even then, the journey wasn’t clear. I worked multiple jobs, drove hours for supervision hours, and juggled roles just to stay afloat. But every time I sat with a client, every time someone felt seen and safe, I felt it. That quiet whisper: You’re exactly where you’re meant to be.

My real turning point came after a personal heartbreak. I had just gone through a tough breakup, and instead of crumbling, I found myself at a women’s empowerment event, surrounded by dreamers and doers. I stood up, tears in my eyes, and declared that I was going to start a private practice. I had no plan. No office. No clients. Just a fire in my belly that said, “You can create something bigger than your circumstances.”

That bold declaration became Brighter Tomorrow Therapy. What started as a one-woman show grew into a multi-six-figure group practice with a powerful team, and now, a coaching business that helps other therapists build the practice of their dreams.

Finding my purpose wasn’t a lightbulb moment; it was a series of nudges, struggles, and leaps of faith. It came from seeing broken systems and saying, “There has to be a better way.” It came from honoring my own healing while helping others do the same. Now, my purpose is simple: to help therapists stop playing small, start leading boldly, and build lives and businesses that reflect their worth.

Once you find your purpose, you don’t just live it, you help others find theirs too.

Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?

I’m Yvette Howard, Licensed Clinical Social Worker, boy mom, doctoral candidate, group practice owner (Brighter Tomorrow Therapy), business coach for therapists, and founder of Boss Clinician, a platform that helps mental health professionals transition from feeling overworked and underpaid to becoming confident private practice owners. My purpose is rooted in helping therapists build businesses that honor their passion without sacrificing their peace, family time, or income.

What excites me most about my work is watching therapists step into their power, whether that means leaving a draining agency job, setting their first full-fee rate without guilt, or hiring their first clinician and starting to scale. I know firsthand how scary that leap can feel. I didn’t grow up around entrepreneurs, and when I started my own practice back in 2018, I had no roadmap. Now, I get to be the guide I wish I had, especially for women of color in this field.

What makes my brand special is the real-life, relatable approach I bring to business. I blend strategy with mindset, and I don’t just teach business, I live it. I built my group practice, Brighter Tomorrow Therapy, from scratch while pregnant and during the pandemic, and I’ve walked every step I now coach others through. This isn’t theory or guesswork, it’s actionable steps, real results, and a mindset that says you can do this.

As for what’s new, I’m thrilled to share that I recently launched the Profitable Private Practice Boss Builders Collective, a step-by-step 6-month program designed to help therapists leave their 9-5 jobs and start a profitable private practice without burning out or relying on social media. I also rolled out The Boss Clinician Lounge, a monthly membership that supports therapists in getting visible, booking aligned clients, and continuing to grow.

Whether you’re dreaming of your first private practice client or you’re ready to scale your practice, I want therapists to know you don’t have to hustle your way to success. You can build a business that supports your lifestyle, legacy, and well-being.

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?

Looking back, the three qualities that truly shaped my journey were resilience, resourcefulness, and a willingness to bet on myself, even when I was scared.

Resilience kept me going during those long days when I was juggling multiple jobs, driving across town for supervision hours to obtain my license, and doubting whether I’d ever “make it.” I didn’t always have the answers, but I kept showing up. My advice? Give yourself permission to take imperfect steps. You don’t need to have it all figured out to be moving in the right direction. Build your bounce-back muscle by staying committed to your why, even when the how feels unclear.

Resourcefulness was a game-changer. I didn’t have a mentor at first or a trust fund to fall back on. I had Google, SCORE.org, and my colleague. I leaned into whatever I could access and made it work. For anyone early in their journey, don’t underestimate what you can do with what you already have. You don’t need more credentials to get started. You need creativity, curiosity, and the courage to ask questions.

And most importantly, I learned to bet on myself. I had to stop waiting for someone to give me permission to dream bigger. That meant investing in business coaching, speaking up in rooms where I once felt invisible, and choosing to lead even when I was still figuring it out. If you struggle with self-doubt, you’re not alone. My advice is to take one bold action a week, whether it’s applying for something outside your comfort zone or simply introducing yourself as the boss you are becoming.

The truth is, none of these qualities were things I was born with—they were developed along the way. And if I can do it, so can you!

Who has been most helpful in helping you overcome challenges or build and develop the essential skills, qualities or knowledge you needed to be successful?

There’s no way I could’ve made it here alone. My journey has been a patchwork of mentors, family, and even quiet supporters who showed up in different seasons of my life.

One of the most impactful influences early on was my mentor through SCORE.org. I didn’t grow up around entrepreneurs, so when I decided to start my private practice, I had the heart, but not the know-how. My mentor helped me understand the business side of things, from forming an LLC to developing my purpose and why for the business. She believed in my vision before I even had the full picture myself.

Another huge support was my family, especially my son. Becoming a mother gave me a new level of drive and clarity. I knew I wanted to build something sustainable, not just for myself, but for him. My purpose deepened when I realized I wasn’t just creating a business, I was creating a legacy.

I also have to shout out the community of women and therapists who poured into me through workshops, masterminds, and peer support. Sometimes it was a single conversation that sparked the next level of growth, or someone sharing their story that helped me feel less alone.

Success, for me, hasn’t been about doing it all myself, it’s been about letting people in, being open to learning, and surrounding myself with folks who push me to keep going even when it gets hard.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.bossclinician.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/profitwithyvette
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/yvette.hwd