Meet Leah Gillam | Leah Gillam, LCSW-S, CCPS, Owner of Selah Counseling Center

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

Hi Leah, what role has risk played in your life or career?
Learning how to take risks- the right kind of risks-is a key factor in success. I believe in taking calculated risks. Starting a business is a gamble; it requires guardrails which could be in the form of limits placed on the time or financial capital invested in the endeavor. Knowing your personal risk tolerance, and gauging how much risk your organization or family can absorb requires a high level of self-awareness and lots of discussion. Once I’ve identified the parameters, and where the off-ramp will be, I can actually enjoy the journey, regardless of where the outcome takes me.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
Being a social worker is more than a career- it’s a calling. I knew I was meant to be a social worker after taking my first class in college; helping others is something I’ll never not be passionate about. Helping others has looked like many things over the years- initially I was a foster home case manager, I’ve worked in a skilled nursing facility and homeless shelters. The hardest part was in 2019, when I transitioned from nonprofit work into private practice. Due to the pandemic, I soon transitioned from working with clients face-to-face into practicing 100% via telehealth. COVID-19 forced me to deconstruct many of the assumptions I had about what therapy needed to look like. I got very creative very quickly to meet the needs of my clients and establish a home office, while my husband and I homeschooled our two children. That was a very challenging season, but I’m so grateful for the patience and problem-solving that it taught me. There is always a solution. Leaving the security and stability of a team and launching a business had a steep learning curve. I made lots of mistakes along the way, usually from taking on too much too quickly by myself. There is strength in numbers; even as a solo practitioner, I rely on a team. There are many people working behind the scenes to keep the office running smoothly, and I’m so blessed by each one of them. My hope is for Selah Counseling Center to be a sanctuary for others, until they can find sanctuary within themselves.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Houston is one of the most diverse cities in the United States. It is truly hard to pick a favorite place, but if my best friend was in town for a week I’d recommend that she book a room at the Laura Hotel. There’s live music at the bar, and it’s located next to one of my favorite restaurants, McCormick & Schmick’s. The first day we’d go to the Cockrell Butterfly Center; it is three stories of pure magic and there’s nothing else like it. The Arboretum at Memorial City Park would also be a the top of the list- its hiking trails make you forget you’re in the middle of a metropolitan area. Day 2 would include Theater Under The Stars (TUTS) which is one of the most unique settings to enjoy a picnic and play, but first we’d have to visit the Houston Zoo and/or Museum of Natural Science. Day 3 would begin at Discovery Green. From yoga to cultural events, there is always something fun going on, but ice skating during the winter is the best! While we are there, we’d have to stop at The Grove for lunch. Speaking of food, Houston hospitality is top-notch. There is nothing like Simone on Sunset (followed by stroll around Levy Park) or Ra Sushi (at Katy Town Center). Day 4 we’d visit NASA; Houston is space city, after all. This would be followed by an Astros game on day 5, and hanging at Saint Arnold Brewing Co to catch some live music. Day 6 we’d head North for some live music and lovely scenery; we’d raise a glass during the sunset toast at Bernhardt Winery. Last but not least, we’d go to Brazos Bend State Park on day 7.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
My loudest shoutout goes to a dear friend and colleague Lyschel Burkett, with Hope Redefined. Lyschel is a tireless advocate for women who are walking through betrayal trauma. She lives a courageously authentic life, inspiring those around her to do the same. Lyschel has been a mentor and encourager over the years. She helped me get a scholarship to attend this retreat, which was transformative both personally and professionally. Lyschel has invited me into deep study and reflection around the intersection of faith, boundaries, and the formation of personal values. This has re-shaped the way I show up for my clients, myself, and those I’m closest to. Partnering with Hope Redefined on various projects has been one of the most joyful parts of my journey; the road is not easy but I’m forever thankful our paths have crossed.

Website: https://www.selahtx.com

Instagram: selah.counseling

Image Credits
Photo #3 John Harvey, PhD with 5NP Texas