Today we’d like to introduce you to Toni Louis.
Hi Toni, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
When asked this question, I often smile to myself because my professional journey started when I was in elementary school. I knew I wanted to be a therapist since I was in the first grade when I was first introduced to the profession by my school guidance counselor.
She was so attentive to me and my friend group. She was that safe space for us when we needed to talk or had questions. I can still remember going to her office, sitting on her couch, eating popcorn, and talking about life and friendships… YES in elementary! Shout out to Campus School!
I have always had a natural curiosity for people and behavior, as well as a genuine concern for the well-being of others. My peers seemed to notice this instantly and I became a person of safety, truth, and comfort for lots of people as I grew from child to teenager to adult. In middle school, I was reintroduced to the world of Psychology and this is where I began to intellectually explore and understand more about the field.
So, I created a plan that would put me on a path to becoming who I am today-A Holistic Psychotherapist on a mission to help others heal and find their authentic voice so that they can have a healthy, happy relationship with themselves and others.
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle-free, but so far would you say the journey has been a fairly smooth road?
At first glance, the world of psychology appeared quite interesting and for me, it was also exciting! Nonetheless, it has definitely been a journey of ups, downs, and challenges. Personally, I have always been close to my family so when I had to move away to attend graduate school, this was a tough adjustment for me.
I made sure not to travel too far so that I could visit home as much as I could. Leaving Memphis and moving to another city was scary and yet everything I needed, all at the same time. I experienced many challenging life transitions from learning myself, the loss of my father, relationship challenges, and job dissatisfaction. By the end of my time away I found myself and my husband! Thank God for that!
All of this was happening while I was attending graduate school for my Master’s Degree in counseling. I returned back to Memphis and this is where my professional growth expanded. I worked as a master’s level counselor for a few residential facilities as well as a psychiatric hospital and addiction program.
I was supervised by one of the greatest clinical supervisors in Memphis as I worked on my qualifications for being licensed as a professional counselor. During this time, I gained experience in multiple areas of psychology-child and family therapy, trauma, anxiety, depression, addiction, and more.
My biggest challenge during this time was giving myself permission to follow my true calling, which meant being willing to show up differently, even if others did not agree or think that my approach would promote success for myself and others. I was determined not to settle for just “having a job” or becoming a therapist who eventually “burned out” and is unable to provide quality service to others.
So, I gave myself the time I needed to seek spiritual guidance in naming what was truly important to me personally and professionally, and that lead to me opening my own private practice. Through lots of personal work and professional growth, I now operate as the owner and primary therapist for Holistically Yours counseling in Tennessee.
As the founder of The Self-care Experience, I get to coach women around the world through my 1:1 programs, workshops, and speaking events that empower women to feel worthy and live a life that is fulfilling without guilt!
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
Since becoming licensed and establishing my lane in this field I have discovered that I have a true passion for working with women and couples-helping them find balance, establish healthy boundaries and attract the love that they desire and deserve.
I have also become certified and trained as an Enneagram coach/instructor, Essential Oil Specialist, and integrative medicine in order to further my education and service options for Holistic Mental Health and Wellness. My holistic approach is what sets me apart from others.
My focus with each client/couple is to optimize total mental health and wellness as evidenced by balancing and better managing spiritual, mental, emotional, physical, and relational parts so that you can feel better, and achieve and maintain your goals.
I often work with women from all walks of life, who are struggling with challenging life transitions, stress/anxiety, building healthy relationships, self-worth issues, and overall self-care. I offer a holistic approach to therapy for those who prefer a natural, non-medication track.
I work with couples in conflict who desire resolution as evidenced by increasing awareness, compassion, confidence, and trust in themselves and each other. As an Essential Oil Specialist, I hand make, purchase and sell holistic products for all who desire to enhance and support their mental health and wellness naturally and organically.
You may explore and purchase self-care products at my online store www.aromacabinet.com or https://us.nyrorganic.com/shop/tonilouis where I support and promote their products. I currently offer 1:1 sessions for women and couples. All sessions are virtual at the time of this interview.
I plan to offer VIP days and self-care retreats for women in the upcoming future. So this is a great time to get connected with me by joining my email list so that you are notified when these services are being released. You can do that by visiting my website at www.tonilouis.com and signing up.
“Self-care is not a vacation… it’s a lifestyle”
Let’s talk about our city – what do you love? What do you not love?
I was born and raised in the city of Memphis. Therefore, I have lots of memories and experiences rooted here, and this allows for lots of things to love about it! Memphis has its own vibe and I love my city for that!
Yes, of course, there are things that I would like to change if I could, but every city brings its own energy and purpose so I appreciate that.
Contact Info:
- Email: info@tonilouis.com
- Website: www.tonilouis.com
- Instagram: @selfcareexperiencetl
- Facebook: The Self-care Experience
- Other: Organic Self-care shops: www.aromacabinet.com https://us.nyorganic.com/shop/tonilouis
Image Credits
Marcus Porter, Zii Davis, and Stormy @hellogorgeousbeautyboutique
