Meet LaShonda Lane-Gammell, Ph.D, LPC | Clinical Mental Health Counselor

We had the good fortune of connecting with LaShonda Lane-Gammell, Ph.D, LPC and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi LaShonda, what’s the most important lesson your business/career has taught you?
My business has taught me that I can not do it all. Though I started alone, there is no way that I could finish alone. The vision that God has given me for Dreams and Visions is much too big for me to accomplish without a team. In order for a business to grow, you have to allow others to fill roles based on their gifts and talents.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
Dreams and Visions is a group practice that provides quality and affordable mental health services. We provide individual, family, and group counseling as well as assessments and life coaching. Our goal is to create a plan to help others reach their full potential. I am the CEO and one of the licensed therapists.

As an employer, Dreams and Visions is set apart by my servant leadership style. I am spirit led in my business plans and operation.
For clients, our services are set apart by our genuine desire to meet clients where they are. Our providers are professional and culturally sensitive. We offer virtual sessions to allow clients to have meetings from the comfort of their home without the added stressors of traveling to appointments.

I am most excited about helping others heal.

Being an entrepreneur is not easy and creating a group practice had it’s struggles. I started this business as the owner and operator. I was the only staff, therefore I completed all tasks and provided all services. I used self-care and prayer to push me through the hectic start-up work I had to do. As I the business grew, I was able to delegate some of daily operation tasks to others. I have been able to hire individuals that fit the culture I created and are great at what they do. Now I can focus more on my passion in counseling and minimizing the stigma often associated with mental health in the Black community.

I have learned to trust the process. Things will not always go as planned. Yet, goals can still be met and lessons can be learned. There will be human error and that’s okay. Use the mistakes as an opportunity to improve.

I want the world to know that Dreams and Visions is here to help. Regardless of where you are in life, we can help you to prepare for your next level. Life can be hard, but you don’t have to go through it alone. Allow us to help you.

As a little Black girl from Norfolk, Virginia, I had an abundance of odds stacked against me. I was intentional about breaking generational curses, educating myself, and creating a life that I love. I look back at the obstacles that I overcame and I am still in awe. I beat the odds and so can you!

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 entertaining family and friends when they come to visit Georgia. It gives me the chance to act like a tourist and enjoy the city. I would make reservations at Sweet Georgia’s Juke Joint and St. James Live. Both have live music and great food. Kid friendly activities would include the Aquarium and The King Center. This would give us some fun learning and history.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I have to shoutout my entire support system! Without the support of my family and friends I would not have been able to build Dreams and Visions. As I sacrificed, so have they. I’m so loved that its too many people to name, but I can not thank them enough. My husband and my two children are my motivation to be my best.

Two individuals that I have watched closely and learned an abundance from are Dr. Anita Phillips and Dr. Bobby Price. Dr. Phillips helped me to better understand how to bridge the gap between mental health and the church. Her life literally helped me to understand my God-given purpose in life. Dr. Price heavily influenced my holistic approach to mental health services. I appreciate every opportunity to learn from their knowledge and wisdom.

Website: dreamsandvisionsatl.com

Instagram: dreams_and_visions_atl

Image Credits
Melissa Marshall Mikey Monday Sabrina Clark