Today we’d like to introduce you to Dr. Justin Dodson.
Hi Dr. Dodson, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
My journey as a therapist began working as the “advice giver” for everyone else. Many therapists, whether we will admit it or not, start our journeys as people pleasers. Luckily, many of us made a profession out of it. I think the difference is now, I understand that therapy isn’t advice-giving, I can also work with ideal clients, and not feel burdened by just being what someone else needs as a dumping ground.
I see therapy as providing a safe place to feel seen, heard, and challenged. My journey as a therapist began working with drug and alcohol clients, then adolescents in a private high school. My dream was to work with adolescents, and so I did for years through a non-[profit agency. Then I worked with students and found my way to adult males only.
I’d like I got to where I am by fulfilling what I thought success looked like. I think with every role and realization, that definition of success changes. Private practice is something I rejected for years, and now it’s exactly where I need to be serving those who want the collaboration of therapy.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
How has this road been? Let’s see: Internships, 3 degrees, three jobs, a dissertation, anxiety, frustration, confusion, and satisfaction, student loan debt, 11.5 years of school later, here I am. You get the picture. The road has not been easy, but the connections I’ve made, lessons learned, and roles have led me to owning my own business and helping me realize I had what I needed every step of the way.
I would say my biggest struggle since being a business owner, is so many classes and degrees, but no one teaches you how to own your own business. It’s the most bizarre thing I’ve ever witnessed. It’s also allowed me to create boundaries and learn what works best for me and my clients.
We’ve been impressed with Navigating Courage, Counseling & Consultation, 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?
I am a psychotherapist who provides therapy to high-achieving and performing adult men. I also speak professionally (panels, training agencies, and groups of people), and adjunct for future Counselors. I work with law enforcement officers, healthcare professionals, business owners, leaders, and adult men who want a safe space to share openly without shame.
I work with men who have anxiety, depression, identity concerns, addictive behaviors, relationship concerns, and stress. I am different because I am great at what I do. I focus on clients having an elevated experience. I understand my product isn’t a t-shirt but instead, trust and having a space to be seen. I am most proud that my clients leave and return. I have a 95% retention rate and most of my clients are referred by word of mouth.
I would like readers to know that fees are set based on experience, success rates, and quality. If you don’t haggle with buying designer items, shoes, or your physical therapist, don’t haggle with me. I want readers to know that therapy is an investment because it’s truly re-wiring the brain to be healthier, more functional, and safe.
Also, the real work continues outside of therapy sessions. Completing what your therapist assigned you, reflecting, journaling, eating healthy, and abstaining from unhealthy patterns are all part of the equation.
Where do you see things going in the next 5-10 years?
I think therapy is a cute trendy thing for some people just like other attractive phenomenons. I think right now, people sell therapy as something it is not, a fix-all, be-all. I think the more we learn new words, we like to overgeneralize and demonize people who fit those descriptions.
I would say that therapists will be around for a lifetime, and how therapy is done will take on new shape and form so providers will have to learn to keep up with the times. I remember a time I hated the idea of phone sessions or virtual sessions, and of course, we all know where we are. I do serve a population that prefers to meet in person so I hope I can always include that in my offering to be accommodating for my clients and work for me.
Pricing:
- Individual Therapy- $175/50 Minute session
- Individual Coaching- $175/50 Minute session
- Public speaking- Priced Upon Contact
- Panel Moderation/Discussion-Priced upon contact
- Book- $15
Contact Info:
- Website: Navigatingcouragecac.com
- Instagram: @itsdrjkeith
- Linkedin: @Justin Keith Dodson, Ph.D., LPC
- Twitter: @itsdrjkeith
Image Credits
Benji Aird
