Meet Valerie Carmel | Licensed therapist, Author and Speaker.

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

Hi Valerie, have there been any changes in how you think about work-life balance?
Listen, I am so grateful my work-life balance has improved over the past 2 years! When I first started my practice, I was a side hustler. I was working days at the hospital full-time and running my practice in the evening. I started my business in 2020, when the world was full swing into the COVID pandemic. Here I am, a single mother, trying to figure out virtual school, protect myself and him from contracting COVID every day I went to work, riding the massive learning curve of entrepreneurship and not have a nervous breakdown! So to be transparent, my balance sucked. I felt like a chicken with my head cut off and most of the time didn’t know what day it was. I was stressed out but sought out support from a therapist, my family and friends. With time, I began to understand my optimal work flow. That helped me set boundaries with the days I saw clients and for how long, adjust my schedule at my main job, and create a routine for household needs like meals and laundry. I also began to cut out necessary distractors like games on my phone and social media.

My business has grown since becoming a full-time entrepreneurship and creating balance now has been much easier. Initially, when I tried to achieve “balance” I confused it with equality. I thought I had to show up “equally” in different areas of my life for balance to be achieved and that is completely FALSE! Balance is an individualized and fluid concept. It is based on your current circumstances, needs and responsibilities. What balance looked like juggling 2 jobs while raising a middle schooler in a pandemic is very different compared to now that I run my business exclusively raising a high schooler. Now my balance focuses heavily on routines, automation, keeping lists, open communication prioritizing self care and the use of a Google calendar for both professional and personal tasks or responsibilities. This helps to keep my household and business on track by understanding my expectations and limitations. I’ve also learned to give myself grace in seeking out and implementing balance. Knowing balance is shifting as my life changes gives space for acceptance and exploration, rather than judgment.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
I am the CEO of Valerie Carmel Therapy, a completely virtual mental health practice that serves predominantly African-American and Caribbean- American women in overcoming the effects of anxiety, trauma and stress on their lives. As a Haitian-American woman who also suffers from anxiety and dealt with panic attacks, I am passionate about demystifying mental health and teaching others how to develop a lifestyle that promotes and maintains their mental wellness. What sets me apart from others is my relatability. I have an authentic voice and vibe that is pretty hard to not resonate with. Whether it is sharing the challenges of my own mental health, entrepreneurship, being the first generation of Haitian immigrants born in the U.S. or being a single mother there is a part of my story that connects with so many people.

What I am most proud of in my journey has been embracing my creativity. I self-published my book, Evolve Your MVP: A Women’s How to Guide to Journal for Personal Growth in 2019 and since then have created several digital workbooks on emotional regulation, crafting personalized positive affirmations and celebrating your wins. I didn’t consider myself “creative” until I became a business owner and got exposed to the different parts of graphic design and content creation. There are so many systems and platforms which assist you in taking your vision from abstract to concrete. Some of my favorites are Canva and Inshot, with Pinterest for inspiration.

How I got to where I am in my business has been a miracle in motion. The connections I have made, the goals I have a achieved, the clients I have served are things I once only dreamed about. There were moments that looked and felt like a dumpster fire in a train wreck. Then there were moments that felt like I was riding on cloud 9. The challenges in the beginning often made me wonder if this life was even for me. I am grateful for the resolve of my faith and depth of encouragement from my friends and family. They prayed for me, offered support and would just let me vent. Every step I didn’t celebrate, they did. Every obstacle that came, they focused on the breakthrough. My strong faith in God comes from the alchemy He has shown me in taking the tattered pieces of my past to fuel the testimony and triumphs of my present. While I trusted God though, what I really struggled with was trusting myself, for fear I would “mess it all up”. One of the greatest lessons I have learned is my own self-trust. Trusting in my dreams, gifts, talents and abilities because I know where and whom they come from. I want people to know who I am in business is built from the same values and compassions I hold in my personal life. The understanding, acceptance, and authenticity my friends and family receive is exactly what shines through when I’m in therapy sessions, speaking at conferences and training.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
I’m a big nerd so I love museums! Two of my favorites are Vizcaya and the Museum of Contemporary Art. I feel like the areas of Miami are always changing so driving through Wynwood and Brickell always seems to discovering new gems. And then of course we have to go to the beach and eat! A new favorite of mine is BarONE, which has great views and their stewed oxtails were AMAZING!!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
My shoutout definitely goes to Women on the Rise, Inc. I joined the organization shortly after self-publishing my book in 2019. It allowed me to be connect to women who were ambitious, knowledgeable and most of all encouraging! From the first meeting, I felt welcomed and accepted. Prior to joining, I always preferred to be in the background. I focused on my work ethic and the impact it had on others, but shied away from being bold and seen. WOTR, Inc normalized embracing both aspects in a way I had never experienced. It shifted my mindset to understand I deserve to be bold and seen because I care about using my gifts to impact others. The lessons I have learned, the opportunities and connections I have made truly have been a major force in pushing me towards the woman I am becoming.

Website: https://valeriecarmel.com/

Instagram: www.instagram.com/thevaleriecamel

Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/thevaleriecarmel

Facebook: www.facebook.com/thevaleriecarmel1

Image Credits
Andrea de la Cruz Photography