Exploring Life & Business with Reggie Jackson of Satori Counseling Services

Today we’d like to introduce you to Reggie Jackson.

Reggie, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I started working in a Community Mental Health setting as an attendant care provider in 2003, after college, just trying to figure out life. I knew nothing about mental health. I actually graduated from college the spring after 9/11 happened, so the job market was weird and really I didn’t know what the hell I was going to do. I actually got my BS in History from Kansas State University and wanted to go to law school, but I prioritized partying instead of academics, that was a gift and a curse.

Eventually, I attended the MSW program at KU and worked in numerous leadership positions, managing a team of case managers in Wyandotte, and a couple of other gigs in social services. After some time working as a contract therapist. I founded my therapy practice in 2014, initially called Jackson Psychotherapy, LLC and in about 2018 changed the name to Satori Counseling Services. For all that are curious, Satori is a Buddhist term for “awakening”. Subsequent to that, I started a Domestic Violence program in 2013 to support men in reducing abuse in intimate partner relationships. I collaborated with the Missouri Department of Corrections For 2 of those years, I worked in the Palestine area of KCMO and then moved the program to the Gregg/Klice center for another year before I moved my program to Lawrence, KS.

I maintain a state-approved Batterers Intervention Program (BIP) in Kansas to this day and we now have 10 staff working for Satori Counseling Services. We are a practicum site for students wanting to be trained to become skilled therapists as well. Along with that, I provide therapy services (small caseload at this point) and we have grown into a group practice. Satori also provides Anger Management classes as well. My main focus moving forward is finding more skilled contract therapists and I am moving into the consulting, training and technical assistance space.

I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey have been a fairly smooth road?
It’s been a labor of love for sure, I’ve bootstrapped the entire thing. I’ve always been a creative and bullheaded, both are important in the world of business ownership. There have been plenty of bumps in the road and scary times, which any entrepreneur probably goes through. Not to mention as a Black man in a field dominated by white women, I have had to navigate several systemic obstacles. Learning to set boundaries professionally and personally is a skill that I continue to grow. Some folks want to use my time, skills, and expertise for free, and/or they are willing to have Satori support their organization but do not reciprocate the same energy. I have to say I’ve had the opportunity to work with some awesome people as well and make an impact in people’s lives which feels good. I have learned a lot about my own work ethic and have been resilient throughout the process. Things are slowly paying off, if you struggle with patience, starting your own thing is going to be a challenge. Currently, finding funding to scale the practice to really obtain my vision of supporting marginalized folks gain access to mental health resources at a reasonable price point is my biggest challenge.

Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about Satori Counseling Services?
Satori Counseling Services is a Black-owned, progressive therapist collective. Satori staff prioritize inclusion and respect for all individuals we serve. Our therapists believe in creating an emotionally safe environment in which clients feel respected, cared about, and heard. We strive to provide quality, affordable therapeutic services to the underserved and marginalized. Our staff uses trauma-informed strategies and techniques to best serve the people we work with. We compassionately encourage and empower people to achieve the goals they create for themselves in the therapeutic setting. We support individuals who struggle with mental health challenges, as well as folx who simply want to create personal change to encourage growth and wellness in their lives. Services we offer:

Counseling for individuals, couples, and families
Couples counseling
Counseling with the queer community
Counseling for high school and college athletes to address their unique challenges on and off the field
Counseling for adolescents and adults who struggle with substance abuse
Treatment for Complex trauma
Treatment for children and parents. We have a Registered Play Therapist on staff!
Court-mandated assessments (BIP/DV, mental health evaluations)
Emotional regulation & Anger Management Workshop
Batterer’s Intervention Program

Brand-wise, I’m most proud that we are creating a space for people who look like me to give therapy a chance, which aids in destigmatizing mental health. We pride ourselves on being to working with marginalized populations of different intersectionalities. I’m also proud that I can provide opportunities to BIPOC folks and allies who want to be in an emotionally safe work environment and work with people who may feel outcasted. I’m very proud of our staff, they work hard and deal with me ha. I want our staff to feel comfortable and heard. Last but not least, I am very in tune with our staff maintaining self-care and making space for family time.

Contact Info:

• Email: [email protected]
• Website: https://satoricounseling.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/satoricounseling/?hl=en
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/satoricounseling1/