Today we’d like to introduce you to Jacqueline Blue.
Hi Jacqueline, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
Growing up I had envisioned becoming a pediatrician and towards the end of college I realized that was no longer the path for me. I took some time after graduating and worked in undergraduate admissions at Tulane University. While there I realized how much I loved working with adolescents and their families during such a pivotal time in their life. It was this experience that lead me to getting my Masters in Marriage and Family therapy. During that time, I was still working in undergraduate admissions at University of Miami while attending my graduate courses at night. I realized I wanted even more and continued working towards my doctorate and ultimately received my Ph.D. in Counseling Psychology. My internships, post-doctoral work and first job as a licensed psychologist were in college counseling centers (University of NC at Charlotte, University of Georgia, and University of Central Florida). Upon moving back to Miami due to family circumstances, I had a wonderful opportunity to work as a middle school counselor in a private school. Throughout those 9 years, I also began my own private practice on the side. I never imagined myself as a solo practitioner in private practice, yet found myself loving the experience so much that as my practice grew I realized I needed to make a decision for myself- do I go this route full time or continue my work as a counselor in a school. I recognized that my practice was where my heart was and also allowed the flexibility to be the type of mother and partner I wanted to be. My practice has allowed me to be both a better psychologist and member of my family, as my time is more balanced between work and family now.
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?
I am not sure most roads would be considered smooth in all moments. I think I am one to be able to pivot and adjust readily when the situation calls for it. My work in Universities lead me to believe I would always be in one- I love the energy that working on a college campus comes with. However, working in a private secondary school gave me more of the work life balance I was craving, yet I was still unable to stop working as a psychologist 1:1 because it was also fulfilling such a big part of me and why I went to school. I think the hardest struggle came 4 years ago when trying to balance two jobs, two daughters and a husband became too much and too unfair for my family. I loved working as a counselor in a school and playing an integral role in their lives during middle school, such a significant period of growth during puberty. However, I also loved what my practice afforded me- I could also continue to play an integral role in peoples lives and feel a great privilege being let into those lives, while also being my own boss and setting my own schedule. I made the hard choice to go out on my own completely. It was scary yet thrilling. Ultimately, it was the best decision I have ever made. Every path to get here feels like it was destined to lead here in the end.
We’ve been impressed with Psychology Blue, 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 psychologist and I work with adolescents, adults and couples. I consider myself a generalist as I work with mood disorders, anxiety, relationship issues and concerns, divorce and many other life circumstances. I think my prior work in universities and schools helps with teens and young adults as they navigate the next stage in their lives. I think my sense of humor and down to earth nature tend to put my clients at ease and help set the stage for what our relationship will become as we work together. I am proud of the fact that my practice started out as an idea I had after the birth of my first daughter and grew into a thriving business over the years through word of mouth. It has all felt so natural as it unfolded that sometimes I forget I am business owner.
Are there any important lessons you’ve learned that you can share with us?
The most important lesson I think I have learned about my journey is patience. The nature of my work is that clients come and go as they work towards their goals. Sometimes I find myself having a lighter week than normal and in the past I would start to become anxious and worry that the business is faltering. I now have a better sense of confidence in what I have created and know this is to be expected and my following weeks will prove to be more full. The patience I have cultivated throughout this process help me know there are ebbs and flows in a business and a knee jerk reaction isn’t what is needed.
If I had to choose a second lesson, it is the importance of having a community to turn to when I need to consult about a case. We do not exist in a bubble and it is important to allow ourselves to ask for help and guidance when we need it. My mentors, supervisors and colleagues have helped me tremendously throughout my career.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://psychologyblue.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/psychologyblue?igsh=MW5ubzc1MjBqa3Bneg%3D%3D
