Today we’d like to introduce you to Dr. Ebony Hines.
Dr. Ebony, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
Hi, my name is Dr. Ebony Hines. I am the owner of Find Your Upside Counseling Services, a virtual private practice providing therapy services in Tennessee. I am a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC). I have been a therapist for 9 years and it is one of the greatest joys of my life. I am a natural-born cheerleader and encourager for anyone and everyone.
A lot of people typically don’t know what they will do with their life until much later – my story was a little different. I recall being 13 years old in my 8th-grade science class when guidance counselors came around to discuss and inquire about the paths we could take or were considering. When it was my turn out of my mouth came “I want to get inside people’s minds and figure out why they do what they do”. I’m still shocked to this day that I actually said this but I also believe this was a God thing. It didn’t make sense then but it does now. This began my journey into studying psychology and working towards becoming a therapist. Following high school graduation I attended the University of Memphis and received my Bachelor’s degree in Psychology minoring in Sociology in 2013. I then attended Freed-Hardeman University where I pursued and earned my Masters degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling in 2016. To my surprise, I quickly returned to Freed-Hardmeman University at the start of the pandemic and earned my Doctorate in Behavioral Health in 2024. I say to my surprise because I never intended to receive a third degree but grateful I did.
Just months after graduating with my Master’s degree I was blessed with my first therapist position and I was beyond excited to finally jump into my career! It was clear I was operating in my God-given purpose. After working in a few therapist positions the dream of private practice was birthed inside of me. Find Your Upside Counseling Services launched in December 2023. After the launch I intended to continue working full-time until I felt comfortable enough to sustain myself without a 9-5. I desired to have more freedom while also operating in my purpose. Well, you know the saying “If you want to make God laugh tell Him your plans”. Needless to say last April God began to impress upon me that it was time to move into full-time entrepreneurship and in May of 2024, I did. By the grace of God, I recently celebrated one year of entrepreneurship and I couldn’t be more grateful for the journey that led me to my life today.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
I can honestly say the road has been smooth for the most part. I had an understanding of the formal education I would have to receive beforehand so there wasn’t much surprise there. Grateful to say I’ve always done well academically. I transitioned into being a therapist fairly easily but learned quickly this is one of those careers where you never stop learning and you never arrive if that makes sense. If I had to pinpoint one challenge or obstacle it would be the licensure process when becoming a therapist it can be tedious, costly, and time-consuming – three things the average person just doesn’t want to deal with. The journey to licensure is typically 2-to 3 years at most, my journey however was slightly over 4 years. Keeping track of and paying for supervision, while earning 3000 hours, passing 3 required exams, and meeting the requirements of the state board is quite a task!
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
As the owner of Find Your Upside Counseling Services, I am a one-woman show. I provide compassionate virtual therapy services to those in need and who are willing to trust me in their process and journey toward healing. Providing virtual services allows flexibility, convenience, and accessibility for my clients. I love being a safe space for my clients. I offer an array of services to help children (ages 8+), adolescents, and adults who are experiencing behavioral, or emotional problems that can lead to complicated lives. My expertise is with those struggling with depression, self-esteem issues, anxiety, relationship issues, and life transitions.
I find joy in helping clients find the light in their lives and the various circumstances they may be experiencing. I want readers to know I’m most proud that my brand is centered on practicing gratitude, hence the name of my practice – finding your upside means finding good in anything that appears to be bad, negative, unfortunate, or contrary. Practicing gratitude is a healthy coping strategy for me, and such a crucial aspect of my life; it helps me every day and I often encourage others to do the same. I want readers to know it’s okay to embrace therapy and become a better version of yourself any day. I love working with clients who are eager to improve, and willing to work to enhance their lives but don’t yet have the tools needed to make this goal a reality. I offer affordable services and free consultations for individuals who may be considering therapy.
So, before we go, how can our readers or others connect or collaborate with you? How can they support you?
Potential clients can contact me directly via email or my website.
I am available for speaking engagements and panelist opportunities.
Contact Info:
Email: [email protected]
Website: https://findyourupsidecs.clientsecure.me/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/findyourupsidecs/
Books: https://www.amazon.com/Find-Your-Upside-Self-Esteem-Journal/dp/B0BW2GGFT3
Contact Info:
- Website: https://findyourupsidecs.clientsecure.me/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/findyourupsidecs/
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-ebony-s-hines-lpc-mhsp-bb0b47131/
- Other: https://www.amazon.com/Find-Your-Upside-Self-Esteem-Journal/dp/B0BW2GGFT3
