Meet Courtney Dee Dowdy | Army Major, Licensed Therapist & Founder of Butterfly Effect Therapy LLC

We had the good fortune of connecting with Courtney Dee Dowdy and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Courtney Dee, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
Starting Butterfly Effect Therapy LLC came from both a personal calling and a professional need I couldn’t ignore. As a mental health professional, I saw how small shifts—like being heard, seen, and supported—could lead to major breakthroughs. That’s the heart of the “butterfly effect,” and it’s what inspired the name of my practice.

I also recognized a real gap in accessible, culturally competent care—especially for Black children, young adults, and families. There is a deep need for more Black therapists who can provide representation, safety, and understanding in the therapeutic space. I wanted to help fill that gap and create a space where healing didn’t require code-switching or explaining your identity before you could even begin to unpack your experiences.

My thought process centered around impact and intention. I asked myself: How can I build something that truly serves my community? What would it look like to create a practice that meets people where they are and helps them grow into who they want to be? That reflection led me to launch Butterfly Effect Therapy LLC—a place where we don’t just talk about change, we help people live it.

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.
My career has been a journey of purpose, perseverance, and passion. I am Courtney Dee Dowdy; an Army Major, licensed therapist, and founder of Butterfly Effect Therapy LLC. What sets me apart is the unique blend of military discipline, mental health expertise, and deep cultural competency I bring to my work, especially serving Black children, young adults, and families.

I’m most proud of building a practice that truly centers representation and healing for a community that has historically been underserved and overlooked in mental health care. Creating Butterfly Effect Therapy LLC was not just about starting a business, it was about answering a calling to provide culturally sensitive support and to break stigmas around mental health in my community.

One of the programs I’m most excited about is Girl TALK :a free mental health group I offer for girls ages 8 to 18. This program creates a safe, supportive space where young girls and women can discuss mental health openly, build resilience, and learn tools for self-care and empowerment. Providing this at no cost is especially important to me because access to mental health resources should never be limited by financial barriers.

My journey is far from over—it’s just beginning. Throughout multiple military deployments, I faced setbacks that temporarily delayed my progress, including completing my licensure. However, those challenges never stopped me. My determination to serve my community and pursue my goals pushed me through every obstacle. The discipline and resilience I developed during deployment strengthened my commitment to my career and personal growth.

I looking to pursuing my PhD in Clinical Psychology with the goal of expanding my ability to provide comprehensive assessments and to develop Girl TALK clinics wherever I land. My vision is to make this program accessible to even more young girls and women, helping to create healthier communities nationwide.

Balancing military service, education, and clinical work has taken resilience and intentionality. There were moments of doubt and fatigue, but I leaned heavily on my faith, my support system, and mentors who encouraged me to keep going..

The biggest lesson I’ve learned is that healing and growth are nonlinear and that progress often comes in small, sometimes invisible, steps; just like the butterfly effect. I want the world to know that Butterfly Effect Therapy LLC is more than therapy, it’s a movement toward empowerment, authenticity, and transformation.

Through my brand and story, I hope to inspire others to embrace their journeys, seek help without shame, and believe in their own power to change their lives. I want people to know that seeking mental health support is a sign of strength, not weakness, and that healing is accessible, authentic, and deeply personal. Through programs like Girl TALK, I’m committed to creating safe spaces where young girls and women can find their voice, build resilience, and grow into their fullest potential.

My journey is ongoing, and my mission is clear: to inspire hope, break down stigma, and provide competent care that truly meets the needs of the community and beyond.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
If my best friend were visiting Houston for a week, I’d start our mornings with brunch at Max’s Wine Dive, where the shrimp and grits and chicken and waffles are absolutely delicious. After brunch, we’d run off the meal with a scenic 3-mile loop around Memorial Park, enjoying the beautiful, lush surroundings that make it one of Houston’s best outdoor spots. To unwind and recharge midweek, I’d treat us to a spa day at Sundor, where we could experience red light therapy—a perfect way to relax, rejuvenate, and boost our well-being.

For dinner, Pappadeaux Seafood Kitchen offers fresh Gulf Coast seafood, and afterward, we could enjoy cocktails at Anvil Bar & Refuge. On Sunday, we’d head to The Poetry Lounge, where sipping on a Poetry cocktail adds a creative and refreshing twist to the night. For a fun, playful night out, we’d visit Candy Room. It a a lively spot known for its daiquiris and games, perfect for letting loose and having some laughs.

Throughout the week, we’d explore Buffalo Bayou Park for biking, shop at the Houston Galleria, and visit neighborhoods like Montrose and the Heights for their eclectic shops, murals, and great eats. There are always rooftop bars to check out, live music venues to enjoy, southern comfort food at Lucille’s, and peaceful strolls through Hermann Park’s Japanese Garden. Other than that, I’m usually just chilling at home.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
First and foremost, I want to give all glory and thanks to God. Without His guidance, strength, and grace, none of this would be possible. He has been the foundation and constant source of hope throughout my journey.

I’m also deeply grateful for my educational foundation—Jackson State University and Prairie View A&M University—both of which played a pivotal role in shaping me personally and professionally. The knowledge, experiences, and community I found at these institutions have been instrumental in my growth and success.

I want to give a special shoutout to my friend Maurisa Goldston, who pushed me to stop waiting and just go for it. Her encouragement and belief in me helped break down the mental barriers that were holding me back and motivated me to take the leap into entrepreneurship.

Beyond that, my family and close friends have been unwavering pillars of support, encouraging me through every challenge and celebrating every achievement. I also want to honor the Black mental health community and mentors who inspired me to pursue this meaningful work. Lastly, the clients and families who entrust me with their healing journeys are my greatest teachers, reminding me daily of resilience and hope.

All these people and experiences have come together to shape Butterfly Effect Therapy LLC and my mission to serve with intention and heart.

Website: https://thebutterflyeffecttherapy.org

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thebutterflyeffecttherapy

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/courtney-dowdy-b5b54a25?trk=people-guest_people_search-card

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thebuttereffecttherapy/

Image Credits
credit Photographer Michael Sneed
Mental Health Intern -Cortney Thomas
Fierce Beauties Flag Football League Owner Maurisa Goldston
Believable Changes Owner Tamika Idlebird –