Jean Messeroux, LMSW.
1. What's your practice focus and what kind of clients knock on your door ?
While not limited to, my practice is geared towards young people navigating adolescence and young adults navigating their careers and personal lives.
2. Tell us about yourself.
My motivation to be a psychotherapist stems from the realization of a lack of representation of Black male mental health professionals. As someone whose mental health journey started as a client, it was hard for me to find the right therapist who could support my mental health needs. Moreover, as an educator, I realized that most of my students who needed mental health professionals didn't have access to effective ones. These experiences led me to my current profession and keep me going.
3. Tell us the story of a patient who you are most proud of helping.
I'm most proud of clients who take accountability in changing their behaviors that perpetuate their mental health challenges. While many of these challenges can be caused by other factors or people, there is power in acknowledging, accepting, and improving actions that contribute to one's struggles.
4. What's one of the hardest things that comes with being a practitioner in private practice?
One of the hardest challenges that comes with being a practitioner in private practice is equipping self-harming and su*cidal clients with effective tools to make safe decisions when they are triggered.
5. What are the top 3 tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a private practice today?\
The top 3 tips I'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a private practice today are:
- Know your niche.
- Stay a student.
- Have a plan for your finances, marketing, and business strategy.