Litza Bodden - Shining Lights Counseling LLC

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Litza Bodden, MA.

February 6, 2023

Litza Bodden - Shining Lights Counseling

1. What's your practice focus and who are your typical patients?

At my practice, Shining Lights Counseling LLC, I provide services for individuals (adults and teenagers), couples, and families who are experiencing problems with anxiety, depression, grief, stress, trauma, and other major life changes. What makes my private practice unique is that I establish a safe environment for my clients to discuss their issues but also in that same space, I shine a light on their inner strengths so that they can use those strengths to help them overcome life’s obstacles. I believe in empowering, validating and affirming my clients so that they can overcome some of the struggles they are facing. Life can be very stressful, overwhelming and confusing, having a therapist that meets you where you are at is so important.

2. Tell us about yourself.

I am a Licensed Professional Counselor Supervisor, Public Speaker and Life Coach who is on a mission to challenge the stigmas surrounding mental health, especially in the Black and Latinx communities. I am originally from the Republic of Panama and now reside in Dallas, Texas, my second home. I earned my bachelor’s degree in Psychology and Spanish from the University of North Texas and my master’s degree in Community Counseling from Argosy University. What motivates me daily is through my clients, I am changing the face of mental health, fighting the negative stigma about mental health and educating people on the importance of practicing self-care.

3. Tell us the story of a patient who you are most proud of helping.

I am proud of all my clients that I have worked with. I cannot think of any story that trumps the other. Clients that I have met have influenced my life and I have influenced theirs.

4. What's one of the hardest things that comes with being a practitioner in private practice?

I believe one of the hardest things that comes with being a practitioner in private practice the business side of having your own practice. In school, they focus our education on our therapeutic skills but not on starting our own practices. Starting a business requires determination, organization and hard work. There is a lot of paperwork and time that goes into managing your practice and it can be initially overwhelming.

5. What are the top 3 tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a private practice today?\

Three tips I have for anyone looking to start, run and grow a private practice today are,

1. To prioritize self-care and setting professional and personal boundaries.

2. During your internship ask questions and make relationships with other therapist so that they can guide you when you need assistance.

3. Always thrive to expand your therapeutic knowledge and skills.