Today we’d like to introduce you to Liz Buford.
Liz, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
My story began in Pittsburgh, PA where I was born and raised. I always had a passion for helping others and I thought I would exhibit that passion via teaching. After majoring in Music Education for a year at Slippery Rock University, I realized that teaching wasn’t my calling, and I changed my major to Social Work. It was there that I found my home. I went on to receive my Master of Social Work from the University of Pittsburgh and I promptly moved to Florida to escape the treacherous weather of the north.
Upon my “big move” to Florida in 2010, I began working as a therapist in the juvenile justice system, where she remained for over nine years. I gained tremendous experience working with children with behavioral problems, sexual concerns, learning disabilities, severe trauma, and an array of other mental health issues. I was promoted several times after my supervisors saw I also excelled at social work’s administrative and leadership side. This led to me earning the title of Clinical Director at a large residential facility in Orlando.
In 2019, I believed it was time to find new ways to serve. I became the Director of Behavioral Health at a local federally qualified health center, where I helped develop the newly added department and provided therapy services to children and adults. With the arrival of Covid-19, I dedicated my time on the front lines to supporting clients through unprecedented mental stressors.
Through all of this, I began a family. I married my awesome husband, Carl in 2017 and we went on to have our beautiful daughters Zoe and Olivia. Starting my own family has put so much into perspective. I’m not only dedicated to the clients I serve, but I am dedicated to making my community better so that my babies can thrive.
In 2021, Carl and I decided it was time to branch out as entrepreneurs. We began We Matter Mental Health Services, LCC. Our mission is to provide excellent mental health interventions to all seeking healing. We aim to become leaders in the healthcare field by training and empowering the next generation of clinicians, especially clinicians of color and those who work in rural areas.
What were you like growing up?
I was an introvert as a kid. I am still, very much, an introvert. This may seem counterintuitive since I chose to become a therapist but trust me- I love my alone time! My family jokes that I didn’t say actual words until I got into middle school because I kind of flew under the radar. When I entered middle school, I got involved in a summer camp that really helped me find my voice and figure out that I was good at leading and inspiring others. I put this to good use in high school. I was involved in so much- marching band, musicals, student council, national honor society; and I usually earned leadership positions quickly.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not, what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
I believe most things in life contain some sort of struggle- which is why everyone needs a therapist 😊. But no, it has not been smooth. The mental health field is unforgiving at times. It can be draining, and there is limited immediate gratification. The key is remembering that you are planting seeds and that the skills you are teaching will hopefully become useful for the client. This was especially difficult when I worked in juvenile justice. Fighting against a system that is meant for us to fail was exhausting. Seeing our young, Black boys get caught up in the system and having limited resources to help them succeed made me question everything. I think both time and growth have led me to where I am now: taking more control of how I affect my community and taking the more preventative route. I now have time to be present with my family while serving others and that has been a dream come true. I’m excited to see how this next phase pans out for us!
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
We Matter Mental Health Services, LLC was born out of my passion for serving my community and my husband’s passion for Black entrepreneurship. Our mission is two-fold: to provide excellent mental health interventions to all seeking healing and empowering the next generation of clinicians, especially clinicians of color and those who work in rural areas. I offer individual, group, family, and couples therapy. I focus on the specific struggles and generational trauma that are often experienced by people of color. I believe this is what sets us apart. I go into the therapeutic process with an unspoken understanding of how being a person of color in this country, specifically a Black person, can take a significant toll on our mental, physical, and spiritual wellbeing. This concept may be difficult for a non-POC to understand, and sometimes it makes the challenging process of beginning therapy that much easier.
I am super proud of the education and development piece of our brand. I provide licensure supervision for those seeking their clinical social work license, which gives me a unique opportunity to help arm young therapists with the tools they need to succeed in this difficult field. Again, the Black experience is so unique, and that translates into our professional development. Providing this perspective is integral in the growth of a new therapist. I also supervise bachelor and master level interns, provide leadership trainings and am available to speak on panels or in workshops on different mental health and leadership issues. I like to think we provide the total package and that you will walk away a healthier and more self-aware human, no matter what service line you engage in.
Pricing:
- $75-$100/hour for therapy services
Contact Info:
- Email: wemattermhs@gmail.com
- Website: https://wemattermhs.com
- Instagram: @wemattermhs
- Facebook: We Matter Mental Health Services
- Twitter: @wemattermhs
Image Credits
Headshot: Jordan Mikail Logo: Mark Byars
