Meet Dr. Lester | Psychotherapist & Professor

We had the good fortune of connecting with Dr. Donita Lester and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Dr. Lester, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
My thought process behind starting my own business is that I became weary of working for other people. I remember every time I had to minimize my skillset to fit into an environment. I got enough confidence to change the trajectory of my life and do what I love.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?

Dr. Lester’s background is in the field of Counseling and Human Services. Her approach is more flexible and multifaceted in its style. As a therapist, she believes in allowing herself to utilize the most effective method of psychotherapy that is suitable to address the individual needs of each client. This same flexibility is exhibited in her consulting efforts and expertise as well. Her experience tells her that she must go beyond the limited perspectives of society to help individuals realize their true potential and maximize the moment. Her goal is to create a therapeutic environment where individuals get the help and support needed to achieve their goals.

Dr. Lester hopes to enrich each client’s experience in therapy and consulting alike. It is her desire for clients to share their experiences, beliefs, and perspectives. She believes that when clients can do so, it will offer a richly diverse intellectual and social environment.  An environment that enriches the experience of individuals, offers insight to those whose experiences, beliefs, and perspectives are different from their own.

Dr. Lester has a Doctorate of Education in Pastoral Community Counseling from Argosy University (2017) and a Master’s in Counseling and Human Services from National Louis University (2004).  She also holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Applied Behavioral Science from National Louis University in (2002). She holds her LPC (Licensed Professional Counselor) in Illinois and in Wyoming.

Dr. Lester’s work experience is broad and has consisted of running an Intensive Outpatient Program and Intensive Treatment Units, with both men and women in a corrections setting.  Additionally, her work has been in Private Agencies, Residential Treatment Services, EAP, Telehealth, Assessments, and Referrals along with Crisis Therapy within a hospital.

Additionally, she has experience in academia and teaching as an Adjunct Professor with Ivy Tech Community College and Trinity Christian College in Chicago Illinois. Dr. Lester is currently an Affiliate Faculty member with Colorado Christian University.  She has taught the following courses: Introduction to Human Services; Helping Relationships; Issues and Ethics; Interviewing and Assessments; Juvenile Delinquency; Psychology of Personal Growth; Empathy Training; Counseling Internship I; Counseling Internship III;  Counseling Skills I; Counseling Skills II, Counseling Practicum, and Theological Foundations.

Consulting expertise includes:

Identifying problems

Initiating change

Providing objectivity

Teaching and training

Identifying aspects of a spiritual crisis

Conflict resolution

Cultural Diversity

Cultural Sensitivity

Diversity Inclusion

Clinical expertise includes:

Substance Abuse and Addictions

Psychosis

Depression

Adjustment Disorders

Anxiety

Family Conflicts

Anger management

Self-esteem

Coping with life changes

Coaching

Commitment Issues

Communication challenges

Clinical Approaches:

Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT)

Narrative Therapy

Person-Centered Therapy

Rational Emotive Behavioral Therapy (REBT)

Reality Therapy

Existential Therapy

Christian Counseling

Relational Therapy

In terms of being proud of my accomplishments, I cannot really say that I am proud. However, I can truly say that I am more amazed than anything else. I am grateful to be chosen as a trusted vessel to walk the path(s) I have traveled. The only way that I have made it this far is by the grace of God. Specifically, Jesus inside of me working on the outside doing work through me for His glory!

My challenges have been numerous.  I can’t tell them all.  I will share that as an African American woman, I have had a challenging time being who I am because of my background and educational level. Sometimes people are intimidated by me and want me to prove myself.  When faced with these challenges, I have had to remember to pray while knowing who I am and my place in God.

The lesson I have learned is never give up.  This means keep pushing while knowing that you are where you are because you are supposed to be there. I want others to know that despite the color of their skin; ethnic background; setbacks; and struggles you have purpose and you have destiny. Don’t stop until you get there.

Finally, I want others to know that every setback is a setup. Know that when you are rejected it gives you your direction. Know that all the people that have left your life could not stay and all the people that have stayed could not leave.  My brand is that I have created a service that is tailor-made with you in mind. Check out itsallaboutyouconsulting.com.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?

The first spot would be breakfast at Wild Berry Pancake Café.  I would already have reserved SPA treatment for us at Hand and Stone Spa for some relaxation through a treatment of our choice. Afterward, we would head over to SPA O Nail Salon for our Manicures and Pedicures.  There is nothing like getting your hands and feet done.

Certainly, there will be dining after the pampering of ourselves. Add to this excursion is an exquisite place for lunch called the Cite Elegant Dining Rooftop.  Next, there will be a stroll down to the Magnificent Mile for shopping. The final destination would be a nice dinner and dessert at my favorite spot Red Lobster.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?

I would like to thank my friends and family who support me and always see greatness in me when I can’t see it in myself. These individuals support me with prayer and encouragement. During times of uncertainty and difficulty, some have monetarily supported me as well. And for this, I am eternally grateful. My mother who raised me, but has since passed away, taught me to be the woman that I have become.

Website: itsallaboutyouconsulting.com

Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/dr-donita-m-lester-ma-ppc-70313122

Twitter: Dr. Donita Lester @uznme2

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100000212292509