Her Story
About LeKeisha
LeKeisha Jones is a sex therapist and psychotherapist based in Atlanta, Georgia. She has been practicing as a psychotherapist for six years, having started her professional training as a sex educator in 2014 before transitioning into therapy. Jones earned her master's degree in clinical counseling psychology in 2021 and is currently in her second year of a PhD program in human sexuality, with an expected completion around 2030. She is a member of the American Board of Sexology and the American Psychological Association. Her practice focuses on sex therapy and sex education, where she helps clients address issues of guilt, shame, relationships, and authenticity with an emphasis on empathy and non-judgmental support. Jones attributes her professional fulfillment to the opportunity to maintain a flexible schedule in private practice and to engage daily in meaningful therapeutic work.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with LeKeisha
01What do you attribute your success to?
I don't know if I'd call myself successful other than the fact that I just get to do this almost every day. Make my own schedule. I had just gotten to private practice this year by accident. I wasn't anticipating being in private practice. The first month I went from 5 clients to 26. I think the success piece is just the fact I get to do this. I've set out years ago to do the work. It took me forever to get here and now that I'm here I've never been so happy.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
A sex therapist in Atlanta told me while finishing grad school: don't worry about any of that because you're not going to get AASECT certified until you're fully licensed anyway. Just take what you can and just learn what you can. Become competent as a therapist first. I took that and ran with it.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
The days of being a silent and meek therapist is over. Don't be afraid of being fierce and authentic and being yourself. But also don't be a hypocrite either. Don't stop being fierce.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
For those on the LPC route there are different titles but the LPC route in particular does not have protections for their interns and supervisees at all which leaves them vulnerable. There is a lot of unethical behaviors and practices. A lot of racism and sexism especially for women of color. The main thing that needs to be addressed is protections for interns and supervisees and for fully licensed therapists on an ethical level.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
Definitely empathy. That's the main thing. Being non-judgmental but also allowing space for the judgment. Definitely authenticity. If you're gay you're gay. If you're same gender loving, if you're bisexual. Having that quiet authenticity especially when working with kids who come out as trans or same-gender loving.
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