We had the good fortune of connecting with Deeariah King and we’ve shared our conversation below.
Hi Deeariah, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
I’ve always known that I was placed here to support others. As a child, I watched my mom operate a non profit organization to help women and children leave domestic violence living situations. When it was time for me to attend college, I battled between majors but ultimately landed on psychology. Throughout my career, I’ve been able to help hundreds of families but I knew that in order to “do therapy” the way I wanted-I needed to branch out on my own. I’ve successfully built a dedicated clientele, where I’m able display the authentic version of me.
Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
Lighthouse Therapy & Consulting, PLLC is a affirming and culturally inclusive practice that primarily serves people of color, with an emphasis on the black experience. I assist clients with anxiety, depression, trauma, and life stressors. I am specifically trained to treat clients with Perinatal Mood Concerns and Religious trauma.
Creating my practice with limited knowledge on best practices was not easy. I had to go out of my comfort zone and network with local clinicians to consult with. I needed help navigating insurance policies, accountants, lawyers, privacy practice paperwork, etc. I was in way over my head. My major takeaway from this experience was trusting others to help me; knowing that I don’t have to always be the expert in the room, as long as I have access to someone who is. I am thankful that networking paid off because I gained invaluable insight from those that came before me.
Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
My favorite pastime is trying out restaurants and attractions in the Raleigh area. Whenever friends or family come to visit, I take them to Cortez, Dame’s Chicken & Waffles, or Manning’s to eat. For outdoor adventure, I’d visit Umstead Park or Dorothea Dix Park. There are also several museums and outdoor concerns (during summer). If we’re interested in nightlife, I’d take a walk on Glenwood Ave and hit up The Willard, Cuya, or Glenwood Social Club. I’d have to give a honorable mention to Vita Vite Wine bar for libations. Of course, there’s no trip complete without shopping and for that- I’d recommend Fenton at Cary and the mall at Crabtree.
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 shoutout my family for their unwavering support of my dreams. Without them, there is no way I’d be able to accomplish all that I’ve had. To my husband Keenan, my daughter Nova, my mother and siblings- thank you for your sacrifice of time with me to help me build my legacy.
Website: https://www.lighthousetherapyconsulting.com/
Instagram: https://instagram.com/lighthousetherapy?igshid=OGQ5ZDc2ODk2ZA==
Other: Tik Tok https://www.tiktok.com/@therapywithdee?_t=8dfa3HfCx1n&_r=1
Image Credits
Briana Goins-The Freckled Photographer