We had the good fortune of connecting with Jasmine Iverson and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Jasmine, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
Truthfully, I never thought I’d be a business owner. I was happy working in the school system (and enjoying my summers off) as a counselor/social worker and didn’t think I’d ever want to transition into therapeutic practice. Life hit me hard and through my own experience my purpose was revealed. I got introduced to therapy as a client and as I navigated my own process I knew I needed to move forward with pursuing the license myself. I wanted to be to others what my therapist was to me. If I could have that impact on just one person, it would all be worth it. As I navigated the licensure process, I knew that eventually it would lead me to having my own private practice. So here I am over a year later since starting Convergence Counseling, PLLC doing exactly what I set out to do. I like to think that everything happens for a reason and we all end up exactly where we are supposed to be.

What should our readers know about your business?
I am the Owner of Convergence Counseling, PLLC a therapeutic private practice located in North Carolina. I provide individual counseling to adolescents and adults for a range of personal concerns including; anxiety, depressed mood, life transitions, relational concerns, self esteem, etc.
I think that what sets me apart and something that I am proud of is that I am apart of the estimated 5% of clinical therapists that are African American. Traditionally, the Black community has carried a lot of stigma towards therapy and this is changing. As individuals in my community become more open to therapy, representation definitely matters! While I believe that your heart posture, as well as competence is of most importance, it is a benefit for a therapist to understand the nuances within the culture and have the sensitivity to serve diverse, BIPOC populations.
There’s a lot of work that goes into obtaining clinical licensure, starting a private practice and maintaining the business. This has not been easy for me especially as I navigate entrepreneurship while still working in the school system and being a parent. I have overcome these challenges one day at a time, scheduling and scaling with intention and being mindful of my personal capacity and the need for self care. I believe in breaks and boundaries as well as hard work and consistency!
One big lesson I have learned is that learning is continual. I’m not sure that I’ll ever have it all figured out and to be honest, I’m ok with that! There is beauty in growth, I pray I never lose touch with the ability to humbly learn from mistakes along the way.
What do I want the world to know about me, my brand, and my story? Perhaps that I am living proof that our greatest downfalls are set ups for our greatest comebacks and that everything really works out for our good. In the middle of tough seasons, things are foggy, we don’t see the full picture. My motto is “helping you pursue peace, one session at a time”, sometimes it takes someone to grab your hand and patiently walk with you to the other side, trust me there is a clearing ahead.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Well we’d have to go to a few cities… if that’s ok.

We can start on the coast and take in the beauty of Wrightsville Beach and explore the seafood restaurants and fun of Wilmington. I remember going as a kid and OH MY it has grown! Wrightsville Beach is calm and perfect for a sunset walk with ice cream, of course!
We can hit the RDU (Raleigh/Durham) area next- I personally love the charm of downtown in “big-small” cities like Raleigh and Durham. I love the local shops and eateries, we HAVE to go to The Self Care Marketplace in downtown Raleigh to shop the local vendors and head to Fenton in Cary for shopping and drinks!
Lastly, we must head to the Queen City, Charlotte! Perhaps we can go to a Hornets or Panthers game because I am an undercover sports fan, I love to attend professional games in person!
And just so we are clear, I love any rooftop bar with a view, we will go to all of them along the way!

Ready? Let’s go!

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I’d like to dedicate this shoutout to my first therapist, her name was Michaelle. Michaelle was instrumental in not only helping me navigate a tough season in my life but she was my first introduction to what this work could be and the imprint it could leave on someone’s life. She was gentle and affirming but she held me accountable to what she knew I was capable of. She affirmed in me a sense of courage and belief in my ability to navigate my life and embrace life’s challenges with the love and support of those around me. Our encounter was divinely orchestrated (thank God and Shawnette) and I am so grateful that she was able to walk with me on my journey before her passing in 2019. Michaelle and many other therapists with whom I call friend serve as glowing examples of why I do this work.
Additionally; my son, family, and friends are my biggest cheerleaders, I appreciate them all so much! They have nourished me with their unyielding support, their belief in me increases my belief in myself.
Lastly, I’d like to shoutout my clients. My business is service oriented so I technically NEED them but I consider it an honor that they’d choose me to walk with them along their journey and that they trust me with their secrets. We do none of this alone so I am grateful that they’d allow me to partner with them in doing this work.

Website: https://www.convergencecounselpllc.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/convergencecounselpllc?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw==

Other: Instagram: @convergencecounselpllc
Personal: @journeyingwitjas_

Image Credits
Lawrence Fleming, Fit Life Media
Danielle Jones, Flashing Lights Media
Rodney McMillian, MACnificent Images, LLC

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutNorthCarolina is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.