Meet Dr. Lakeisha Gatling | Psychotherapist & Yoga Guide

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

Hi Dr. Lakeisha, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
I experienced a mental health crisis during my early twenties. I was having panic attacks and had no idea of what a panic attack or even what anxiety was.  I did know that what I was feeling didn’t feel like a medical problem. I was having a difficult time making sense of it all. I explained what I was going through to a friend and she encouraged me to seek out counseling and even helped me to find a counselor close to my home. Seeking therapy was not something discussed in my community at the time and to be honest, was quite taboo. I felt helpless so I thought why not give it a try? Therapy benefited my life greatly and contributed to me being a better healed human. Within that time spent with the therapist, I learned how to cope with life circumstances that were beyond my control (family dynamics issues, self-esteem, and trauma). When looking for a therapist one of the biggest hurdles was finding a therapist who looked like me or at least could identify with my experiences as a person of color. While my therapist was amazing and very very helpful there were certain issues that I withheld because I wasn’t sure she would understand. Therefore, the thought behind the process of starting my practice was to become the face that I needed to see.

What should our readers know about your business?

I believe and know my tenacity for healing and mental wellness sets me apart. I am most proud of my ability to have attended school for 15 years consecutively and achieved an Associate’s degree, a Bachelor’s degree, a Master’s degree, and finally a Doctoral degree all while working full-time.

Starting a private practice was in no way easy! There were several steps to take and life hurdles to work through. Upon the completion of my master’s degree, I had to have another 2 years of clinical supervision and pass two licensing exams. In addition, I didn’t know how to start a private practice because entrepreneurship was not taught in any of my programs. While in my last two degree programs, I experienced the death of my brother and then my father. During those times, I often wondered if I should continue the process of my education because grief definitely got in the way. While I very much wanted to quit, I was still convinced that my purpose was to help others find their path to healing. I just couldn’t quit. I felt that I was called to the field of mental health. It isn’t just a career for me; it’s a calling.

One of the biggest lessons that I learned is that grief can be a beautifully ugly process. I say that because it was grief that allowed me to light a path in the midst of dark times and create a life that I felt I was purposed to live.

Because of my life experiences and my love for the mental health field, I wholeheartedly believe in the therapy process and participate in therapy as often as I need to as a self-care practice, a mental wellness practice and to ensure that I am “doing my own work”. My brand is to be the face that I and my community need to see and heal by example.

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?

I would take them to the Post Oak Hotel Spa. I love love love Steak 48 and we would eat their Red Velvet Bread Pudding for dessert. We would check out art exhibits in the museum district and we would go to the Galleria Mall to shop!

I would find a sound bath meditation and yoga class for us to attend.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
My faith has made a huge impact as a compass for my path. God gets an abundance of credit; more than words can describe. My husband Michael has been and is my number one fan! I also have a strong support circle of family and sister-friends who love me wholeheartedly. They keep me honest with myself, accountable to my vision, and anchor me when I get discouraged. I also have a host of mentors some that I know personally and some that I have been mentored by way of their work in the healing and mental health field. I believe we are all better when we have support and feel supported. I am very grateful!

Website: ldgatling.com

Instagram: dr.lgatling

Image Credits
Vision Casting photo credit: @darrylhowardphotography Photo with blue top: @kenjonesphotography