We had the good fortune of connecting with Clara (Ciara) Throckmorton and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Clara (Ciara), we’d love to hear about how you approach risk and risk-taking.
Risk-taking has taught me the power of resilience, unlocking and activating my natural abilities, and unleashing my inner strength. My life has served as a testament to the concept of “risk”. Through taking risks, I have been able to delve into my inner self and discover who I am. When faced with opportunities to challenge my potential and shape my success, taking risks has propelled me forward without looking back.

I first embarked on risk-taking when I became a teenage mother. Just seven days after graduating high school, I gave birth to a beautiful baby girl. Two months later, as a new mother, I enrolled in college. Pursuing higher education as a single parent proved to be a formidable challenge. Nonetheless, I persevered with determination and unwavering resilience. This decision to chart a different path for my daughter through attending college was a risk in itself. It was not an easy choice, and I faced numerous moments of doubt and was tempted to give up. However, witnessing my daughter’s reliance and dependence on me served as a constant inspiration.

There were instances when childcare was unavailable, I had to bring my daughter to class with me. I was lugging toys, snacks, and building blocks in my backpack (since iPads hadn’t been invented). I am grateful for the leniency and support of my professors, who understood the challenges I faced while balancing my educational journey with motherhood. As I navigated through my seven-year college career, completing both my undergraduate and graduate degrees, I successfully graduated with my daughter by my side. This experience taught me that success is not a gift but something to be earned through taking risks and fearing nothing. I made a choice that not only produced immediate results but also long-term rewards.

Throughout this transformative experience, God reminded me that I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength-Philippians 4:13

God’s work was evident by planting the seed of Out The Box Therapy. OTBT was inspired the day my daughter was born (6/17/1999), however, the growth and manifestation came many years later.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
What sets apart Out The Box Therapy is that we embody hope, resilience, and acceptance. My mission has been to normalize therapy and empower individuals to manage emotional distress. Through OTBT, individuals can find purpose amidst chaos and turn their agony into purpose. I want the world to know that OTBT focuses on creating a safe space where people can embrace their true selves without fear of shame or embarrassment. We offer individual and couples counseling services, as well as life coaching and clinical supervision for social work students. I am most excited that I can help others facilitate change and foster personal growth. I have learned along the way that being present and available to others promotes transformation.

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?
If my best friend was visiting the area and I wanted to show them a good time, we would visit all the local hotspots and hidden treasures in Georgia. Our itinerary would include attending Change Church (10:00 am service) and walking on the Beltline to enjoy the art and food.
Later, we would attend live music performances at City Winery, St. James Live, or Perfect Note. For brunch, we would feast at Gochas, and for dinner indulge in Caribbean cuisine at Apt 4B. And relish in my favorite guilty pleasure at The Peach Cobbler Cafe. For a nightcap, we would visit JoJo’s Beloved, The James, or Whiskey Mistress. To satisfy our wine cravings, we will visit Chateau Elaun. To conclude the week, we would entertain ourselves at the High Museum’s First Fridays, Beat the Bomb, or the Museum of Illusions for an interactive activity.

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 acknowledge my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, who is truly the guiding force in my life. Without God, none of my achievements would have been possible. God has bestowed upon me a vision and provided for me through the support and assistance of my family. They have played an indispensable role in the manifestation of my dreams and aspirations. My family has been instrumental in my success and accomplishments. They have been my unwavering supporters right from the start. Without their unconditional love, patience, and faith, my life would have taken a different path. I am deeply thankful for their continuous support and the sacrifices they have made for me.

Website: https://www.comeoutthebox.com

Instagram: @outtheboxtherapy

Facebook: outtheboxtherapy

Other: email; hello@comeoutthebox.com

Image Credits
Abstract Perceptions- Michael Johnson

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutAtlanta is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.