Meet Clarissa “Clare” Alderman | CEO, Licensed Professional Counselor

We had the good fortune of connecting with Clarissa “Clare” Alderman and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Clarissa “Clare”, can you tell us more about your background and the role it’s played in shaping who you are today?
I am from a small rural town in Georgia; it is a relatively small town where everyone knows everyone. Growing up in rural community afforded me to experience small town business opportunities. The disadvantage was the limited resources offered to children, no extracurricular activities such as tutoring, mentoring, nor afterschool academic assistance. Lack of mental health resources, and lack of industry or quality employment. Residents in rural communities often face shortages of behavioral health providers and services due to lack of transportation, lack of insurance, lack of education about services offered, etc. (LPCA, 2017). Being a part of such a close-knitted family-oriented community allowed me the opportunity to develop imperishable connections and become socially active. I participated/competed in several community-based activities to include community service volunteer program which taught me how to thrive with confidence within a group setting. Being in such a small town also created curiosity within me. I’d always yearn to graduate and return to give back to the community. I always wanted more because country living was all that I knew. I grew up as the only child; this explains my ambivert and zealous personality. My mother ingrained a strong work ethic in me at a young age, and my father instill the importance of academics and academic performance. It is because of my mother’s support that I pursued my goal to become an entrepreneur.

In hindsight, I have blossomed into a determined, resilient businesswoman. Whether big or small, I find traces of my background and upbringing in every decision I make today. Growing up in rural Georgia with limited resources made me appreciate the opportunities that I have been afforded. I vow to give back to my community and provide academic and employment opportunities as well.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
Family Insight, LLC is an outpatient counseling agency in rural South Georgia which offers specialized play therapy counseling for children and adults who have experienced trauma. Counseling is subject to societal stigma and is often viewed as a social problem. Individuals with emotional needs are more prevalent in rural communities where limited services and support are available to support them. My vision is to start a grassroots collaborative effort across professional disciplines (LMFT, LPC, and LCSW) to counsel and offer therapy to more individuals and target lower social-economic populations. According to the National Traumatic Stress Network (2003), trauma occurs when a child or youth experiences an intense event or events that threatens or causes harm to his or her emotional and physical well-being. Family Insight utilizes a trauma-informed counseling approach. Counseling services provided include individual, couples, and family therapy using expressive therapeutic models of art, play, and music. Clarissa Alderman, Owner of Family Insight can be reached at 3971 Inner Perimeter Road Suite C Valdosta, Georgia 31601, email familyinsight2011@gmail.com, or via phone (229) 588-4291.

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?
For a perfect night out, I love to visit City Winery as I’m a wine collector. My young adult friends may enjoy a visit to Exclusive Hookah Lounge in Norcross, GA. Their immediate display of LED lights captures you as you enter the building and ultimately set the mood. As for now, they allow you to bring your own bottle (BYOB) and the music never disappoints. They offer exclusive flavors of sushi that are exceptional and provide top tier customer service to all. The overall experience lives up to the name of the lounge! For my older friends, a nice evening dinner at Sky Lounge which has a beautiful rooftop landscape scenery and top-notch service. I love everything about Sky Lounge: the customer service, the drinks, the food, the atmosphere, etc. They offer a variety of dishes that fit ALL health friendly lifestyles. The ambiance of the restaurant is a mixture of elegant and rustic; the balance is impeccable.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I would love to shout out my parents, Annie & Willie Alderman. It is because of the unconditional love, nurturing, guidance, and encouragement that I am the woman I am today. I am who I am, and I have accomplished the goals I set because of your prayers, guidance, and encouragement. I love you both beyond the stars in the sky! I would also love to shoutout Ceilia Mitchell (PathWay to Hope Counseling), Tonya Alston (One Source Learning & Development), Latoya Geter, Terry Johnson, Rebecca Dasher, Patricia Hart, Patricia Williams, Tony Jones (Wary), Shannon Eller (Brighter Tomorrows), Toya Chatman, Miya Kennedy Wright (Helping Hands Solutions), Njeri Pringles and Shatisha Wilson (Wilson Counseling). Each and every one of these individuals have inspired me with their wealth of patience, knowledge, and desire to make an impact in the lives they serve. Their selfless guidance has inspired me as well as changed my life. They have tapped into powers within myself I never knew existed. Thank you!
Last but not least, I’d like to shoutout my Family Insight’s staff (both Georgia and Florida), youth, and the families that we serve at Family Insight!!! I have such a supportive group of people who believed in, encouraged, invested in me, and watched me grow. My village of individuals have rooted for me daily and believe in my business. You all have push me to continue to make a difference in our community, region, state, and nation!

Website: https://familyinsight.wixsite.com/website

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/clarissa-clare-alderman-a869327a/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/clare.aldermanbutler

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nTpHRVoMHjk

Other: Business Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100050314551721 Business google review: Family Insight, LLC