Today we’d like to introduce you to Leah Mayon.
Hi Leah, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today.
My journey began in childhood as the child of an addict. My father’s absence was felt in my family of origin. Through my own struggles, I found therapy to heal. I realized very early that I was self-aware and extremely comfortable with my emotions and my voice. When selecting a major Behavioral Science seemed like a no-brainer. While in school, I had an amazing mentor come into my life, Earlene Drayden. She gave me my first job in the field in 2006 as a DWI education instructor. She would later encourage me to become a Licensed Chemical Dependency Counselor. My passion for the field was always great. However, I knew something was always missing as I also had a huge interest in family systems as well as my Christian faith. This prompted my enrollment in Capella’s Graduate Marriage and Family Therapy Program and later in Christian Bible Institute’s Ph.D. in Christian Counseling program.
While working towards my education I began to dream of creating a facility for which I could marry all my interests and serve those hurting the most. I opened Guided Path in 2019 on literally a prayer. At the time I had been working for 13 years as a Licensed Chemical Dependency Counselor at some of the major treatment centers in the Houston Area. I needed a change and was looking to achieve more autonomy in my work. My oldest son transitioning to high school and my two youngest transitioning to middle school also offered a much-needed push. My children encouraged my exit so that I wouldn’t miss any football games or flute recitals at their new schools. I longed for my clients to have a safe place to share their hopes and dreams. As well, I seemingly wanted the very same balance for myself. I remember contacting my family and sharing that June 2019 would be my last day at my at the time employer. My mom, siblings, and cousin were more than gracious toward me. My mom and oldest sister served as my first business consultants and my youngest sister and cousin, as my motivators and prayer partners. I was both enthused, and afraid. After having self-funded various aspects of my business for 9 months, I took the leap.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall, and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
The road has not been smooth, but it certainly has built faith and character. I have at times, had difficulty with raising capital, and as you can imagine the delays that came along with the start of the Pandemic. At the time of social distancing, I had to learn to quickly pivot to provide clients with virtual options.
This looked like obtaining a license to provide HIPPA-compliant virtual options as well as determining protocols to safely work with clients who still wanted in-person sessions. As well, during that time my cousin who was one of my biggest supporters became ill and would later pass away.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
My practice offers ethical person-centered Individual, Family, Couples, and Group Counseling in various mental health topics including substance abuse disorders, co-occurring disorders, depression, anxiety, trauma, adjustment, and personality disorders. Services also include Parenting and Anger Management Classes, Substance Abuse Professional Assessments (SAP), and a Search for a Significance support group. What sets me apart from my competition is that I offer Medical Family Therapy. In short, my niche is working with families that have been impacted by addiction, trauma, and dysfunction. This looks like addressing co-dependency, boundary issues, and family rules that do not support my client’s “favorite versions of themselves.” Also, Clients have the benefit of being able to process spiritual concerns as desired.
What I am most proud of in my business is that clients are offered a holistic approach to mental health at Guided Path. We offer sliding scale options and reduced-cost services with Counselor Interns for those who otherwise would not be able to afford therapy. As well as have contracts with Child Protective Services and Texas Juvenile Justice. Along with efforts to support and give back to the community; we also accept most major commercial insurers; cash pay and employee assistance programs.
How can people work with you, collaborate with you, or support you?
Our list of services can be found at: guidedpathtx.com. Intake address: intake@guidedpathtx.com.
Location address: 12830 Willow Centre Dr. Suite C, Houston, TX 77066. Phone number: 281-583-5003.
Contact Info:
- Website:guidedpathtx.com
- Instagram: guidedpathhtx
- Facebook: @Guided Path Counseling and Family Services
- Twitter: @guidedpathcounseling
