Today we’d like to introduce you to Johnessia Jones.
Hi Johnessia, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself
When I completed my Masters of Social Work program in 2007, I told myself I’d “end” my social work career as a therapist. It was important to me, to have experience in the social work field, prior to becoming a therapist. I’ve spent the last 12 years serving as a medical social worker. I spent a lot of time with patients and their caregivers, helping to arrange services to assist them.
I noticed that people with chronic diseases have higher rates of depression and anxiety, and their caregivers did as well. Their caregivers were experiencing burnout and were very overwhelmed by adding caregiver responsibility to their plates that were already full. My medical experience allowed me to create a niche for my therapy services, focusing on people with chronic diseases and their caregivers.
I started my part-time therapy practice in January 2021, while continuing to work full-time as a medical social worker. I received such a great response for services, that I went full-time with my practice in December 2021.
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?
It has been a smooth road so far, by God’s grace. This was my confirmation that I was doing the right thing.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
I am a full-time therapist. I offer individual and family therapy with the options of virtual or in the office. I see clients for a plethora of reasons, including depression, anxiety, caregiver stress, work stress, chronic disease, parent-child stress, and stressful transitions.
I offer affordable rates so that therapy is accessible and attainable for my community.
Do you have any advice for those looking to network or find a mentor?
I was so blessed and fortunate to have a friend from grad school who is a therapist. She mentored me and continues to make herself available to me as needed. I had no clue where to start, and she gave me all the information to get where I wanted to go.
I am also a part of a Clinicians of Color- Kansas City group. We ask and answer questions of one another and learn so much from each other. I think it’s so important to link up with individuals who can provide sound advice and instructions for your business.
And when your business becomes sound and is flourishing, you mentor and pass down the knowledge to the next person.
Pricing:
- Individual – $90 per session.
- Family – $105 per session.
Contact Info:
- Email: johnessia@convergencecounselingkc.com
- Website: convergencecounselingkc.com
- Instagram: @Convergence.Counseling
- Facebook: Convergence Counseling Services
Image Credits
Headshots by Precious Rand
