Meet Rhonda Baker, M.A., LMFT | Self-Awareness Coach & Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist (GA & FL) Nationwide

We had the good fortune of connecting with Rhonda Baker, M.A., LMFT and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Rhonda, how did you come up with the idea for your business?

From an early age, my awareness of how people viewed situations involving mental health was perceptive. Feeling and thoughts ranged from embarrassment to stereotypes, to stigma, to “What does it say about me if someone in my family has a mental health challenge?” These thoughts reinforced the concept of keeping secrets and preserving false notions. As a Licensed Psychotherapist, conversations surrounding cognitive behavior, emotional stressors, and coping skills were not being associated with or connected to mental health and that was a paradigm I wanted to shift.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?

Luxury Perspectives – the wealth in self-awareness, is a company born out of more than 20 years of being in private practice as a licensed psychotherapist, and licensed marriage & family therapist. Throughout my professional experience and regardless of the services sought, the client’s healing journey would always encompass their capability to self-examine, identify necessary improvements, willingness to dismantle negative thoughts, and dissolve behaviors that do not foster the goal of transforming their mindset.

What sets Luxury Perspectives apart is our genuine belief that people want to have better lives. However, the revelation of mental health being key has not been the primary focus. People exist in many layers of disfunction; and the necessary skill of emotional intelligence is not taught in academia. Our private practice addresses the essential need for evaluating cognitive thought, investigating thought origins, and appraising if the pathology serves the goal of self- awareness and mindset transformation.

I began this journey more than 30 years ago as an educator then owner and chief executive officer of my State licensed group home. Through this lens my knowledge continued to expand regarding the necessity of mental health services; and for those services to be provided by more people of color. As a result, I went back to school for a second master’s degree. My major was Counseling with a specialization in Marriage & Family Therapy. Subsequently, I excelled in my career to own two private practices, am Licensed in Georgia and Florida, also providing services Nationally.

There were many obstacles along the way, some included racial discrimination and absolute hate. Regardless, I always understood my path was easier due to strength of the ancestors so “whatever buffeted me could not prevent me” from achieving my goal! (Rhonda quote)

I would like the world to know mental health challenges are not secrets to be kept or stereotypical cautionary tales but rather opportunities to learn, develop emotional intelligence, and thrive in cognitive stability.

What are you excited about?
I am excited about the opportunity to share our practice with others who have not learned to normalize seeking counseling/therapy services. Luxury Perspectives invites all to understand the liberating power in the therapeutic process. We are a mindset transforming private practice that helps individuals escape flawed thinking patterns, heal trauma, and upscale their lives to create generational wealth. Your success depends on you!

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?

We’d start off with a trip to the Slutty Vegan, this is an amazing establishment with a complex start-up story to match the delicious food, Proud of you Pinky! Illuminarium After Dark is known for its visual splendor and adult drinks that enhance the experience. The Martin Luther King, Jr. Tour and Museum is a treasure and a must see, along with the High Museum of Art, and the Georgia Aquarium. For fine dining it’s Frankie’s Steakhouse in Duluth. The Norwegian lobster tail is perfection! Phipps Plaza in Buckhead would be the next stop for a shopping indulgence, then walking across the parking lot to dine at Ecco Restaurant, which is farm to table amazement that’s a hit every time! There are so many things to do and see in “the A” on any given weekend.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?

There are so many who have impacted my success! First to my husband Karl Baker, forever my ride or die “you got this babe advocate!” To our sons Parris & Terynce, who taught us many lessons while applying our parenting gems. To my grandmother Margaret Powell, who motivated me by always saying, “God bless the child that’s got his own. To my god mom Rosonia Green, who reminded me, “Everybody is not going in your direction – so travel light.” Last, to my brother Robert Powell, who was always an example of upward mobility. A HUGE Thanks to all of you! Mere words could never encompass what your love and support mean to me. Rest in Power grandma, I know you see me!

Website: https://www.luxperspectives.com

Image Credits
Photo Credit: Belle Rouge Photography/RaQuita W. Photographer