Today we’d like to introduce you to Teri Johnson.
Teri, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
Hello there! I grew up in the Westside of San Antonio and attended Memorial High School. The district was and continues to be impoverished. It’s a part of town that forces you to make a choice, become part of the environment or do something about it. Having said all of that, I did things backwards, I married, had children, then put myself through school. Keep in mind, school was 8 1/2 years long to get a Master’s degree in Counseling and Guidance from Texas A&M Kingsville.-San Antonio. I sacraficed my evenings with my children to study, do papers or attend evening class. I graduated with a 4.0 and secured employment at a community health facility. After I contracted for 3 years and then braved going on my own. I opened up Advanced Counseling Services Inc in San Antonio, and have successfully grown facility to 10 therapists taking most insurances and seeing all ages from 2 years old and up. It’s a thriving business owned by a once little girl from the West side of town, who’s first language was Spanish, who beat the odds. I now do what I always dreamed of, I know I’m here to serve others, and that’s exactly what my mental health facility does daily. I’ve built a team of caring therapists in a beautiful space.
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?
I believe the road has been smooth due to my positive perspective. Understanding there will be challenges I’m not surprised. If a challenge comes up, I ask questions, stay calm, problem solve and move forward. It’s all a matter of perspective.
Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about Advanced Counseling Services ?
“Healing from the Inside Out’ is my motto at Advanced Counseling Services. It was established January 1st, 2017, and we specialize in mental health. We evaluate, screen, diagnose and treat all mental illness for everyone and all ages. We also provide counseling for couples, family, and situational stressors. If the patient requires medication, we streamline the process and refer you to a trusted psychiatrist. We aim the process, so you don’t have to.
Can you tell us more about what you were like growing up?
My personality was super friendly, so much so my father use to say ‘you can’t go up to people and start talking to them’. That’s definitely me still now but obviously more cautious. I also have a contrary side of me, if I’m told ‘you can’t do that’. I want to show I can. This is very much the case with me entering school at a late age. I was told ‘you’re too old, to return to school’. I did and here I am now.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://1therapy.org
- Facebook: Advanced Counseling Services
