Meet Lisa Ibekwe | Child & Adolescent Therapist & Nonprofit Director

We had the good fortune of connecting with Lisa Ibekwe and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Lisa, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
I chose to start my business because I honestly got tired of getting fired. Ironically enough I kept thinking I needed to work for someone else and I had this belief that I would get more opportunity and stability doing it that way. But in reality I learned that I didn’t like doing it other people’s way. I kept seeing the same issues pop up where I would enter a system and feel trapped or limited by the rules and policies they had. I couldn’t do more for my kids and families and frankly if I pushed to change things or suggested people try a different route it lead to backlash or me getting in trouble. For me starting my own practice meant I could finally do things my way. It meant I had the freedom to go all out and serve my kids and their families the way I wanted to. Ultimately it meant that I could finally create a space that felt safe and felt like a functional family for the clients that I welcomed into the practice. I wanted to create a safe space for everyone to feel welcome, and safe, and like they could finally take off their mask and just focus on their healing. I wanted to change the narrative that mental health was bad and that going to therapy meant something was wrong with you. So instead I would help people understand that therapy can be fun. Healing can be fun. We can break free of the stigmas, heal from the traumas, and learn the skills that will help us move from surviving to thriving while still having fun. Starting a business and running a business is not for the faint of heart, but one thing it has confirmed for me is that because I am called to do this and purposed for it, I can’t quit. My goal to heal children, young people, and their families will come to pass and we will eventually see a world that is healthier and happier in the end.

What should our readers know about your business?
The Comfy Place was founded in 2017 with a mission to create a safe space for all to heal. Our motto was that we will have fun, get real, and heal. I do believe this is what sets us apart from other mental health practices. Our focus isn’t on just seeing you get better but helping you enjoy the journey along the way. We firmly believe in the concept of family and with that we invite clients into our Comfy Place family. Personally I am most proud of the work we have done with clients and within the community. I think being rooted in the community and showing up in all the places has helped showcase our commitment to seeing our clients and our community heal. With that we have been able to build relationships and partnerships that have expanded our ability to serve youth and their families. More importantly we know our clients love and respect us because they know we genuinely care about them and their wellbeing.

The journey to this point though hasn’t been easy. There have been many ups and downs and so many sleepless nights. Its funny how so many people talk about entrepreneurship but no one glorifies the struggle. No one talks about the dark days when you are giving it your all and feel like the results aren’t manifesting; the fruit isn’t bearing and the desert is dry. Obstacles seem endless but they say don’t quit, keep hope alive. For me overcoming challenges has been a steady part of the journey. Do I always get it right, not at all. But I do learn something new each and every time. Some key take aways that my journey has taught me is to go at my own pace. I am notorious for jumping right in and sometimes rushing things, and sadly I have learned the hard way in business because of this. For me now though, I am learning to slow down and savor the experiences I am having. From the new people I meet, to the clients I get to engage with in session, I am learning that there truly is no end goal in this game called life. As I have begun embracing that concept more, I am allowing myself to move at a pace that feels comfortable for me. I get to show up authentically and engage in things I enjoy ultimately being a better person, therapist, and business owner at the end of the day. I now view my challenges as part of my testimony, this understanding that what didn’t break me and what couldn’t break me has only made me stronger. I am now more confident, more determined, and way more passionate about showing up, showing out, and taking up the space that I desire to unapologetically. My legacy won’t end in the graveyard.

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 always think it funny how people who live in a city never really enjoy the city like a tourist would. I’m a true Georgia peach, born and raised, and there are still so many places I’ve never seen in Georgia. There have also been so many changes to things that places I remember aren’t there any more. With that said, if someone came into town now, I’d probably take them to do the typical things like the Coco-Cola Factory (downtown), the MLK Center, Centennial Olympic Park, and the GA Aquarium. And then depending on their age and stamina we might even hit up Six Flags over Georgia or go for a nice challenging hike up Stone Mountain. For some off the beaten path experiences, I would probably take them to the Westend to look at some of the street art, check out a HotPot at an Asian restaurant in Duluth, do some karaoke, do some gaming at Dave n Busters or Andretti’s, or go for a walk on the Beltine. With time to spare we could even branch further out and go to a cabin in the North GA Mountains or head down to the beach in Savannah. With all of the changes happening in Atlanta they are always building new fun spaces for people to gather and hang out. Now I will say, as much as I love my city I also hate the traffic. A day long journey only takes a day because most of the time is spent sitting in traffic. I’m sure my fellow GA natives and even some transplants can agree that Atlanta’s traffic will humble you since rush hour is now from 10am to 6pm every day. But overall Georgia has tons of little nooks and quaint areas to check out if you are sharing a moment with friends, family, or someone special. You just have to be willing to make the drive and commit to that trip. As Nike says…just Do IT.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I 100% agree that no one gets to the top alone. I have a number of people who along the way kept me encouraged and motivated and challenged me to step outside of my comfort zone in the things that I am doing. They consistently reminded me that I can do this and that what I was called to do will happen whether I like it or not, so I might as well stop fighting it. I think that was the hardest part for me, staying consistent and pushing through in those moments when I felt like quitting. I want to shoutout those phenomenal people who saw in me what I didn’t know existed. When I was hard on myself and wanted to quit these folks poured into me. They taught me to trust the process and even helped me see myself differently. Through their eyes I saw who I was; a fighter, a healer, a game changer, a woman called to change the world. So to my mother Elizabeth thank you for always listening to my rants; for the advice, for the love and for the sacrifices you made for me. Words could never express how grateful I am to God for choosing you to be my mother. To my brother, Michael; my first official investor, my first munchkin, I love you and am so grateful to you for everything you have done for me and my business. Your wisdom, your commitment, and your ability to hold me accountable have been the very fabric to me staying in the game. And to my late father Hyginus Ibekwe, I will still never know why God decided to take you from me, but I will forever be grateful for you. Through love, passion, and grief, I know the things you taught me will live on.

I additionally want to shoutout the amazing friends and mentors I have encountered along my entrepreneurial journey. These individuals saw me then and still see me now and their consistent support and encouragement keep me going. So to Ike Nduka, Ashley Crawford, Jennifer Riapos, and Jennifer “Mama P” Page thank you for being who you are and for consistently pouring into me. My cup stays full because of you all.

Lastly, I can’t end without giving a big shoutout to all my clients that I have served over the years. It takes a lot to come in and speak to a stranger, trusting that they won’t mess things up for you or your kid. But being able to walk alongside my clients as they heal is a major part of what has kept me going. When I’m exhausted and feel like I don’t have it in me, I see them in session and I am reminded of why I do this work. That plus the joy that it brings to my heart to see one of my kiddos finally get it. When the lightbulb comes on and they start making healthier choices and embracing the healing versus running from it, equals moments you can only wish for. I do this for them and I am so proud of them for showing up each time ready to heal, ready to do the work, and honestly just happy to be in the same space with me. Ya’ll are my why!

Website: https://thecomfyplacellc.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/socomfytherapy/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lisa-ibekwe/

Twitter: https://x.com/socomfytherapy

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

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@thecomfyplace298

Other: https://lisaibekwe.squarespace.com/

Image Credits
@izushots (Franklyn Ikpa) and @mahonestudios (David Mahone)