Community Highlights: Meet Ashley Agee of Peaceful Minds, PLLC

Today we’d like to introduce you to Ashley Agee.

Hi Ashley, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, tell our readers some of your backstories.
I obtained my bachelor’s in social work (BSW) and master’s in social work (MSW) at North Carolina Central University. As a student, I enjoyed the sociology field and the study of human behavior. I realized that there were few jobs in that field, so I changed my major to a field where I could study human behavior and make an impact on a micro level. My wide variety of friends with various backgrounds contributed to my wanting to pursue this career. I began my career in 2015 as a Child Protective Services Social Worker serving the Wake County area. During my 3 years there, I learned what aspect of social work I enjoyed most. I enjoyed the exposure to the field the career afforded me, although this was different from where I wanted to be long term. In that role, I could not help adults how I wanted to. I became aware of the challenges children experienced due to their parents not having their needs met, whether physical or mental. After working closely with children and families I realized the impact a parent’s parenting skills (or lack of) had on their children. I decided then I wanted to work with adults. I have worked in community health with dually diagnosed clients (mental health and substance use diagnoses), inpatient psychiatric hospitals, and now private practice. Working in these various environments helped me curate my niche population with which I get to work with now. I enjoy working with adults on what I refer to as “everyday” challenges.

You wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle-free, but so far would you say the journey has been smooth?
Deciding what I wanted to do in life was not challenging but becoming an entrepreneur has not been a walk in the park. When I decided to go into private practice, I had a plan. I remember reaching out to a “seasoned” clinician for advice and insight on things I needed to know about starting a private practice. The response I received from the clinician confirmed this journey to private practice would be lonely. I knew I had to figure things out using my resources. I learned many things through trial and error and a Facebook group of highly supportive clinicians. One of the most challenging areas was learning how to do my billing. Dealing with insurance providers is one of the most time-consuming tasks in private practice until you learn the ropes. Many people are unaware of what goes into a private practice besides therapy. Maintaining notes, submitting claims for each client, maintaining treatment plans, attending 40 hours of training every 2 years, and intentional self-care. Being organized is mandatory when running a solo practice. Although I have grown and overcome adversities, there is always more to learn.

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
Peaceful Minds, PLLC, is a solo mental health practice. I provide individual therapy to adults experiencing a wide range of challenges/symptoms, including but not limited to; stress, anxiety, depression, relationship issues, and other mood disorders. I specialize in treating survivors of relational trauma, transitioning to a new norm after experiencing a life-changing event, bipolar disorder, anxiety, and depression. I attend several training sessions yearly to sharpen my skills and learn new things. What sets me apart from others is treating symptoms, not diagnoses. I prefer to focus less on the name of a diagnosis and more on what the client is experiencing, which decreases their judgments about themselves and creates an effective treatment process. I am most proud of what my business represents, the clientele it speaks to, and the impact the name of my practice has on potential clients. My goal as a clinician is to empower people to create their version of peace defined by themselves and no one else.

Alright, so to wrap up, is there anything else you’d like to share with us?
I am a lifelong learner, and I made a commitment to myself that when I became successful in my practice, I would consult up-and-coming clinicians interested in starting their practice.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.creatingpeacefulminds.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/peacefulmindspllc/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/peacefulmindspllc

Image Credits
Photos of Myself were taken by “Elizabeth Ashley & Co.”