Meet Dr. Carleah East | Clinical Director and Empowerment Coach

We had the good fortune of connecting with Dr. Carleah East and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Dr. Carleah, we’d love to hear about how you approach risk and risk-taking
Being a risk taker means that you are someone who is willing to take chances and make decisions that have uncertain outcomes. It often involves stepping out of your comfort zone and embracing uncertainty in various aspects of your life.

In being a risk taker, I’ve had to redefine the words Courage. Resilience and Confidence, because all of those areas had been initially defined as following the rules, doing exactly what you’re supposed to do, and doing it with the pride and the energy that it needs to be done in.

However, when taking risks in your career, you realize that there are personal goals that you want to share with the world, and therefore you must have the courage to face the unknown and make bold decisions. You have to be resilient enough to face failure and setbacks and learn from them understanding that not all risks will pay off. But absolutely, you have to have the confidence and belief in your abilities, while ignoring the judgment that happens outside because those judgmental people and ideas will always be there.

It’s important to note that being a risk taker doesn’t mean being reckless. Successful risk-taking involves thoughtful consideration and planning, understanding the potential downsides, and being willing to accept the consequences of your decisions. Not all risks pay off, but when they do, they can lead to significant rewards and personal growth.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
Dr. Carleah East is a clinical psychotherapist, licensed mental health counselor, life-purpose coach, motivational speaker, and author. She is the founding CEO of SMILE Psychology and Associates, LLC and Sapphire Woman Pathways organization and both allow Dr. East to share her dedication to helping others reach their highest potential. SMILE Psychology and Associates is a clinical wellness spa that uses therapeutic services to provide counseling, massage, body therapy, and emotional detox for all. Sapphire Woman Pathways supports women impacted by incarceration by providing re-entry supports and guiding them through healing painful wounds from the past, building confidence and self-efficacy, and gaining strength by providing pathways of education, therapy, and civic engagement.

Getting to where I am today has not been easy. And still I face challenges. As a woman of color, I’ve often had to overcome. Judgment and stereotypes from others. I’m working in a field that wasn’t designed for me, and so recreating and redefining the blueprint that fits my narrative has been a main goal of mine. And also not subscribing to the rhetoric. And the outside expectations of others and instead focusing on what my mission and calling is.

My process of overcoming challenges really involved staying true to my faith and to my mission and purpose. In thinking about how people were judging me who didn’t even know my story, I was able to reframe that negativity and turn that into energy to empower me to show up and show out. The best way for me to get back at a doubter. Is to prove to them how amazing I truly AM. And that means keeping my head focused on my goals, making sure that I am authentic. In the way that I present to the world and I am unapologetic about my position.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
With being a native of Florida, you get to enjoy sunny days and great views. My favorite spaces are more general than specific.

I enjoy Waterfronts. Water has a calming effect, so many cities have waterfront areas where you can relax by a river, lake, or ocean. Waterfront promenades, piers, and beaches are often popular spots for relaxation.

Cafes and Coffee Shops: Coffee shops or cafes with outdoor seating can provide a cozy and relaxed atmosphere. I can sip my favorite beverage, people-watch, or work on my laptop.

Rooftop Bars and Restaurants: Rooftop venues often offer stunning views of the city, making them great spots to relax with a drink or a meal.

Honestly I love to try new spots as long as they are outdoors or by water. Brings me peace.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
My mother Dr. Gloria East and my bestie & biz partner Ada De Jesus

Website: www.swpathways.org / www.smilepsychology.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sapphirewomanpathways / https://www.instagram.com/smilepsychologyllc

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SWPathways / https://www.facebook.com/smilepsychologyllc