Today we’d like to introduce you to Shawn Derritt.
Hi Shawn , 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?
My journey into life coaching began with a different career path in mind—I originally aimed to become a psychologist. I pursued my passion and earned a Master’s Degree in Counseling Psychology, fully dedicated to helping others. However, my career took a turn when I found myself working in higher education.
Initially, I focused on middle and high school students, supporting them in dreaming about and planning for a college education. It was incredibly rewarding to guide young minds as they envisioned their futures. This experience extended into my role with college students, where I continued to inspire and coach them toward their academic and personal goals.
As I navigated this path, I was encouraged by a colleague to consider becoming a life coach. At first, I was unfamiliar with the concept, but upon reflection, I realized that the essence of life coaching closely aligned with the work I was already doing. I decided to get certified to formalize my skills and knowledge in this area.
Through this process, I recognized that my natural aptitude for guiding people, combined with my training in counseling psychology, positioned me to be an effective life coach. Embracing this role has allowed me to further my passion for helping individuals navigate their lives and reach their potential.
In addition to my life coaching practice, my wife and I are award-winning Gospel Recording Artists. I have released two projects, “Someone Like Me” and “Thank You,” and my wife’s project is titled “I Believe.” Last fall, we debuted our first joint project, “The Derritts Book of Hymns.” Music has been an integral part of my life since I was 9, singing in children’s choirs. In my late 20s, as a Worship Leader at Sheffield Family Life Center, I began to write songs used in our worship services. When the congregation embraced these original songs, it gave me the courage to write more, ultimately leading to the release of two CDs of original music. My wife and I have been part of the worship team at Sheffield for over 20 years, and we’ve even found ways to incorporate our music into our counseling sessions at times.
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?
The journey to becoming a life coach has certainly had its ups and downs, but I wouldn’t describe it as overly challenging. One of the biggest breakthroughs for me was recognizing that all I really needed to do was step out and let my natural strengths and abilities evolve into a business.
In the beginning, I had to come to terms with my own worth and understand the value I could provide to others. It was important for me to legitimize my practice by adopting professional standards and approaches, which helped elevate my work in the eyes of potential clients. Identifying my ideal client was another critical step; once I understood who I wanted to serve, I felt more confident in what I had to offer.
Moreover, I learned that marketing and networking played significant roles in this process. I had to become proactive in sharing my services with the world around me, making sure that people knew I was available and ready to support them. While there were some challenges in navigating these aspects, the overall experience has been rewarding, as it has led me to a place where I can truly make a difference in people’s lives.
The journey to becoming a recording artist had more to do with finding my sound and accepting it while not allowing anybody to change the sound or cause me to believe that it has no worth or value. Self-acceptance as an artist leads to a confidence that draws others, as it says to the listener, I have something to share with you that will allow you to transcend whatever you are experiencing or give you a song that voices what you are feeling in the moment.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I provide life coaching specifically tailored for men, focusing on the unique challenges they face when seeking help for life’s difficulties. I understand that many men grapple with accepting support, especially when it comes to issues impacting their mental well-being. Through my own life experiences, I’ve walked a similar path and aim to reassure my clients that they are not alone in their struggles.
What I’m most proud of are the moments when my clients reach the end of their coaching journey and can visibly see the growth and changes they were seeking assistance with. Witnessing their transformation and the renewed sense of purpose and confidence they gain is incredibly fulfilling.
What truly sets me apart from others in this field is my partnership with my wife, Gloria Derritt, a licensed professional counselor. Together, we offer couples counseling, providing a unique dynamic that many clients appreciate. Our joint approach allows us to bring diverse perspectives to the table, and we’ve discovered that many couples actively seek us out for our combined expertise as a husband and wife team. This distinctive collaboration enriches the counseling experience, fostering deeper understanding and connection in relationships.
As an artist, I am proud that I have produced music that people, to this day, come up to me and say they still listen to my projects, and they are still move by them!
What would you say have been one of the most important lessons you’ve learned?
Throughout my journey, I’ve learned some invaluable lessons. One of the most important things is to know your worth and never feel the need to apologize for it, especially when others may not acknowledge it. It’s crucial to stand firm in your values and what you bring to the table.
Another key insight I gained from a good friend is the importance of legitimizing your business. Without this step, it remains just a hobby. When you take the time to establish your business properly, your clients begin to respect your work more and place greater value on your offerings. This respect not only enhances your reputation but also builds trust and loyalty among your clients. These lessons have truly shaped my perspective and approach in both business and personal growth.
This lesson has also been applied to my work as an artist. I have learned that there is an audience for my voice and music, and I don’t have to feel defeated if someone does not value or appreciate my sound. As an artist, you have to find the people your voice and songs resonate with. They are out there; you just have to be willing to put yourself out there. A good friend told me that some artists are meant to be international, some regional, and some local. You have to find out which path you are on and find contentment in your placement. If your stage is local, sing on it as if it is international! The goal is to just get your music heard so it can feed the souls of those it was meant for. True gratification as an artist is to know that your music hit the right spot for someone and became a soundtrack for a moment in their life.
Pricing:
- My individual coaching sessions are $120. a session.
- Couples counsel jointly with my wife is $200 per session
- I also offer a married men’s support group. The fee is $50 per session
- My wife and I also facilitate a couples support group. The fee is $80 a couple
Contact Info:
- Website: www.drshawnderritt.com | www.thederritts.com | https://payhip.com/sderritt
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/drderritt
- Facebook: https://facebook.com/shawn.derritt
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-shawn-derritt-ed-d-5116b13
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/@thederritts1640?
- Email: [email protected]
