How Crystal Mullen-Johnson turned tragedy into triumph
Title: Founder, CEO
Locations: Birmingham and Demopolis, Alabama
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From the Birmingham Business Journal.
Growing up as the daughter of a social worker and an entrepreneur, Crystal Mullen-Johnson knew starting her own company was in her future. Following a family tragedy when she was 14, the lack of mental health resources available to her motivated Mullen-Johnson to start her company, Strive Counseling Services. With locations in downtown Birmingham and Demopolis, Mullen-Johnson and her team of counselors provide adolescent, play, adult and couple therapy, as well as telehealth services.
How did that hard childhood experience shape your professional career?
My mom, unfortunately, passed away. We buried her the day before my 15th birthday. I love my mom; we spent so much time together and (losing her) really changed the trajectory of my life.
What was missing during that critical stage of my development after my mom died was a therapist; no one guided me to get grief counseling. I knew I wanted to attend my mother's alma mater, Alabama A&M, so I pursued social work, pursued getting my master's degree and learned the model of establishing a business. That became my career track, and from there I pursued mental health.
What are some recent trends in counseling you've noticed?
There is a significant increase in African-American men seeking out treatment; it's a taboo conversation, mental health, and sometimes we are unlikely to seek treatment. Men are taught in boyhood to be tough and not cry but ... I have seen an increase where men are becoming more comfortable having conversations about how to overcome mental health challenges with someone that doesn't necessarily look like them.
I (also) see a growing trend of therapists becoming independent practitioners as opposed to working within a group ... which I think provides more opportunities for people to select a business they want to work with.
How do you take care of yourself outside of the office?
Self-care is something I preach, teach and learn. My spirituality is my foundation for living, and I love journaling. I enjoy reading; I have a book club called Nurture and it's a group of professional women that gather together and we select a book once a quarter to read. I also love golfing, playing tennis and line dancing.
What's a fun fact about you that not many people know?
I was selected by American All-Star Dancers to perform at Super Bowl XXXII in San Diego with the Denver Broncos and Green Bay Packers.
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