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Empowering Faith-Based Therapists: How the Wise Practice Summit Transformed My Practice

Liberation Lunes

October 7th, 2024

Life often throws us storms—literal and emotional. After 10 months of preparing to speak at the Wise Practice Summit in Charlotte, NC, Hurricane Helene hit Avery County, where my family’s small cabin is located. Thankfully, while our property was spared, the devastation around Spruce Pine was heartbreaking. This, coupled with my mother’s serious accident, left me torn between staying to care for her and fulfilling my commitment to speak. Thankfully, she’s on the mend—praise God!


This experience taught me that resilience isn’t about avoiding hardship but about navigating challenges with grace, faith, and a sense of purpose. Attending the summit didn’t just provide professional growth; it deeply rejuvenated my spirit and reinforced my passion for helping others through their storms.


Lessons from the Wise Practice Summit


The Wise Practice Summit was everything I needed and more. I was honored to present on Cultural Competence: Supporting BIPOC Clients in Private Practice, a topic close to my heart as a BIPOC therapist myself. Speaking in front of an audience was nerve-wracking, especially given the weight of the subject matter. But it was also an opportunity to grow, personally and professionally.


One of the summit highlights was Neal and Carly Samudre’s session on Joy in Life and Business. Neal invited us to reflect on the parable of the talents and challenged us to examine whether we make decisions from a place of fear or joy. His words resonated deeply, especially when he said, “Insecurities are the worst form of pride—when you believe what you think about yourself is more important than what God says about you.” That hit me hard, as I reflected on the times I allowed fear to dictate my choices.


Whitney Owens, who graciously invited me to speak, also delivered an inspiring talk on Transformative Leadership. She spoke about overcoming insecurities as leaders to serve others effectively. One limiting belief she discussed was, “I’m a terrible public speaker,” a thought I’ve had far too often. Her practical tips were empowering, reminding me that true growth happens outside of our comfort zones. Presenting on a sensitive topic like cultural competence was a double dose of discomfort for me, but it was exactly what I needed.


Why Cultural Competence Matters—For Everyone


Cultural competence is more than just a buzzword in the mental health field—it’s an essential practice, especially when serving BIPOC clients. Whitney and I are passionate about helping practitioners become more holistic in their approaches to therapy, understanding the importance of being a culturally sensitive and empathetic therapist.


In a world that’s often polarized by politics, it’s crucial to approach cultural competence with humility and a genuine desire to learn, not from a place of judgment or division. This isn’t about taking a political stance; it’s about being the best therapist you can be for your clients, regardless of their background. When you’re truly open to understanding the unique experiences and challenges of BIPOC individuals, you can provide better, more effective support.


Our goal is to help therapists, especially those in faith-based practices, to see how integral this understanding is to a holistic approach. Whitney and I recently recorded a podcast episode together that dives deep into this very topic, offering practical tools and insights for those who want to grow in their cultural competence.


Check out our episodes here:

The Holistic Counselor Podcast: Growing a Faith-Based Private Practice

Wise Practice Podcast: How to Market to BIPOC Clients


The Power of Community and Networking


One of the most powerful aspects of the summit wasn’t just the sessions but the connections. Meeting other practitioners who share the same values and goals was deeply encouraging. Networking is vital for those in private practice, especially if you’re new to the field. Surrounding yourself with a community of like-minded professionals provides mentorship, support, and new opportunities to grow your practice.


The friendships and collaborations I formed during the summit have already had a lasting impact. I’m excited to share that I’ve secured some amazing guests for future episodes of The Holistic Counselor Podcast. I’m already looking forward to attending the 3rd Wise Practice Summit next year—tickets are already available, and I highly recommend grabbing one if you are a faith-based private practice owner!


Building Resilience in the Face of Life’s Storms


After such an inspiring weekend, I realized how much I had been struggling with burnout and a sense of plateau in my practice. The summit reminded me that resilience is something we must actively cultivate. Whether it’s a personal storm like a family crisis or a professional challenge like burnout, we need tools, faith, and community to keep moving forward.


Here are some strategies I’ve found helpful in building resilience:


1. Lean Into Your Faith

Proverbs 16:9 says, “In their hearts humans plan their course, but the Lord establishes their steps.” Trust that God is in control, even when life feels overwhelming. Take time to reflect, pray, and let His wisdom guide you through the storm.

2. Use Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) Techniques

CBT can help reframe negative thoughts and manage anxiety. When doubts arise, ask yourself: Is this thought based on fact or fear? Reframing your mindset can open the door to clearer thinking and positive action.

3. Find a Supportive Network

Hard times aren’t meant to be faced alone. Surround yourself with a community that understands your journey. Sharing your struggles can bring comfort and provide you with new perspectives on how to move forward.

4. Celebrate Small Wins

Big challenges can feel insurmountable, but breaking them down into smaller, manageable steps can make all the difference. Celebrate those small victories—they build momentum and give you the strength to keep going.


Supporting Hurricane Helene Relief


While our cabin survived, many in Spruce Pine and Western North Carolina were not as fortunate. It’s in times like these that we see the incredible compassion of communities coming together to rebuild.


If you feel led to help, here are some organizations providing relief:


Downtown Spruce Pine Recovery – Supporting local businesses affected by the storm.

Mercy Chefs – Providing hot, chef-prepared meals in Cedar Key and other impacted areas.

Convoy of Hope – Offering food, water, and supplies to communities in need.


Your support, no matter how small, can significantly impact these communities as they rebuild.


Final Thoughts: Embrace the Journey


As I reflect on my experience at the summit and the recent storms, I’m reminded that growth, resilience, and joy come from facing challenges head-on. Whether you’re navigating personal hardships or professional burnout, remember that it’s okay to ask for help and lean on others for support.


For those new to the mental health field—especially if you’re faith-based—I encourage you to check out the podcast episode Whitney and I recorded together and her own podcast. Both are packed with practical tips and inspiration for growing a holistic, faith-driven practice.


Let’s continue to support one another, grow together, and become the best practitioners we can be for all our clients, especially those from underserved communities.



Heavenly Father,

We lift up those affected by Hurricane Helene and the personal storms we all face. Grant us strength, wisdom, and peace as we navigate these challenges. Help us trust in Your plan and lean on Your grace to guide us.

In Jesus’ precious name,

Amen.


In Service, Faith, Hope, and Love,

Diana


And now for the disclaimer to make sure you understand that YOU are responsible for YOU:


Disclaimer:

The content provided on Liberation Lunes is for entertainment and informational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical or mental condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you have read on this blog. The views expressed on this blog are my personal opinions and do not represent the views of any professional organizations with which I am affiliated. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your doctor, 911, or the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (1-800-273-8255) immediately. Liberation Lunes does not recommend or endorse any specific tests, physicians, products, procedures, opinions, or other information that may be mentioned on the blog. Reliance on any information provided by Liberation Lunes, others appearing on the blog at the invitation of Liberation Lunes, or other visitors to the blog is solely at your own risk.


Confidentiality Notice:

If you choose to engage with Liberation Lunes by commenting or posting and you are a client, please be aware that you may be revealing information that could compromise your confidentiality. Remember that disclosing your identity or personal details can be linked to your clinical material. As a therapist, I am bound by confidentiality and will not respond to any disclosures of this nature on this blog. I am committed to upholding the ethics and confidentiality of the therapeutic relationship, which extends to all forms of communication, following the laws and professional guidelines that govern mental health professionals. Your privacy is of utmost importance, and you are responsible for protecting it when interacting on this platform or any other public forum.


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