By Latania J. Franklin, LCSW, Owner- The Self Inside
I have always known that my work would involve helping others heal. For me, this work started early. One of the games I played with my mom was “office,” and I would organize papers and pretend to help people. In my young mind, having an office and completing paperwork became synonymous with helping people. One day, I was in the public aid office with my mom, and the caseworker treated her terribly. The caseworker was cold and impatient. That moment stayed with me. I couldn’t understand how or why someone who was supposed to help others would act this way. That moment changed me because I decided that when I grew up, I would approach helping others with patience, empathy, and compassion.
My desire to help others led me to Loyola University Chicago, where I earned my degree in social work. For nearly seven years, I supported students and families through both academic and personal challenges as a school social worker. I loved the work, but I had a deeper calling. In 2019, I transitioned into private practice. I was ready to build a space where clients could reconnect with themselves and find lasting healing.
My first experience in private practice taught me lessons I didn’t expect. I was at an all-white practice and quickly realized how isolating it was to navigate spaces that did not fully understand my identity or cultural perspective. When we had a meeting dedicated to my hair, I knew I was finished but that experience also made me question whether I truly belonged in this field.
I began working with a Black practitioner on the South Side of Chicago and that’s when everything shifted. Being surrounded by people who understood my experiences and valued my perspective was transformative. It inspired me to build my own practice, The Self Inside, a space dedicated to helping Black women reconnect with their authentic selves and rediscover their strength.
Running my own private practice has been deeply rewarding, but I’d be remiss if I didn’t discuss the challenges, especially starting out. Managing insurance verification, scheduling, client intake, social media, and other administrative tasks consumed hours of my week. I felt like I was helping clients find balance while losing my own. I realized that I needed additional support if I wanted to grow and scale my practice.
Like many private practice owners, I hesitated to hire a virtual assistant. I was unsure I could trust someone with the details of my work, but a friend who is also in this field shared her positive experience with My Freedom, so I decided to explore it for myself.
From my first consultation, I knew My Freedom was different. The process was transparent, professional, and tailored to my needs. I was able to interview assistants personally and choose someone aligned with my values and mission. It didn’t feel like I was outsourcing; I was building a team.
More than a year later, my virtual assistant supports me in ways that have transformed my private practice. She manages social media, creates graphics, verifies client insurance benefits, and keeps my schedule organized. She even helps me maintain accountability and self-care. By handling these administrative tasks, she allows me to focus on what matters most, providing therapy, creating workshops, and expanding my clinical offerings.
Having a virtual assistant has also reshaped how I view leadership. For years, I thought strong leadership meant doing everything myself. Now I understand that it means being honest about your needs and creating systems that allow your vision to grow. I’m receiving the support and structure to take my practice to the next level.
What I learned from all this was that asking for help is not a weakness. Asking for help is a sign of growth. Sometimes we think growth is about doing more, but that’s not true. It’s about creating the freedom to do what matters most. By creating the right partnerships and teams, you are free to focus on client care, grow your business, and maintain balance. Imagine the freedom you could have to expand your practice without sacrificing your energy or well-being. I think that’s more than enough of a reason to explore what that looks like for you.
