Today we’d like to introduce you to Kristen Small.
Hi Kristen, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I’ve always had a passion for people. Even as a little girl, I had a powerful gift for seeing and being present for others. My zeal for advocacy at such a young age is how I acquired the nickname, “Momma Two.” As a bright, compassionate, sassy, and admittedly sometimes bossy, presence in the home, my family both comically and affectionately affirmed me as somewhat of a “mini matriarch.” I grew and matured to learn that what was within me was so much more than “motherly instinct.” It was a call to action, uplift, empower, and inspire.
Yet, I wasn’t always quite sure of how and in what capacity I was to use this gifting and answer this call. I started my undergrad degree as a Pre-Law major, confident that I was to develop my skills and knowledge to be a voice for the voiceless and stand up for those in need. After mentorship and guidance from Lawyers and professionals within that field, I wasn’t as convinced that this was the route for me. Shifting my focus from Law to English and Education, I spent over a decade as an Early Childhood Teacher.
Serving the community, children, and families through this work filled my heart and my cup in ways I can hardly describe. There is something so beautiful and transformative about the heart-work of teaching. Yet, deep in my Spirit, I knew that there was more. I followed my inner knowing back to school where I finally found my heart’s calling through the field of Social Work. Immediately upon reading the National Association of Social Workers (NASW) Code of Ethics, I felt the rush of excitement and confirmation resonate within me as the language explicitly described in detail the passion and purpose I’ve felt in my life all along.
My enthusiasm for advocacy, education, empowerment, and connection could all be expressed within this field. I was certain that I’d found my calling. Through my journey to Social Work, I’ve been beyond blessed to answer this call through my work as a Mental Health Therapist. My motto is, “The work starts within” and my life is a testament to this truth. I truly believe that mental wellness is for everyone and I consider it both a privilege and sacred honor to assist individuals in reaching their greatest potential by empowering them with the necessary tools to do “the work” so that they can lead peaceful, fulfilling lives.
We all face challenges, but looking back, would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It wasn’t a smooth road to get here by any means. I have slipped, fallen, crashed, burned, was bruised, and experienced deep wounding many times while finding my footing and establishing my stance. Yet, I’ve learned to accept and honor the ebbs and flows of life. I use the word “honor” with intention.
I’ve come to understand that there is so much purpose in those experiences. It’s the strength that I acquire through the valleys that maintain and sustain me on the mountaintops. It took me a while to understand, to trust life, and to believe that many of the moments of pain and struggle were necessary for my development. One of the greatest blessings from those storms is that I am now able to use my experiences to help and uplift others.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I currently work as a Mental Health Therapist at Nashville Emotional Wellness (NEW) Counseling, PLLC. In my work at NEW, I’m blessed to wear several hats which include Director of Clinical Practice Administration and Intern Field Instructor. As a Clinician, I acknowledge the connection between the mind and the body and view mental and physical challenges from a holistic, whole-person perspective. I work with adolescents, women, men, couples, and families and my therapeutic frame includes treatment modalities such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Person-Centered Therapy, Internal Family Systems (IFS), Mindfulness, and Motivational Interviewing.
When I think about the question of what I’m most proud of, I’m reminded of a meme that I recently saw on social media. It read, “My biggest flex is that I’ve become the woman who would have protected me as a child.” This statement makes me think of one of my favorite quotes by Frederick Douglass, “It is easier to build strong children than to repair broken men.” I believe one of my greatest realizations of pride is in the understanding that not only have I become the woman helping to heal and build strong children, but I am also committed to repairing the brokenness many of us feel as adults. The blessing of seeing the beautiful fruit of the labors of that dedication and commitment to wellness from my students and clients is beyond fulfilling.
Can you talk to us about how you think about risk?
I believe in it. There is no potential for a rise without risk. I’m sure we’re all familiar with the saying, “Nothing ventured, nothing gained.” This is essentially telling us that we can’t expect or access achievement without a willingness to take risks. The reality is that we never know who we will become or what we can achieve if we’re not willing to risk failure. Please know that I have walked this path many times.
These words are coming from a woman who was once, as my parents would describe, “afraid of what she shouldn’t be afraid of and not afraid of what she should be.” To add more specificity, I will be fearless in riding the craziest roller coaster you could find, but would turn on every light in the house to walk down the hallway. Saying all of this to say, I know both the thrill and the terror that can often be equated with risk. In overcoming this fear, I had to get honest with myself and ask, “Is the fear of risking and overcoming greater than the stagnancy of settling and remaining the same?” I’d love to share a personal story with you as an example.
When I was a young girl, my parents enrolled me in swimming classes. Though I have always loved the water, I was absolutely terrified of its unpredictability. I spent the entire Summer in class, learning all of the techniques, tips, floats, and strokes, yet I refused to let go of my life jacket.
One day after classes were completed and I was floating with my life jacket, hanging on to the wall on the deep end of the pool, I realized that this jacket was hindering me, not helping me. I wasn’t able to stay under the water, I couldn’t release my body freely in the pool, and on top of that, it seemed like the life jacket was choking me a little! At that moment, I decided to let my fear hold me back any longer. I got out of the pool, snapped that life-jacket off me, and ran and cannonballed into the deep end. I’ve been a fish ever since.
What this experience showed me is that sometimes our “safety nets” can be suffocating. Sometimes they’re holding us back from expanding in the joy, love, and life we truly desire. I hope my story encourages you to leap—risk failure. Whether you sink or swim, who you become as a result of facing and conquering that fear will absolutely be worth it.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.newcounselingpllc.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kjthecounselor/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kjthecounselor/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/KJTheCounselor
