Healing on Her Own Terms
Samantha Gremillion, LCSW- BACS’s Bold Move Into Private Practice
What initially drew you to the field of social work?
Choosing a major in college was a challenging decision for me – I explored accounting, considered graphic design, and even thought about becoming a teacher. Eventually, after much trial and error (and stress), I landed on an undergraduate degree in Child and Family Studies with a minor in Psychology. Through that program, I developed a deep interest in childhood development, family systems, trauma, and the importance of both physical and mental well-being. That naturally led me to pursue a Master’s in Social Work.
Looking back, I’ve always had a strong desire to support others, which initially made the social work path feel aligned, but over time, I’ve realized that being a social worker and now a therapist is so much more than just helping others and more about shifting generational patterns, empowerment, and having the opportunity to be alongside humans in some of their most vulnerable moments.
What moment or experience made you consider starting your own practice?
Starting a private practice was something I considered for years, but self-doubt often held me back from taking any next steps. While in my 6th year in an agency setting, I began having conversations with my husband about the possibility of beginning my own practice, and I was grateful to have his encouragement and support.
After the pandemic – combined with working from home and a growing sense that the agency I was with wasn’t aligned with my long-term goals, I reached out to a trusted colleague in private practice for guidance. A few months later, while pregnant with my son, she emailed to let me know of office space coming available the following year, to begin my private practice, shortly after I would be giving birth to my son. In that moment, I knew that I couldn’t let self-doubt keep me from saying yes.
How did you navigate the emotional complexity of leaving systems you cared deeply about?
This was tough, because while the agency I was with at the time didn’t feel aligned with those long-term goals, I cared deeply about the people I worked alongside, the mission of the agency, and the community that we served. At the time, I was the Clinical Director, and while I valued the opportunity to create change at a systems level, I also felt removed from the direct, relational work that initially drew me to the social work field. Ultimately, I had to make peace with the idea that this was a meaningful season in my career where I learned a lot and had to make space to expand in a different direction.
What was the hardest part about stepping away from traditional roles and stepping into being your own boss?
Security, stability, and structure are a few words that come to mind. Being “on my own” in private practice, following my own rules, managing my own schedule, and having to grow a practice felt very scary.
Were there any limiting beliefs you had to overcome before launching your own practice?
Absolutely and many – working through those limiting beliefs was honestly the ‘hardest part’ of moving toward private practice. Through my own, personal therapy, support from loved ones, and a willingness to take action even while feeling anxious or scared, I was able to put aside limiting beliefs like: I’m not good enough, I’m inadequate, I have to have everything perfect before I start, I’m not smart enough… you name it.
And don’t get me wrong, these thoughts still show up from time to time. Thankfully, today they are not as loud, they don’t keep me stuck the way they once did, and I’ve been able to build the muscle of trust and compassion towards myself, which continues to guide me forward.
How did your values as a social worker shape the kind of therapist you are today?
The values that first began my interest in social work – providing care, support, advocacy, education, and resources to individuals who are in need or experiencing difficulties – have continued to guide me in my work as a therapist. I do my best to meet every person who comes into therapy with compassion, nonjudgment, and respect, and see them firstly as a human. I believe that every person has the capacity to change, heal, and grow and I greatly enjoy being alongside individuals doing this work. The way I show up as a therapist is always evolving as I continue to grow as a human myself, but a few things that remain the same are showing up with curiosity, a commitment to being ethical, trauma-informed, and continually expanding my knowledge and skills to offer the support needed.
What surprised you most about such an emotionally demanding profession?
I expected this work to be emotionally demanding – and it is, some days more than others. Thankfully, preparing for the emotional demands of this profession was part of my education and ongoing training. What I didn’t totally expect was how being a therapist would continuously invite me into my own growth, self-awareness, and personal healing. Becoming a parent around the same time as becoming a therapist stretched my capacity to be with my own emotions and inevitable life challenges. My personal and professional experiences continue to inform each other, which has allowed me to grow in so many ways I hadn’t anticipated, both as a therapist and human.
What’s something you’ve gained in private practice that wasn’t possible in your former roles?
One of my favorite things I’ve gained in private practice is the ability to be as creative as I would like. In previous roles, I often felt boxed in or limited to specific rules. Private practice has given me the opportunity to lean into therapeutic approaches that resonate with me (like mindfulness and EMDR), explore topics I’m passionate about, meet my clients authentically, and work alongside individuals who I align with.
How do you handle the tension between wanting to help everyone and needing to protect your own boundaries and capacity?
At the beginning stages of being a new social worker and then being a new therapist, this was a real struggle. There were many moments when I began my private practice of getting home late and being torn in both directions of wanting to build my practice, meet with all the clients, and be present with my family.
With this, I had to learn the importance of boundaries. I can recognize now that I simply can’t help everyone, that it’s okay to refer out, to say I’m unavailable at certain times, and to protect my time and energy. Most importantly creating these boundaries has given me the capacity to show up the way I want for both my family and clients.
What advice would you give to other social workers who are curious about starting their own practice but feel stuck or unsure?
That the feeling of being stuck or uncertain is so common and you’re not alone in feeling this way. Often, these feelings are tied to beliefs that are changeable. Starting a private practice is totally doable, it doesn’t have to be perfect to begin, and you can allow yourself to take the first small step to build momentum. Connect with others in private practice and lean on support to express and process how you’re feeling.
If you could talk to yourself on the day you decided to make the leap, what would you say?
I’d give her a hug and tell her “I’m proud of you.”
Want to follow Samantha’s next chapter? Check out her website or find her on Instagram
