Meet Johanny Reyes LCSW | Licensed Therapist & Social Worker

We had the good fortune of connecting with Johanny Reyes and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Johanny, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
My thought process behind starting my own business had a lot to do with being able to represent my Latino and Afro-Latino community. Being of Dominican descent, there is great stigma surrounding mental health. The hispanic culture is now learning to identify the need for mental health intervention. I want to ensure that people who look like me have the space and resources available to seek mental health assistance without feeling limited or judged. It’s important to recognize that meeting with a therapist who looks like them, can provide a sense of comfort. Representation matters in a therapeutic relationship. Therefore it is important to highlight that seeing someone who looks like them can make a tremendous difference in treatment and healing.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
I am the founder and CEO of Thriving Counseling Solutions, LLC. I am licensed in Florida and currently working with adults and adolescents who may be struggling with a mental health condition varying from depression, anxiety, grief & loss as well as trauma related. I also provide telehealth services which allows me to work with clients throughout all Florida. I excel in working with the latin and afro caribbean community, as I am able to provide a multicultural perspective. Being born in the Dominican Republic, I am bilingual and able to provide counseling services in spanish. This gives clients a level of comfort that also allows them to show up authentically and communicate in their primary language.

I love what I do and I can honestly say that business-wise it was not easy to get to where I am today. I first had to get out of my own way, push fear and doubt aside and tell myself I can run a successful business. Once I convinced myself I could do it, despite being afraid, I was able to pursue my goals and take advantage of my resources. My resources included fellow clinicians as well as my cousin, Nexcy, who introduced me to the business aspect, as she also runs a business. Running a business is not something that I learned in college, so it took some time and mistakes along the way.

Apart from learning how to run a business, another big lesson I had to learn was to push myself out of my comfort zone and shift my mindset to embrace discomfort. This included expanding my circle and putting myself out there, meeting different people and making more connections. I found that the more I tried to embrace being uncomfortable, the more opportunities knocked on my door. I saw that as a sign to continue to pursue my passion, despite being afraid.

Throughout my career I’ve faced encounters with people and situations that have not been very pleasant. Rejection is not something we are accustomed to receiving. I can say that I have learned that not every door is meant to be opened and that the right one will be held wide open for me at the right time. Through these valuable lessons, I have made my way across.

I want the world to know that I am an Afro-Latina, mother, daughter, sister and wife. I love to work with my community and feel so much joy in seeing how much of a difference I am making in my community. My brand and my story embrace addressing intergenerational trauma as generations seek healing, understanding and acceptance.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
I love a good time with close friends & family. I love the beach, nature and delicious food! The itinerary would definitely include a full breakfast at First Watch, and let’s not forget the coffee. We would then, head to the beach to enjoy the sun, fresh air, and embrace the sand on our feet. Lunch would include frozen margaritas, sitting beach side either eating tacos, seafood or both. (Did I mention I love food?) We’ll have an amazing dinner at Houston’s, where we will enjoy a three course meal including calamari, steak or crab cakes as well as a chocolate dessert. To end the night we’ll make our way to Juana’s Sport Lounge to dance the latest latin beats.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I can say that my success in life and my career is possible based on the support of my amazing husband and an entire tribe of women who have helped me highlight my talents and potential. My husband has supported my ambitions and has encouraged me to dream beyond my imagination. My tribe of women have provided support as well as connections to resources which help me feel empowered to show up for myself and my clients.

My kids inspire me to continue to take up space, take a seat at the table and pursue my dreams of expanding my private practice. In doing so, I will be able to help make a difference in more lives and feel even more fulfilled.
Everyday is a learning experience for me. I now know that success in not linear, and when you win, you win big!

Website: www.ThrivingCounselingSolutions.com

Instagram: ThrivingCounselingSolutions

Linkedin: Johanny Reyes, LCSW

Facebook: Thriving Counseling Solutions

Other: TikTok: ThrivingCounseling

Image Credits
Ana Valerio