Meet Aisha Martin, LICSW, LCSW-C | Owner/Clinical Director/Lead Therapist

We had the good fortune of connecting with Aisha Martin, LICSW, LCSW-C and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Aisha, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
My thought process behind my business was to do things my way. For many years, I have shared my talents with many agencies, but often felt stifled by policies (that I did not necessarily agree with). When I finally decided to open my own practice, I was working as a school social worker for a school district and felt that I was not able to be as clinical as I would like. The way the system was set up I was doing a lot of other task (duties, attendance, etc) and that is was not the best use of my clinical skills.

I wanted to open a mental health practice where Aisha was able to do exactly what she wanted. I wanted to have the freedom mix and match theories, use to the tools I want, create the policies and help families in a genuine way.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
Woodley Park Clinical Services (WPCS) , LLC is a private mental health practice located in Washington, DC. We opened our doors in 2019 and have serviced over 400 clients and provided supervision for over 12 graduate level social workers.

In 2019, I was confident there was a need for mental health services in the community, but I did not realize how much of an impact I would make in my efforts to support others. I use a client centered approach and offer Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBP) and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CPT). I am also trained and Child Centered Play Therapy (CCPT) and Sand Tray Therapy. I stand by allowing clients to know they are in control of their process and I am there to help guide them through more difficult times.

I am most excited about word of mouth referrals. When I receive requests for services and people say they were referred by a current or former client, parent or colleague, that is all the data I need to know WPCS is moving a positive direction.

Owning a private practice, is like having another child. You want to share all you know and protect it from harm. I take my role very seriously. Initially, I had a difficult time allowing others to help me and I wanted to be everything (scheduling, billing, payroll, therapist, supervisor, cleaning crew, maintenance, etc) to my practice. I soon learned that is not sustainable and I needed to allow others to help me. This was such a blessing in hindsight.

Some lessons I learned along the way is one I say to clients all the time, “Put your mask on first”. I learned that it is ok to take a vacation or attend my children’s performances and as long as I plan timely (my clients are super flexible). I learned to trust the skills I have provided them and that they are able to apply them most of the time when I am not available. I also learned, that not everyone is ready for therapy and at times they need a break or I need to let them know they need a break. That is a very difficult thing to do. Lastly, helping clients know they no longer need my support is at times hard. For many, therapy is for maintenance, but they also need to grow without my support/feedback.

If I had to think of one thing I wanted to the world to know about my story is that there is room in the mental health world for everyone. I want my colleagues to know being your own boss is the most wonderful experience in the world because no one will work harder for you than YOU. I have mentored various therapists that have worked for me to open their own private practices and I have strongly encourage my peers that were interested to TRY. You will never KNOW what you are capable of if you do not TRY. I want them to know also know private practice is NOT for everyone. You have to hustle, I mean HUSTLE. Earning income “fee for service” is hard and at time scary. However, if you are doing what you love (no matter what it is) you will find peace.

I am at peace. When I come into my office, I am at home. My private practice is not just my career, it is my passion and my legacy.

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?
Breakfast/Lunch: Milk and Honey, Ben’s Chili Bowl, Fresh Crabs (from anywhere honestly but I prefer on the water), Kitchen Cray

Dinner Huncho House in Hyattsville MD, Le Diplomate, Cane

Attractions: Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture, Frederick Douglass House Tour, Night Tour of the Monuments and Memorials, Show at the John F. Kennedy Center for performing Arts, DC Wharf, Southwest Waterfront, National Harbor in MD, Annapolis Waterfront in MD

Live Music: Bethesda Blue and Jazz (favorite),

Shopping: Tyson’s Corner

If I am being honest, I LOVE being at home and having my husband cook and bartend for me and my friends! It is comfy and we can have a fire and just laugh and have a great time.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
My husband, Myron Martin PUSHED me to step out on faith! I remember when we were just dating, he PUSHED me to get my clinical license when I was complacent in the government agency I was working for. He asked the barriers and I said ME. He immediately offered to pay for a study program and had me set a date to take (and pass) the exam.

Fast forward about 12 years later and he was finally tired of me just talking about my future as if I had forever to life. I used to always say “one day” or “when I have my own practice” I will do this or that. He asked me again, what are the barriers and I said ME. He did ALL the research about owning a business in Washington, DC, looked for the office space and asked me what would I call my practice? A few days later he says he applied for a business license.

Despite being nervous, he again PUSHED me to be the best version of myself! I am so THANKFUL and GRATEFUL he has always believed in me and helped me be the BEST version of myself. So I dedicate my SHOUTOUT to my husband, Myron Martin!

Website: www.woodleyparkclinical.com

Instagram: @woodleypcs