Meet Crystal McDowell, LPC | Licensed Professional Mental Health Counselor

We had the good fortune of connecting with Crystal McDowell, LPC and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Crystal, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
From an early age I knew that I wasn’t meant to work a traditional 9-5. I’ve always thought outside of the box and wanted to , start my own business because I wanted the freedom. I have the freedom to start my morning how I please and to provide a service to a population that may be under served, specifically within the mental health industry. Starting the business was daunting and I was unsure of exactly what to do, but I knew that I had to accomplish my goal.

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?
I am the founder and owner of a boutique mental health counseling private practice based out of Atlanta, GA. I work with black men and women in healing past traumas and processing daily stressors. I am most proud of the growth that I have seen within my business throughout the past year. I’ve been consistent in showing up daily for my clients and learning new ways to hold space for them. It has not been an easy journey to get to where I am, through several setbacks and failures, I still pushed through to accomplish my goal. The challenges that came my way only encouraged me to keep going, because I had no other choice but to make it work. The lessons that I’ve learned along the way have been more personal than professional. I’ve learned that my motivation is intrinsic and once I put my mind to something I will accomplish it.

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?
One of my favorite places to hang out on the weekend would be Politan Row at Colony Square. This place features so many food options and a full bar in the middle, with plenty of outdoor seating. Once we’ve feasted on one of the restaurant choices, we would head next door to The Starling Midtown Hotel for a drinks, a nice vibe and good music. This place is aesthetically pleasing and a guaranteed good time! After a night out, Saturday morning brunch is. must do. One of my favorite brunch spots is South City Kitchen, best known for their Springer Mountain Fried Chicken and Buttermilk waffles. After brunch, we would head downtown to walk along the Atlanta Beltline, a 33 mile trail circling throughout the city of Atlanta. It’s always something to see or do along the Beltline and a great way to get active on the weekends. Walking on the Beltline will lead right to Ponce City Market for a nice break to relax or just do some local shopping at one of the many shops in the Ponce City Market. After a day full of action, we would do dinner at Apt4b an intimate Caribbean inspired restaurant with flavorful food and chic drinks! Honorable mentions for a great Sunday breakfast include Breakfast at Barneys, Atlanta Breakfast Club and 5church!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I would like to shoutout Casey (@iamcaseyariel) founder of Blaze Group, LLC. She was one of the first coaches I worked with to help me in defining what entrepreneurship looked like for me. Through her coaching, mentoring and self-paced course I learned how to structure my business for future success.

Website: www.healthyselftoday.org

Instagram: @crystalovely and @healthyselftoday

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/healthy-self-today-llc/?viewAsMember=true

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/beyourhealthyselftoday

Image Credits
2nd Image by K. Marie Photography 1st Image by Jon J Photography