Today we’d like to introduce you to Ben Roberts, LPC-MHSP and Dr. Erica Roberts, EdD.
Ben and Dr. Erica, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
We both met at the University of Memphis as sophomores, and have been married for nine years (this August) but never considered working together until recently.
(Ben) For me, it all began in college. As a freshman, I knew when I graduated I wanted to go into counseling and have a private- practice someday. Memphis is special because as a founding employee in the M.A.P.S program for youth, which I was employed during my senior year, it solidified my desire to develop interventions and well-ness-focused solutions for the community that are culturally relevant.
Fast forward after grad school and until recently I worked in various mental health settings including serving those battling addiction, serving the military and their families, and those with co-occurring disorders. Also, I grew up in church and I saw a need for connection between mental health and the faith-based community. So, I’m also very passionate about working with individuals to connect mental health and faith/spirituality. So, In 2017 I created Purposed Life Counseling which encompasses all of these experiences.
(Erica) Unlike Ben, I had no clue what I wanted to do with my degree. After getting my BA in Communications, I got a job as an AmeriCorp Vista, which led me to the non-profit sector.
I spent nine years serving organizations in Memphis (my hometown) and Nashville, focused on adult literacy, re-entry, and workforce development. I felt like I found my calling in being of service to others and being a part and leading causes that helped create transformative change.
In 2020 I did my doctoral research on the impact of emotional intelligence training, leadership training, and mentoring on at-risk young adults. After school, I decided to work on my own and use my experience and knowledge of social-emotional learning and evidence-based practices in a way that was on my terms.
I felt it was the perfect time to jump and help individuals and companies in a different way. I began working with my husband in 2021 to now form Purposed Life, LLC.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Ben: When I got started I was actually still working full-time. So, I had to sacrifice a lot of time with friends and family in order to jump out on my own. It has been a grind.
Entrepreneurship can get difficult because you have to wear so many hats. From caring for clients and navigating the health care system to being a present father and husband there is only so much time in the day.
Erica: Keeping yourself motivated. Also, some days it’s just hard to balance. I’m a mom to a small child, so balancing our child’s needs, taking care of myself, our family and the business can be difficult at times. I have to be really intentional about my time and set clear boundaries.
Plus as Ben said, working in a social-care space is challenging when you care deeply, because you give so much of yourself to take care of others’ needs. You really have to take time to re-charge and practice time management.
We’ve been impressed with Purposed Life, LLC, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
Purposed Life, LLC offers various services that can help individuals and organizations address mental, emotional, and social health. We have licensed clinicians passionate about assisting people in finding meaning in their lives. We also have experience in training and consulting. We are committed to using evidence-based and culturally relevant methods to help people achieve their goals.
Our Mission: To create healthier individuals and organizations by providing innovative, evidence-based, and culturally relevant counseling, training, and consulting services.
Ben Roberts, NCC, LPC-MHSP is really passionate about men’s mental health, he wants to create more safe spaces for men to heal and explore their mental and emotional health. He also serves anyone seeking to overcome anxiety and depression. Additionally, he is an advocate for faith and therapy and works alongside communities of faith to incorporate clinical solutions. Ben Roberts, LPC-MHSP offers in-person and virtual individual counseling sessions.
Dr. Erica Roberts, EdD believes utilizing evidence-based practices is important for organizations to ensure strong results. She advocates for social-emotional development for both professional and personal growth. She currently offers emotional intelligence (EQ) training and assessments for leaders and teams. She also provides consulting for organizations in the social impact sector.
We are based in Middle Tennessee, but provide counseling for all of TN and through our training and consulting can serve multiple states. Through our company, we do a lot of events, and we are always excited to partner with local organizations to bring free workshops and social events to the community. Follow our social media to see what we have coming up!
Where do you see things going in the next 5-10 years?
Technology and Health Equity are two terms that are popular right now because both points to a dramatic shift in how people get the care they need.
Additionally, with the increased conversation on racial injustice and economic inequality, there is and we believe there will continue to be an even greater push for accessible, but also culturally relevant, and diverse practitioners and interventions.
We especially see this after the pandemic and the increased need for mental and emotional support.
Contact Info:
- Email: info@apurposedlife.com
- Website: apurposedlife.com
- Instagram: @purposedlifellc
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PurposedLifeCounseling
Image Credits:
Rodney McKinnon
