Meet Danesha Deloatch, LMFT | Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist

We had the good fortune of connecting with Danesha Deloatch, LMFT and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Danesha, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
I started my business, Breaking Barriers Therapeutic Services, PLLC during the elevation of the pandemic. Simply put, there was a need. I once was told the success to business is to find a need and keep coming up with unique solutions to meet that need. There is a great need for healing and support in our community. I wanted to ensure the community had an innovative way to continue to receive their mental health support during the uncertain times. I started a completely virtual practice using HIPPA compliant software to deliver therapy services. I work with clients over the entire state of Georgia and Washington. Also, during the peak of the pandemic we saw an increase in racial turmoil in our nation. In the past due to systemic barriers many people did not have access to therapy and now they do. Healthcare disparities and stigma in mental health are big topics. During this time there was an upward trend in people seeking therapy. A major change was population that culturally would not normally seek out these services started to reach out. I had someone reach out to me and state they were looking for a therapist that looked like them for two years! For many people the last few years have been a major transition and many moments of feeling unsafe. I wanted to extend the safe place of therapy – virtually. Virtual therapy has allowed clients to have access that may not otherwise be able access services due to their geographical location. I believed everyone should have access to quality care, so I started my business to bridge that gap. A barrier is any obstacle that to prevents movement from or makes it difficult to understand something. When an individual overcome the odds, a barrier is broken, and we need support to overcome these barriers in life. I aim to empower my clients on their journey of breaking barriers in their life. Social economic status or culture identification should not be a barrier to competent treatment. This is their journey, and I am honored to be accompanying my clients.

Risk taking: how do you think about risk, what role has taking risks played in your life/career?                                                                                      Starting a business is not easy. Each day I learn something new about owning a business. Every action we take we risk losing (or gaining) something. To not take risk, is risky. I believe when you walk in your purpose you see risk as opportunity and not a negative concept. The biggest “risk” I have taken have been the door to the best experiences of my life. I was in Dubai, United Emirates Arab and wanted more, so came back to the states and put in my two weeks’ notice to my job and moved thousands of miles away for an opportunity (A risk)! Taking risk put me in circumstances that has rewarded me with wonderful life changing opportunities as a entrepreneur. I have been given chances to travel the world and do what I love and met some amazing businesspeople. I have gained opportunity simply because others were not willing to take the risk and step out their comfort zone of the familiar. That is honestly one of the things that makes me sad, many people will not live up to their full potential simple because of they are living in fear: comfort and not taking risk. You must go where others are not willing and know what is meant for you will always, always be yours – if you take the chances! I value the risk I have taken and the unconditional support I have had on my journey!

What value or principle matters most to you? Why?

I love this question because I learned if you know your passion and you create a mission for yourself, you will fulfill your purpose in life. If things do not align with my morals and values, I do not accept those opportunities. I learned just because something is a good opportunity does not mean it is good opportunity for me. Everything is not my assignment, and I am fine with that. I do things with intent and purpose. I value most Education. I love learning! The difference between someone doing something well and someone that is not, is their knowledge and skill set. When I take on an opportunity, will it allow me to learn and grow and develop my skills? The more we know the more we can develop ourselves and our business. I am very inquisitive. I am always asking questions, reading, researching, listening to a podcast and simply just constantly curious about life and people. This also drive my passion to travel! I love to travel the world and each journey is a change to learn about yourself and different people. That’s the beauty of being a therapist – we are constantly learning about people and their experiences. The greatest human gift is the ability to learn.

I also value time and Legacy. Our network or community is our net worth and who we surround ourselves with and the memories we develop will always be ours to cherish. We can never get our time back. A big thing I learned when starting my practice is to pay attention to who supports you. I truly cherish the friends and family who equally pour into each other. When you travel and set high expectations for yourself you will notice who really supports you and cares. Again, I had to learn everyone is not my assignment or burden to bear and I cannot be everything for everyone without being present from myself. I have learned to appreciate my space and peace and surround myself again with people and things that align with my desired destination. I also learned is it okay to outgrow people and you cannot overextend yourself in life and constantly show up for people who will not do the same for you. One thing I discuss a lot with my clients is boundaries. Starting a business will teach your boundaries and balance real fast and give you courage to take risk! It is crucial to be around people who support you and your dreams and pour into you, and you can learn from and with. My best advice in starting a business with values is don’t let people crush your vision, those are not your people and not your tribe. If people close to you try and talk you out your dreams and place their insecurities on you, find a new tribe with common values. Follow your passion with people who support you authentically and you’ll find yourself at the right places, at the right time, with the right people.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
Breaking Barriers Therapeutic Services, PLLC is a virtual therapy and consulting organization. We conduct therapy services for individuals, couples, and families. We also do professional peer consults and supervision. Coming from a family of Service: Healthcare Providers and Military Veterans I also have a niche to work with families on the front lines. I have a passion to serve those who serve. First responders, Front line workers and military personal all have a unique family structure due to the nature of their work. I also do a lot of reproductive and maternal mental health and work with woman who have fertility stressors with conditions such as fibroids, PCOS, and family planning. I often work with populations who are underrepresented. I am proud to see my clients grow and live on their dreams.

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?
I love food! My friend Darius Martin owns a business called Sins of the South (@Sinsofthesouth) Providing Sinful Southern and worldly classics. The vegan cupcakes – well, should be a sin! He has amazing food. 

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
For certain and foremost my parents, they are my biggest supporters and my world. Anything I ever desired to accomplish they would make a way for me to cultivate that passion. Shout out to my brother Jamal Deloatch, who owns Peach City Photography another Atlanta based company. Really, anyone that has crossed my path has taught me something to develop myself.

Website: https://ddbreakbarriers.com/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/breakingbarrierstherapeutic/

Image Credits
Jamal Delaotch, Peach City Photography