Today we’d like to introduce you to Sharon Lacy.
Hi Sharon, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
My name is Sharon and I am a therapist who works with individuals struggling with anxiety, obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD), attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and other mental health challenges, with a specialization in working with teens and adults on the Autism spectrum. I am a licensed Master level clinical social worker (LMSW) in Michigan and thanks to the accessibility of virtual therapy services, I am able to meet with clients all over the state of Michigan. This means that even those in rural or unsupported areas can have access to mental health services. In 2019, I started my own private practice which has allowed me the freedom to create a career and life balance that works for me.
Every human being on planet Earth has their own story to tell and their own way of interpreting that story; I am someone who loves to listen to those stories and perspectives. To say, “Life is a journey” seems like the most stereotypical thing a therapist like myself could say. What does that even mean? Hang on, though! Let me say more in a way that I feel is more accurate. I’d like to make an argument that life is like a trip you didn’t really sign up to take. You suddenly were put in motion with traveling companions that you didn’t choose, no directions, and an unknown destination (if there even is a destination!) ahead. The Unchosen Trip.
As a child, my family and I toured the US in a minivan, each summer going to various destinations. As an adult, I’ve expanded my exploration beyond the US and have enjoyed solo travel in Europe. Hostel life suited me because 1) I am frugal and 2) you get to meet a wide variety of people. Becoming a parent didn’t slow down my desire to see how other people live their lives and I have been able to take my two daughters with me as we explored Nicaragua, Greece and France, as well as road trips across the US. My kids have made it clear that there is a major difference between vacation, which can be relaxing, and travel, which can be not so relaxing. They have a strong preference for the former and I have been informed that I often take them on the latter, so I’m working on the more relaxing options.
I consider these travels an integral part of my own story and how I view the people I interact with, my community, and individuals all over the world. They have created me to be the person I am. My chosen travels have taught me to be curious and open. The Unchosen Trip has reinforced that curiosity and openness are key ingredients to a meaningful life.
My Unchosen Trip includes highs and lows like every other person, although my specific experiences are unique to me. A couple near death experiences I would never like to repeat, some beautiful experiences like becoming a parent and then also creating family through an open adoption, and a whole lot in between. I’ve always been interested in stories and so working with people seemed like a natural fit.
After a decade of working in the nonprofit sector, I made a career change. I completed my Masters in Clinical Social Work and turned my attention to working with individuals. While previously working with DA Blodgett/St. Johns and after that at Pine Rest outpatient services, I gained a wealth of experiences in providing therapy and social services for a wide demographic. Over a few years, I was able to narrow the focus of my practice as I learned that I enjoy supporting adults as they learn how to work with their brain and their strengths and not against it. I focused on training that increased my abilities to work with clients with anxiety and also how to support clients with Autism Spectrum Disorder. The longer I worked with my clients, the more I began seeing the need for therapy specifically tailored to people also struggling with OCD. This has become a focus area for me and I am trained in Exposure and Response/Ritual Prevention (ERP) therapy, which can significantly help those feeling stuck in obsessions and compulsions. The real joy is in helping clients find freedom from distressing thoughts and behaviors while they improve their quality of life.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
The biggest obstacle I faced in crafting my career and practice was actually choosing which direction I wanted to go. It is one thing to have a goal and create a plan to get there. It is much more difficult when you don’t even know where “there” is. In college I tried different majors, attended different schools and had some starts and stops in my educational journey. Slowly, however, I started to see the areas of interest that popped up again and again. I started to see where I felt skilled and then moved in that direction. I graduated with a degree in Public and Nonprofit Administration and a minor in Sociology (my true love). I enjoyed a career of working in the nonprofit sector, but found that specifics of the job didn’t suit me well. I forged ahead and completed a Masters of Social Work degree while trying various locations for field placements. Each one helped me learn about myself and while I didn’t realize it then, those experiences, whether positive or challenging, helped me move closer to a line of work that fits me.
Starting my own practice has come with success, failures, and a lot of learning along the way. While it can be risky to run one’s own business, it can also offer so many positives and freedom. I have reached out to others for support, consultation, and their expertise and that has been invaluable.
Before we let you go, we’ve got to ask if you have any advice for those who are just starting out?
My main advice is to be curious and ask a lot of questions, both of yourself and others. It’s ok to explore multiple career paths and re-route, re-route, and re-route as many times as needed! There are many people out there that are smart and experienced, and it is often the wisest move to ask them for their input, advice, and guidance. Often, people are happy and willing to discuss their own pursuits and share their hard-earned wisdom.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://sharonlacy.com
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sharon-lacy-9619a6298
- Other: https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/therapists/sharon-lacy-grand-rapids-mi/893186
