Meet Roma Williams | Therapist and Found of Unload It Therapy

We had the good fortune of connecting with Roma Williams and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Roma, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
Starting my own business was always a dream of mine. Growing up, I knew what I wanted to do, and how. I knew that going into private practice was the way I would go. Growing up I heard stories of how the elders in my family had their own businesses including schools and restaurants. I also watched my parents work hard for their respective companies and longed for the day when I could become successful under my own entrepreneurial endeavors. This desire only grew after college when I realized that working 9-5 in the corporate may not be lucrative for what I wanted to do, however it would be a decade after becoming a therapist that I would finally open my private practice. With what I had learned and experienced working for others, I wanted my practice to focus on what others do not, which is the people, including the staff, and the people we serve. I wanted both to feel comfortable and able to fully experience the things going on in treatment.

What should our readers know about your business?
Unload It Therapy is a private mental health and emotional wellness practice located in Houston, Tx. When I moved to Houston, I was looking for a part time job in a private practice, which was not working out. I got the impression that practices did not know what to do with me.Before the pandemic, it was common to see may be one person of color (or none) in a therapy practice. The year that I moved to Houston, I had planned to open my private practice, but I decided to take a job, and try something new. Once, I got turned down at my third practice, God told me “start now”. I had no clue what I was doing business wise, but I knew that the vision was. From that point, I launched my solo practice, and in 2021, we grew into a group practice.

What sets us apart from others is that we are focused on relational well being among LGBTQIA+ and BIPOC clients. We are also primarily BIPOC therapists who understand some of the challenges that our clients may experience. We place cultural competency at the fore front of the work that we do so that our clients can bring their whole selves into the therapy room.

I am most proud and excited about the ability to have a training aspect to the practice that allows us to grow the next generation of therapists. My goal is to give them the nurturing and experiences that will help to grow them into assets for their community.

My journey in business was not easy, by far. But to echo my mother:”if it was easy, then everyone would be doing it.” I have overcame certain challenges, and am currently working to overcome others. However, I am able to withstand what comes my way by my faith in God, my dynamic support systems, business besties, and having a team that is ready and wiling to pitch in whenever needed. I’ve learned many lessons, and some of the biggest were to be patient, believe in myself, and to follow my instincts.

I want the world to know that I and my business is here for the people! I believe that we are all doing the best that we can nad sometimes, we will need support. That does not make us weak or unable in anyway, it makes us human! We all need each other to survive. I want to normalize that in our society. I also want the world to understand that our ability to be vulnerable with one another, can move the mountains that we experience in our lives and relationships.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Bisou is my favorite spot for brunch or even Wednesday night. The vibe is always right. H Bar: It is always a wonderful place to have a drink and get comfy. Thirteen has amazing food. A hotel spa, like the omni. Cru wine is wonderful any day of the week and they have one of the best wine selections in the city, A’bouzy is my favorite place to grab a bottle of bubbly with good food

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
My shoutout goes to God first. I don’t know why this career path was put in my heart at the age of 14, but I am thankful that it is, and that is it something that I was able to realize. Then I want to shoutout my family, especially my father. If it were not for him believing and investing in my dream, I would not be in the position that I am in.

Website: www.unloadittherapy.com

Instagram: @unloadittherapy @romadoestherapy

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/roma-williams-lmft-86b51550/

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@unloadittherapy5617