Today we’d like to introduce you to Jennifer Cain.
Hi Jennifer, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
I appreciate this opportunity to share my story with the hope to inspire other health care professionals and aspiring business owners . My clinical journey began in 2011 when I obtained my master’s degree in Psychology with a specialization in Criminology. In September 2014 I took the National Counseling Exam and passed on the first try. After applying to become licensed in Texas, I was told by the counseling board that I didn’t meet the course requirements to acquire a LPC and would have to return to school to take 6 additional post graduate classes.Heartbroken with 2 children ages 9 and 2 years old, newly married, and working late hours, I paid for and completed those 6 additional post graduate courses. Upon completion of the courses a year later I reapplied and received the LPC intern license which requires interns to work under a counseling supervisor for 18 months to later obtain the full LPC license. Throughout these years I worked for multiple community mental health care and governmental agencies. While working for a company that I was employed with in 2018 as a newly Licensed Professional Counselor, I discovered that the company exhibited questionable business practices, unethical clinical behavior, and lack of care for their providers as well as the clients in which they served. While employed there a horrific incident occurred in which I was asked to provide services with limited support and minimal verifiable information. Upon noticing a number of ethical violations I stood my ground and refused to provide the unethical therapeutic services in efforts to prioritize client care, uphold licensing standards and to provide the best clinical practices. I later wrote an Emergency Clinical Best Practices and Policies document for the company to ensure proper clinical protocol going forward to protect other licensed professionals and the clients being served in emergency situations (they had no policy and procedure for situations such as these). I was soon fired because I wouldn’t do what they wanted in that unethical situation. After being let go for protecting my license and the clients I served, I became depressed, overwhelmed, felt unappreciated, and began to question my career choice. After value exploration, reaching out for support, and practicing self care on December 7th 2018 I opened my private practice Adorned Counseling.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back, would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
There has definitely been challenges along the way and I can say after being my authentic self in business and learning from the mistakes I can now say it’s easy in retrospect. Initially, when I first started in private practice, the struggle was marketing to get enough clients to sustain the business. Due to my inexperience in private practice (as previously explained my previous experience was community mental health care). I had absolutely no idea about how to market, organize finances, or develop a business structure. To learn this I asked my husband questions( he’s been in business for himself for a while), I listened to podcasts, joined social media groups, and talked to other private practice owners to increase my knowledge. I also had concerns because I feared that I would be considered unprofessional due to my purple hair color. I concealed my hair on marketing photos initially until nearly each client that I encountered expressed that they scheduled with me due to my relatability and confidence i presented with by being me unapologetically. Throughout I made a number of financial mistakes and even risked my emotional wellness by seeing everyone that reached out for services to make ends meet. That lead to burn out really quick. I would see any client that called and attempted to provide financial accommodation but wasn’t paid for sessions. I didn’t have professional boundaries set either. I would overextend to help people at my own risk not considering that although this is a helping profession it is also a business. I also started out doing everything from billing, marketing, accounting, on my own which was very taxing but enabled me to learn all aspects of the business myself. I now know that doing everything on my own was my attempt to remain in control and to protect myself from failure. After 2 years of doing everything on my own I had to get help. Hiring employees was the next struggle but setting boundaries and learning along the way has enabled me to work with some great people. A huge lesson I’ve learned is that when hiring employees it’s important to communicate expectations upfront while also being realistic regarding what I’m expecting from them. This business is my baby not theirs so the level of care or nurturing is different and that’s ok.
Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
Adorned Counseling is a therapy practice that bridges the gap between the stigma of mental health care and wellness. Mental health care is stigmatized in our society although the perception of mental health care/treatment is becoming more accepted. This practice provides a judgment-free space of support and guidance to attain the best existence for each individual.
Jennifer Cain specializes in anxiety/stress management, depression, LGBTQIA issues, and trauma with the teens and adults. Walk and talk therapy is also provided by Jennifer which promotes physical wellness and mindfulness.
Colana Bates’ specialties include ADHD treatment, Anger management, Anxiety and substance abuse issues. Primarily with the adolescent and young adult populations.
What makes us unique is our transparently authentic personas that provide a comfortable therapeutic environment.
Where we are in life is often partly because of others. Who/what else deserves credit for how your story turned out?
My family Alonzo my husband and Jeleesia and Jayla provided encouragement, support, and physical exertion to make Adorned Counseling possible.
My mom Mary Brown and also an amazing employee that is the voice of the company has been my foundation and uplifting since the beginning.
My gym family Nicole Butcher told me to believe in my skill and to open the practice without her I wouldn’t have considered a business. Karen Reed, Nora V, Diana, and Valerie supported me at the beginning and continue to do so.
Colana Bates for her clinical expertise and skill that eased my fear of adding a therapist to the team
Nicole Curtis and Chevon Reese helped create the business name and slogan.
Roteshea Bordelon provided administrative assistance.
Dana Cain created my website.
Raleesia Elmore provided administrative support.
Brandon Blaylock’s realty expertise
Donna Gibbs assists with consultation and referrals.
Mandy Davis keeps the practice moving forward with all that she does couldn’t do it without her.
If I failed to include anyone that has contributed to the development of Adorned Counseling please know that you are valued and appreciated
Contact Info:
- Website: www.AdornedCounseling.com
- Instagram: Instagram.com/adornedcounseling
- Facebook: Facebook.com/adornedcounselingjc
