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

Hi Joi, what inspires you?
I am inspired by people’s journeys and stories. Honestly my own truly inspires me! I think back to all the hurdles I have encountered and I am truly proud of myself and the space I am currently in. When I was 13 my mother was diagnosed with a chronic illness called Scleroderma. Four days after my 25th birthday my father unexpectedly died. Less than 2 years after that my mother died. I graduated with my MSW in 2012 while still grieving and trying to figure out how to do life without my parents. I ended an unhealthy relationship right after and met the love of my life in 2014. In 2017 he unexpectedly died from a pulmonary embolism. With the push and encouragement of my former Therapist I opened my private practice – Life Intentionally Psychotherapy Services LCSW PLLC in November 2019. After being written up for an Instagram post at my full time job as a Social Work Director; I decided to quit my job. I put in my letter of resignation on March 11, 2020. We all know what happened in the world after that…

These are just some of the major “highlights”. Any and all of these could have been the thing to cause me to give up or stop striving to have the life I really desire to have. I am still not there but I am doing the work to get there. And I don’t just mean by working as a Social Worker/Therapist; I mean taking care of my overall wellness – mental, emotional, spiritual, social and physical. I am so grateful for my support system for being in my corner through the ups and downs of life. They inspire me daily and are some of the most amazing humans I know!

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
Life Intentionally Psychotherapy Services supports clients in how to “live on purpose and with purpose!” I believe we all want to feel seen, heard and understood. There is an importance to having a safe and authentic space where you can process past experiences and traumas while learning new skills to reach life goals; especially for Black and Brown communities. I am proud of the progress my clients have made and that they are able to be their full selves while doing so. And even when things are difficult and do not feel like progress; I am proud of how we are able to show up together and work through the concerns.

The pandemic really pushed me to where I am today in business. Like I mentioned I quit my full time job in March of 2020. I had a few clients in my private practice but not enough to sustain rent, bills and eat without another income. There was a level of stress that arose when I knew I needed to pivot into increasing my client load while also processing being a full time entrepreneur. The beginning was hard because folks were in need or desire of therapy but with losing jobs or limited income; were struggling to afford it. At the time setting a rate was already difficult due to not being comfortable or taught as a Black woman how to put a dollar amount on my worth. I was then having to have difficult conversations about money and sometimes negotiate why I was worth it. This process has reminded me that everyone is not for me and I am not for everyone. If I am able to see someone at a lesser rate I can and I do. However my rate is my rate and I stand firm in that.

I want the world to know that therapy does not look one way, nor do therapists. During sessions I am usually rocking my natural hair, some hoop earrings and a t-shirt or hoodie with a message. I create a space where you can be you, learn, unlearn, cry, laugh, grow, be challenged and heal. This is a space where we are redefining what words and feelings mean to us. I love the work I do and am grateful for those who welcome me on this journey with them.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
I am still new to Atlanta, so I have not visited many spots! I absolutely love the chicken, catfish, drinks and vibe at Harold’s Chicken and Ice Box in Duluth. I could probably go there weekly but I practice restraint LOL. I love brunch and the energy at Toast, Nouveau and Breakfast at Barney’s. I have discovered my enjoyment for golf at TopGolf. I also really enjoyed candle making at Candle Lit Atlanta and wine tasting at Chateau Elan.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I would like to dedicate my shoutout to my friends! When I say I have the best friends ever, I mean that! From showing up after I have lost loved ones to celebrating all my wins; my friends are there! They really are the people who know me, who listen to me and who I know want the best for me. They are also the people who hold me accountable and check me when I need to be checked. I love and value my relationships with them and I am forever grateful for them!

Website: www.lifeintentionallyps.com

Instagram: @thejoiofsocialwork

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