Today we’d like to introduce you to Jheri Walters.
Hi Jheri, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I earned my master’s of social work degree in 2009 from the University of Houston GCSW program. At that time, I had no clear career path. I just knew I wanted to help people. Since then, I’ve had the opportunity to work with people from various backgrounds and all ages.
I found that I really enjoyed working with youth, young adults, and community education. However, I became burned out from all of the barriers to helping people that come along with working for big organizations, so I gave up on social work. I applied and was accepted to UH-Nursing Accelerated BSN program, but quickly realized it was not for me. I returned to social work, this time with a plan to go into management so I could have the opportunity to create change on a macro level. I secured a position at another large organization working with adults, but missed working with youth.
During my time in volunteering in the community, I was encouraged to begin seeing clients in a private practice setting, but I was too afraid to leave the security a company offers. Fortunately, there were some significant program changes with my employer that left me with options that did not fit career goals. During this time, I was given an opportunity to return working with teens and young adults in a private practice setting. I made the decision to leave the financial security of an organization to do the type of social work that I love. Now I realize, I am back where I started several years ago. Things have come full circle, and I am back on the path I was meant to be.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
The biggest obstacle was me. I did not do the research to really understand how to make a path for myself to do the work I enjoyed. I allowed fear of the unknown hinder me, and did not utilize my network and resources to meet MY goals. I went with the standard path of “go to school and get a job”…not “create a life you love”.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW). I am a part of a group practice at Katy Teen and Family Counseling. I specialize in adoption/foster, blended families, mood disorders, and women’s issues. I don’t limit my interventions into a box. I try to make each client feel comfortable and adapt to their individual needs.
In addition, I started a blog on my website www.mentalhealthlounge.com, that shares stories about mental health and recovery in marginalized communities with the hope of breaking stigmas about mental illness. I feel it is important to talk about mental illness so people can learn through shared experiences, find support, and learn about treatment options.
Also, I provide supervision to licensed master social workers seeking to become a LCSW. We discuss every topic to have better understanding of self so they can make informed clinical decisions for the clients they serve.
So maybe we end on discussing what matters most to you and why?
Work-life balance. I like having time for my clients AND my family. Being in a helping profession, we often place our needs aside to assist others. I learned early in my career that not making time for self-care/family/friends can put a strain on your own well-being and relationships. Now that I am a wife and mother, I want to make sure I am investing time into my family just as much as I invest in helping my clients.
Contact Info:
- Email: Jheri@katyteenandfamilycounseling.com
- Website: www.mentalhealthlounge.com
- Instagram: @MentalHealthLounge
- Other: www.katyteenandfamilycounseling.com
