Building a successful and inclusive therapy practice comes with its own set of challenges.

Therapist and consultant Kenya Crawford, LMHC has created a model for doing just that. By centering the needs of Black queer individuals and developing an anti-oppressive pricing structure, Kenya has built a practice that prioritizes accessibility and authentic healing.

In this episode, Kenya joins host Michael Fulwiler to share how she crafted a space that supports marginalized communities while maintaining a sustainable business model.

She also discusses her work with Cultivating Healers, a community space for clinicians of color to grow anti-racist and sustainable practices. Kenya offers her perspective on the complexities of racial equity consulting and shares how organizations can address racial trauma early, before it reaches the therapy room.

Listen in as Kenya breaks down her approach to balancing her roles as a therapist, consultant, and community builder, all while staying true to her mission of fostering equitable, inclusive care.

In the conversation, they discuss:
Kenya’s approach to building a practice centered on the needs of Black queer individuals and how aligning her values with the communities she serves has been essential to her success
The development of a tiered pricing model that allows clients to pay based on financial needs, providing accessible care without compromising sustainability
Skills to navigate the challenges of racial equity consulting, identifying performative activism, and addressing racial trauma in workplace settings

Connect with the guest:
Visit her website: https://www.kenyacrawford.com/
Kenya on X: https://x.com/KenyaCrawford_
Kenya on Instagram:   / kenyacrawford_  

Learn more about Cultivating Healers: https://www.kenyacrawford.com/cultiva...

Connect with Michael and Heard:
Michael’s LinkedIn:   / michaelfulwiler  
Newsletter: https://www.joinheard.com/newsletter
Book a free consult: https://www.joinheard.com/welcome-form

Jump into the conversation:
(00:00) Introduction to Heard Business School with guest Kenya Crawford
(02:19) Kenya's personal mission of fostering radical and authentic healing
(03:53) The influence of traditional therapy training on Kenya's practice
(06:00) Transitioning from group practices to private practice
(10:33) Challenges faced when starting her business
(12:06) Kenya’s experience with virtual practice before the pandemic
(13:35) Niche specialization and its impact on client engagement
(15:02) The unexpected journey into consulting
(20:43) Pricing consulting based on expertise and impact
(24:27) Shifts in demand for anti-racist consulting post-2020
(30:48) Differentiating between therapy, consulting, and coaching
(34:50) Kenya’s anti-oppressive rate structure explained
(43:07) Introduction to Cultivating Healers initiative
(48:16) Pursuing dreams without waiting for permission