Meet Sherida Gayle, LMFT, IMH-E® | Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist

We had the good fortune of connecting with Sherida Gayle, LMFT, IMH-E® and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Sherida, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
Empowerment Counseling and Psychotherapy Services, LLC (eCAPS) was born out of a deep-rooted passion for working with children, individuals, families, and couples, rooted in the understanding of attachment theory and the profound impact of early life experiences as early relationships and experiences shape an individual’s emotional and relational patterns throughout life.

I was born in Kingston, Jamaica, to Patrick and Margaret McLean and I am the youngest of three. My family later moved to Brooklyn, New York, where I spent my adolescent years before relocating to South Florida. The migration experience posed challenges for me, my older siblings, and my parents as we adjusted to a new way of life. This journey fueled my passion to empower children, individuals, families, and couples, guiding them through life’s hurdles with strength and resilience.

I have always worked in some type of social services field from the youngest of humans to the oldest and wisest. The decision to start my own business was the culmination of careful consideration, driven by a desire to create a space where I could provide personalized care and support tailored to the unique needs of my clients, while also embracing the freedom to innovate and grow professionally. For almost fifteen years on and off, I have had a deep appreciation for a local non-profit Family Central Inc. in Broward County, Florida, where I experienced significant professional growth and support around my passion of “Changing Lives, One Session At a Time”.

Unlike non-profit work, as a full time mompreneur, my private practice allows me the flexibility to set my own schedule, tailor my service to individual client needs without bureaucratic constraints and pursue innovative approaches to therapy and counseling. Another reason for starting my own private practice was to have the freedom to explore and incorporate holistic and alternative therapies into my practice, offering a more comprehensive approach to mental health and well-being. Additionally, I wanted to create a space where clients feel empowered to take an active role in their healing journey, collaborating with them to achieve their therapeutic goals.

Please tell us more about your work. We’d love to hear what sets you apart from others, what you are most proud of or excited about. How did you get to where you are today professionally. Was it easy? If not, how did you overcome the challenges? What are the lessons you’ve learned along the way. What do you want the world to know about you or your brand and story?
Growing up, I experienced firsthand the challenges of migration and the profound impact it can have on young minds and families. These experiences fostered a deep empathy within me and ignited a strong desire to support those facing similar hardships. When I first arrived in the United States, I was overwhelmed by a mix of emotions – confusion, happiness, hope, and fear. However, I never shared these feelings with adults or loved ones. Instead, I stored them away in compartments in my mind, much like items in a storage unit, keeping my experiences hidden.
My adolescent years in Brooklyn, New York, were a time of tremendous growth, learning, and cultural immersion. Brooklyn’s vibrant and diverse community exposed me to a melting pot of cultures, ideas, and experiences that shaped my worldview in profound ways. Living in Brooklyn provided me with a unique perspective on urban life and the challenges faced by many individuals and families in a bustling city environment.

When I initially arrived in the US, there was a mix-up with my grade placement, resulting in me being put in a lower grade than appropriate. I found myself in a second-grade class, where I was pleasantly surprised to discover that rulers and verbal ridicule were not used for punishment, as they had been in my previous school in Jamaica. However, I couldn’t help but feel a bit disheartened, realizing I was older than my classmates. Despite this, I formed two lifelong friendships during that time, which made transitioning to third grade a bit more manageable.

My fourth-grade teacher, Ms. Williams, and my fifth-grade teacher, Ms. Patricia Bailey-Hollon, at P.S. 152 were both incredibly supportive during my formative years. Ms. Hollon, in particular, stood out for her nurturing, patient, and attentive nature. I recall her fondly calling me “Oh ye of little faith,” a phrase that has stayed with me. She encouraged me to find my voice, to speak up, and to be proud of my accomplishments. Her positive and supportive approach to teaching left a lasting impact on my life, and I am grateful for her guidance as her voice has followed me throughout my academic years. In school, I faced challenges with certain subjects, particularly math, which persisted into college, where I had to retake college algebra several times. I knew that I always wanted to be a therapist and I wanted to have a voice. Ms. Hollon and I have since connected on Facebook, and I continue to admire her beauty and grace.

Drawing from my own childhood experiences, as well as my work with children and families over the past twenty years, I created a children’s journal called “Inhale Exhale: A Self-care Journal Made for Me,” now available on Amazon. This interactive journal is tailored for children aged four and up, aiming to nurture their emotional intelligence. It encourages them to express themselves through drawing or writing about the “best part of their day” and “the not so best part of their day.” Journaling has proven to be a valuable tool for children, providing a safe and constructive outlet for them to explore and understand their feelings. In addition to the journal prompts, “Inhale Exhale” includes over 100 words of affirmations, designed to boost positive self-esteem and emotional well-being.

Today, as I reflect on my journey, I am grateful for the experiences that have shaped me and the people who have supported me along the way. I am proud to be able to use my experiences to help others navigate life’s challenges and find strength and resilience in themselves. My journey to becoming a therapist has been one of growth, empowerment, and above all, a testament to the human spirit’s ability to overcome adversity. I work closely with the 0-5 population providing dyadic therapy as well as first, second, and third-generation Caribbean/West Indian professionals, experiencing stress, anxiety, depression, relationship conflict, and family issues so that they can achieve a healthier work-life balance.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
If you had asked me this over twenty years ago, my answer would have been different. Now, I would recommend visiting some Caribbean spots, such as Taste Rite Jamaican Bakery in North Lauderdale, known for its beef, ackee, or veggie patties, along with Coco bread for a satisfying meal. A visit to my parents’ house for home-cooked food and fresh fruits from my father’s backyard would also be on the list.

For a cultural experience, I would suggest a visit to Island SPACE Caribbean Museum located in Plantation/Broward Mall, where you can explore and learn about Caribbean heritage, suitable for both adults and children.

Another enjoyable spot would be Aruba Beach Cafe, ideal for a relaxed atmosphere after a morning swim in the waters of Lauderdale by the Sea, offering a mid-day brunch. Adjacent to various local shops offering delightful desserts, coffee, and family-friendly activities, Aruba Beach Cafe provides a perfect setting for unwinding.

Additionally, exploring Fort Lauderdale without driving can be achieved by taking the Fort Lauderdale Water Taxi, allowing you to enjoy the evening breeze while touring the city’s attractions. Another exciting destination would be Wynwood in Miami, renowned for its numerous museums and art galleries, offering a vibrant cultural experience.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I am overwhelmed with gratitude for the guidance and protection that God has bestowed upon me, my husband, and our four children. I am thankful for my family, lifelong friends and close neighbors whose unwavering support has fueled my dreams and aspirations.

Family Central Inc. and the Positive Behavior Support Program holds a special place in my heart as an organization that has not only supported my growth but has also fueled my passion for social services. From the moment I joined, I was welcomed into a community of dedicated professionals who shared a common goal of making a positive impact on families and children. The organization provided me with opportunities to expand my skills and knowledge through training programs and professional development initiatives. The organization’s commitment to serving the community inspired me to make a difference in the lives of others and reaffirmed my passion for helping others.

I want to show appreciation to Ms. Anse Daniel, LMFT-S the owner and clinical director at Enrichment Support Services, LLC, (ESS) as she has been an instrumental figure in my personal and professional development as a LMFT. Her guidance and support, have pushed me to grow in ways I never thought possible. Anse has a unique ability to see potential in others and has always believed in me. Overall, Ms. Anse Daniel, LMFT-S has been a mentor, a role model, and a friend. I am incredibly grateful for her presence in my life and for the impact she has had on my personal and professional growth.

Along with Anse, all the ladies at ESS have been a constant source of support, from my internship days to becoming a full-time therapist. I am extremely grateful to all of them as they have each helped and continue to help me with their phone calls of encouragement, prayers and sharing my business posts. I love and appreciate everyone one of them.

Finally, I am also thankful for my fellow Brooklynite, Seneca Williams, LMHC “The Entrepreneur Therapist” from the Conquer Network, which is a virtual support community for women entrepreneurs. Seneca has helped me navigate my business anxieties and provided invaluable support in her coaching community as I embarked on this journey. Seneca has also been a source of inspiration. Her own journey as an entrepreneur has shown me what is possible with hard work, determination, and a positive mindset. She leads by example, showing me that I can achieve my dreams if I stay true to myself and never give up.

I am truly blessed to have such a strong support system, and I am grateful for each and every person who has touched my life and helped shape me into the person I am today.

Website: www.empowercaps.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/empowerment_caps

Twitter: https://twitter.com/gaylesherida

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/EmpowermentCAPS