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Therapists answer…

Why did you become a therapist, and what motivates you to continue?

Jerica FoxworthJ

Jerica Foxworth

Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
Online Therapy
Why did you become a therapist, and what motivates you to continue?
I became a therapist to help people navigate life’s difficulties and empower them to find their own path to healing. What motivates me is seeing the positive impact that compassionate care can have on someone’s life. Every step my clients take toward mental wellness inspires me to continue this important work.
I am a dedicated Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, board-certified by the American Nurses Credentialing Center, with a Master’s in Nursing. With five years of experience in psychiatric nursing, I specialize in providing compassionate and comprehensive care to children, teens, and adults navigating crisis situations. My approach centers on creating a safe, supportive environment where individuals can explore their challenges, develop coping strategies, and take control of their mental health. I am passionate about empowering my clients, equipping them with the tools they need to manage conditions such as depression, anxiety, PTSD, mood disorders, bipolar disorders, ADHD, and schizophrenia. Using evidence-based treatment like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), I strive to inspire hope and help my patients achieve mental wellness. Outside of work, I enjoy cooking, reading, and spending time with my family, which helps me maintain a balanced and fulfilling life. If you are seeking support during a difficult time, I invite you to reach out. Together, we can work toward clarity and find a path forward.
Ashleigh TobinA

Ashleigh Tobin

(they/them), MA, LPC
Online & In-Person
Why did you become a therapist, and what motivates you to continue?
The most significant growth I’ve had in my own life has been a direct result of therapy centered around self-love and acceptance— it’s why I’m so passionate about creating space for others and why I founded Tobin Counseling. I am motivated to continue in this work because I know it matters. I have learned not to underestimate the power of a healthy connection with a therapist that shares your core values and how powerful it can truly be.
We’re all in the process of becoming ourselves, aren’t we? Therapy can be a powerful tool that allows us to be seen, heard, and supported. The most significant growth I’ve had in my own life has been a direct result of therapy centered around self-love and acceptance— it’s why I’m so passionate about creating space for others and why I founded this private practice. While there are all sorts of technical terms I could use to describe my theoretical orientation – relational, psychodynamic, interpersonal – my aim is to get to know your unique story and to be with you as you are and where you’re going. I founded Tobin Counseling in 2018 and am fully licensed in the state of Michigan. I provide Supervision Services for LLPCs in the state of Michigan. I also offer consulting services to therapists across the country. I specialize in the following areas: Sexual Identity, Gender Identity, Trauma, Oppression, Anxiety, Depression, Grief, Familial/Relational Boundaries, Spiritual/Religious trauma As a queer, non-binary individual, it is important to me to provide competent, tauma-informed therapy to queer and trans folks.
Olufemi MartinsO

Olufemi Martins

PMHNP-BC
Online Therapy
Why did you become a therapist, and what motivates you to continue?
I became a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner to help individuals overcome mental health challenges and improve their quality of life. What keeps me motivated is seeing my patients make progress, knowing I can make a difference in their mental well-being.
My name is Olufemi Martins, and I am a dedicated Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner based in South Jersey. With over a decade of experience in psychiatric nursing, I focus on diagnosing and treating a variety of mental health disorders. I've worked with exceptional teams in several healthcare settings, treating acute and chronic psychiatric conditions, prescribing psychotropic medications, and provided mental health education to individuals and families. My passion lies in offering compassionate care. From psychopharmacological management to reinforcement of coping mechanisms, supporting my clients on their mental health journeys. I believe in a holistic approach, integrating multidisciplinary services to ensure comprehensive care. I'm also experienced in coordinating care for clients with complex psychiatric issues, ensuring they get the specialized treatment they need. My prior roles in various healthcare institutions have also equipped me with skills in Medicaid claims adjudication and compliance with state regulations. When working with patients, I prioritize creating a safe and supportive environment where they can openly discuss their mental health needs. I'm certified in Nonviolent Crisis Intervention and hold a Board-Certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner license. I look forward to supporting you and your family on your mental health journey with kindness and dedication.
Brandon MaconB

Brandon Macon

Pre-licensed Mental Health Counselor
Online & In-Person
Why did you become a therapist, and what motivates you to continue?
When I was in college, I chose to be become a proctor. I didn't realize it at the time I applied, but part of the job was that I would be talking with students who were having a difficult time. These students would be experiencing things such as depression, anxiety, low self-esteem, home-sickness, heartbreak, etc. It only took talking with a couple students for me to realize that I liked to be the person for these students to come and talk to. I found myself eager to listen and be empathetic to their situations, and help in any way I needed. They would tell me that I was comforting and they felt like they could tell me anything. It was then that I started to think, maybe this is what I was meant to do. 
I am a pre-licensed Mental Health Counselor employed at Cedar Tree Wellness Center. The kind of therapy I provide is called Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). CBT operates on the principle that our thoughts, feelings and behaviors are all linked. What I do in therapy is work with the client to challenge the irrational/negative thoughts that lead to mental conditions such as anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, etc. So many of us believe that we can solve our problems on your own, sometimes we can. However, there are many of us who require assistance, and that is nothing to be ashamed of. Needing help and asking for it does not make someone weak, it makes them stronger than most.
Maralee WhitakerM

Maralee Whitaker

ACSW
Online Therapy
Why did you become a therapist, and what motivates you to continue?
I became a therapist because it was a natural fit with who I am as a heart lead and helpful person who wants to help those who need it. What motivates me to continue is the progress I see daily in the people who have entrusted their treatment to me. I am never amazed by what someone who wants to change their life can do, but it is a beautiful thing to witness.
I have always known that my calling was to help others. I have spent my life learning and growing in my profession to be able to reach all those who need help with an open and supportive heart. I believe all people who suffer are capable of being helped and deserve to live happy and fulfilling lives. In my practice, I focus on strengths and assist people to enhance their shortcomings. Through our work together my clients increase their ability to trust, create and maintain healthy relationships, become confident and hopeful for the future. I specialize in child abuse, domestic violence, trauma, depression, and anxiety. I am skilled in working with adults and teenagers and have many years of professional experience with the child welfare system and family conflict. I use trauma informed and strength-based practice. I accept Medi-Cal, Blue-Cross Medi-Cal as well as California Health and Wellness and MHN| Health Net. Thank you for taking the time to learn more about me. If you feel that we may work well together please contact me at the listed phone number. I look forward to meeting you and working through your concerns with you.
Veronica KangV

Veronica Kang

Veronica Kang, PMHNP-BC, FNP-BC
Online Therapy
Why did you become a therapist, and what motivates you to continue?
I became a Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner because of my deep commitment to helping individuals achieve mental wellness. Every patient’s journey is unique, and seeing the progress clients make motivates me to continue offering compassionate, evidence-based care to those in need.
Hello, I'm Veronica Kang, a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP-BC) and Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP-BC). I have over a decade of experience in healthcare, providing compassionate care for adolescents, adults, and seniors. I earned my MSN from UCSF and completed my Psychiatry training at Johns Hopkins University. Currently, I work with OC Progressive, collaborating with multidisciplinary teams to deliver comprehensive mental health services. My specialties include treating anxiety, depression, PTSD, schizophrenia, and ADHD, and I emphasize a holistic approach to mental wellness. I prioritize listening without judgment and fostering strong partnerships with my patients, empowering them to actively participate in their treatment. Together, we set realistic goals and work toward achieving a better quality of life through personalized care. I am dedicated to providing empathetic, evidence-based support to all my clients. Treatment philosophy: I believe in a holistic, compassionate approach to mental health, where empathy, collaboration, and patient advocacy are central. By fostering a partnership with my clients, I ensure they actively participate in their care, setting realistic goals together. I integrate medication management, therapy, and teamwork with other professionals to create a treatment plan that prioritizes mental well-being and long-term progress.