Meet Aziza Belcher Platt | Psychologist

We had the good fortune of connecting with Aziza Belcher Platt and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Aziza, what role has risk played in your life or career?
My philosophy on risk-taking is best answered with one of my favorite quotes:
“There is freedom waiting for you,
On the breezes of the sky,
And you ask “What if I fall?”
Oh but my darling,
What if you fly?”
~Erin Hanson

I have taken several risks in my career, one of which was changing careers from a software developer to a psychologist. Risky? Yes. Worth it? Absolutely.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
I am the founder of Sol Psychological Counseling, Community, and Consulting Services and I started my practice during the pandemic. It is still a growing practice and a learning process for me but I am grateful and inspired to be able to provide the type of therapeutic support and community engagement that aligns with my values. My practice is named Sol for 3 reasons:
1. To honor that we are souls (travelers made of light)
2. Sol (as in the sun) is life-giving, activating, energizing, growth-inducing, healing, nurturing, strengthening, renewing, and restoring. Also, I think of healing as a journey and the sun’s orbit is a journey anchoring the solar system on a grand celestial adventure while warming, sustaining, and drawing life back after cold or darkness. Sunrise is a signal of new beginnings, fresh chances, and quiet renewal; Sunlight is magic and medicine; and Sunset is proof that endings have beauty.
3. The logo is a combination of the sun and a sunflower (my favorite flower) because sunflowers always turn towards the sun because they are looking for light and I always want all of us to be seeking the light in ourselves (I promise, it’s there).

All that said, all of the services I offer under the banner of Sol Psychological Counseling, Community, and Consulting Services start with the prefix (and pretext) of Sol:
SOLo – Individual
SOLder – Relationships/Family/Friendships
SOLar System – Group
SOLace – Grief
SOLidify – Assessment
SOLiloquy – Talks, Workshops, Speaking Engagements
SOLidarity – Community
SOLdier – Revolution
SOLution – Consultant

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Fontaine’s Oyster House for great oysters on the half shell (along with other delicious food)
Little Bear for delicious food in general but especially for that out-of-this world egg drop soup
Jen Chan’s for the dirty south martini and Mahjong Mondays
Grant Park for a great walk and people-watching
Dekalb Farmer’s Market for the sheer love of all the diverse produce to grab and try
Sound bowl session at Sound Meditation Studio (Soulful Soundz Studio)
An acupuncture session at Acupuncture Works with Kerri Winston
City Winery for a live performance depending on the performer
Starlight Drive-in Theater for a unique movie experience
Georgia Aquarium to see those mighty whale sharks
My house for a game night featuring spades, bid whist, etc.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Dr. Vince Allen a fellow psychologist and frequent collaborator. He is passionate about mental health and particularly supporting Black men. He has also been an inspiration and support in this private practice journey.

Website: https://solpsych.com/

Image Credits
David Parham
Takia Lamb