Meet Valerie Dunham Maxey, LCSW | Therapist & Entrepreneur

We had the good fortune of connecting with Valerie Dunham Maxey, LCSW and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Valerie, is there a quote or affirmation that’s meaningful to you?
“Don’t play small, play bigger, because there are people out there who need you to do so.” ~Ash Ambirge

I struggle with Imposter Syndrome and taking on entrepreneurship was very scary. The two together create a combination of internal pushing and pulling, where I constantly have to gas myself up to drown out the doubt and fear. This quote speaks directly to my fear and doubt, to my comfort zone and tendency to hide in the crowd to be unseen. It empowers that voice and desire to be something and do something more. This quote, when repeated to myself over and over, helps quell the nerves and floors the thoughts of why I can’t or shouldn’t. It helps me remember why I should.

What should our readers know about your business?
I own and am the sole provider at Well3Plus Collaborative Care. I offer mental health therapy services and senior companion care. My office is located in Fayetteville, GA with mental health services being offered virtually, in-person via office, walk & talk, in the community or in-home.

What’s different about these services are how they’re offered and who is offering them. Through my work with Veterans and serious persistent mental illness (SPMI) at the Veterans Administration (VA), I am accustomed to meeting people where they are, literally and figuratively. It helps add flexibility and understanding into the therapeutic dynamic. A client is likely to have a different experience with different clinicians even if they have the same expertise. Research has shown, the effectiveness of a therapy technique means little if the connection between therapist and client is not there. What sets me apart from others is a collection of my training, life experiences and being myself.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Visit/Hangout: My most favorite place in Atlanta is Piedmont Park, so definitely going there.
I’m an avid skater so:
-Monday night at SkateTown
-Wednesday night at Cascade
-Friday late skate at Golden Glide
-Sunday night at Sparkles in Smyrna.
A stroll on the belt line
Little Five Points (Savage Pizza, The Vortex and The Junkman’s Daughter are a must!)
Walking up Stone Mountain
Braves game, hang out around The Battery

Eating:
Scotch Bonnet (Campbellton Rd)
Party of 5 (Virginia Ave)
Houston’s
Gocha’s Breakfast Bar (Fayetteville)
Delbar
Papa Lou’s Kitchen (Fayetteville)

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
My circle is small but it is grand. Each person in my life has played a tremendously important role in cultivating me as a person. I’ve had a lot of goals and pursuits throughout my years and my family has been there through it all.

Being a business owner would still be just a dream if it were not for the support and encouragement of my Husband, Rashad Maxey. He always said yes and encourages me to play big. He’s lent ideas, resources, time, expertise and much more to this cause.

My mother, Cassandra Dunham, has supported me and my kids like no other. I would not have been able to pursue any of my ambitions without her.

I follow in my Dad’s, Samuel Dunham, footsteps in many ways. He’s created a legacy through 30 years as a City of Atlanta Fire Battalion Chief and 40 years (and counting) of dedication to Atlanta and the Civil Rights Movement. I’m very proud of the legacy he is creating.

My desire to be a business woman came from watching my Grandmother, Gladys Walker, conduct business when I was a little girl. She created opportunities for herself, always had a business going and made it look so easy. I was so impressed with her and wanted to be like her.

Before my two littles ones, Ella-Holiday (3) and Khemet (6m), came along, for 14 years my son, Kahlil, was my sole motivator to do better and be better. He gave my life meaning and purpose. I’m not sure I would have ever tried if it weren’t for him.

My brothers, Vernest Walker and Samuel Dunham; the Campfire Clique+ (Anitra Thomas, Katrina Witherspoon, Harriet Miles, Tequila Harrell, Quintina Tinson and Kirsten Daniels); the QuesBians (Ashley Willis, Francene White, Jorri Sanders and Permecia Dixon); My Grandma, Martha Carter and my Carter fam;; Elaine and Al Stubbs, Kathryn and Pete Witherspoon, George and Pat Brinson provided safe havens for me growing up. My mind can’t comprehend life without these folks.

ClayCo, Riverdale, College Park molded me. I’m very proud of where I come from.

My most gracious appreciation, gratitude and love to each of you.

Website: www.well3plus.com

Instagram: @well3plus

Facebook: /Well3Plus