We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Dr. Futrell, LCSW, TCYM-C a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Dr. Futrell, thank you so much for joining us today. Let’s jump right into something we’re really interested in hearing about from you – being the only one in the room. So many of us find ourselves as the only woman in the room, the only immigrant or the only artist in the room, etc. Can you talk to us about how you have learned to be effective and successful in situations where you are the only one in the room like you?
This question embodies so many of the other questions I have been asked. Where do you receive your resilience? Where does your work ethic come from? Why did you choose this profession? The answers to all of those questions lends to what I have learned being the only “one” in a room. As I’m sure many Black professionals or students will tell you, there is a need to not only be good at what you do, but you have to be better than those around you. On the one hand, it creates things like Imposter Syndrome, where you can feel as if no matter how spectacular you are, it is not enough. YOU don’t believe how truly amazing you are. On the other hand, it propels you into excellence. It forces you to have to be effective BECAUSE you are the only one in the room that looks like you.
I have learned that no matter what room I am in, I am there to take up space and to be comfortable with that. To never be intimidated because I am the only one. To be proud and yet humble that I may be the first and setting the stage for someone to come behind me.
Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?
I do so much and the story of evolution has so many twists and turns. I will tell you from the time I graduated high school from Melrose High School in the historic Orange Mound neighborhood, I knew I wanted to become a therapist. I completed my education with a short pause while in undergrad. Upon completion of my doctoral degree in social work and obtaining my license in clinical social work, I worked to open the doors of my private practice. Over the years, the idea of what that would look like changed as the needs of my community changed and a need that I felt compelled to meet; to give opportunities to therapists seeking to grow, the same way others before me had assisted me.
The doors of Gihon Counseling Solutions opened in 2015 and has changed locations and grown exponentially since then. I have worked with almost every population in need or can imagine over the course of 10 years. Yes 20 years, because my work as a social worker and therapist began before my independent practice was born.
To date, I am a private practice owner with a group practice supervising and directing 9 other therapists/clinicians in various stages of their careers. We provide individual, family, couples and group counseling to children and adults on an outpatient basis for various concerns related to mental, emotional and behavioral wellness. I provide licensure supervision for therapists seeking to obtain their LCSWs and I am licensed to practice in the states of Tennessee, Arkansas, Mississippi and Texas. Within the practice, I am also a certified SAP (substance abuse professional) providing assessments and return to work recommendations for individuals seeking to maintain their commercial driving licenses. I provide assessments and often therapy to professionals under monitoring for TNPAP (Tennessee Professional Assistance Program). I am a certified trauma conscious yoga method practitioner which is a specialization in providing somatic therapy with a focus on trauma conscious yoga. I also provide consultation, coaching and training to other professionals in the community about mental and behavioral health.
For several months, I have hosted a monthly event called Namaste & Therapy under a branch of my practice named Namaste Ya’ll. This is an event for women to come together, share a facilitated practice of yoga, a chef catered meal (when in person) and a group therapy style chat. This event is often available for attendance in an online format. I facilitate a monthly yoga session that is available virtually only. “I am also hoping to release a book about relationships and attachment styles this summer.” I am also hoping to have my book The Red Flag Diaries available to the masses in the summer of this year.
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?
This is an interesting question. I believe that we all have different parts of ourselves and we often see them as good or bad when in fact they may be pleasant or unpleasant but serve a greater purpose in any form. Coming from a childhood that was less than perfect and filled with traumatic experiences, I gained the skills of insight and awareness. I learned to be curious, thoughtful and mindful about myself, how things affected me and what the reciprocity of energy looked like between myself and those around me.
Because of my childhood, I learned the skill of escaping into the world of reading. This intensified my love of reading which has continued today. Being an avid reader has opened my eyes to the culture of others. It has kept me curious about increasing my vocabulary and served me well in being in spaces and rooms where my knowledge of understanding and the ability to “read the room” were of paramount importance.
Being empathetic and even being a sensitive soul is a personal quality I have battled with seeing as positive over the years. The more enlightened I have become about myself, I have seen these qualities as beautiful and necessary and this has allowed me to truly love what I do and how important it is to always allow my energy to be a vehicle to build rather than destroy. Empathy is a necessary skill for that.
Any advice for folks feeling overwhelmed?
With all the things I am invested in personally and professional, the capacity to feel overwhelmed does not miss me. I can sometimes take on too much or become too hyper focused on things at times. What I have learned is that in order to accept the positives of being a driven person, I must also accept the consequences. In accepting the consequences, I have to become aware of what that looks like and take a practice approach to self-care.
What this looks like to me is know who and what I am passionate about that has little or nothing to do with the titles I hold in my life. There are times when the things I love to do involve being a wife and mother but I am adamant about having things/activities that have nothing to do with my family. I believe in a work life balance that works for me. Working 24 hours a day, 7 days a week would not allow me to enjoy life or the things I am working so hard for. I take several breaks throughout the day to allow my brain to rest and reduce stimulation. I stay connected to those who support and love me and make sure that I reciprocate and invest in relationships the things I would like to receive. I say “no” when I need to and take naps!
Contact Info:
- Website: www.gihoncounselingsolutions.com; www.thenamasteyall.com
- Instagram: drnariciafutrell
- Facebook:gihoncounseling
- Linkedin: NaRicia Futrell DSW, LCSW, TCYM-C
- Youtube: Yo Favorite Slightly Hood Therapist
- Other: TikTok – DrNFutrell 2nd Facebook – namasteyall.drfutrell
Image Credits
Photography and Image Credit: Marvis Futrell with Future Dezignz
