Each year, there is a race from Halloween to New Year’s Day, and, while many refer to this as “the most wonderful time of the year”, it can be less than joyous for others. For a significant portion of the population, this time of year can be a real challenge for emotional, psychological and social well-being, otherwise known as mental health. Each individual’s mental health affects how that person thinks, feels and acts, determining how we handle stress, relate to others and make healthy choices. Thus, there’s no better time to spotlight the absolutely incredible therapist, Camille Logan, as this month’s First Friday Female Founder Feature. Camille does an enviably good job combining her brilliance with a huge heart, empathy for others and a passion for creating a safe, supportive space to welcome in the diverse populations who need her help. Enjoy this peek inside the mind and heart of this absolute rock star!

About Camille Logan

Camille Logan is a Licensed Clinical Mental Health Clinician who co-owns a private practice, The KC Collective, in Raleigh, NC. She received both her undergraduate degree in Psychology and her master’s degree with a focus in Counseling from the University of Florida. She enjoys working with adolescents, college students and adults on a range of issues but primarily around helping people untangle limiting beliefs, undo unhelpful patterns and heal from hurtful experiences to help build a healthier narrative that makes room for wholeness, connection and personal freedom. The issues that a majority of her clients seek her out for are surrounding areas of depression, anxiety, life transitions, communication, body image, race and identity. She is inspired daily by her clients' life stories of hope, resilience and courage. In her work and what she chooses to practice personally, she’s passionate about self-care, emotional intelligence, using the Enneagram as a tool of self-discovery, assertiveness, social justice and the value of connection along with vulnerability. Camille also hosts a podcast, Enneagram for the Culture, where herself and another clinician discuss how the Blackness, therapy and Enneagram come together.

Camille loves a perfectly curated playlist, TSA precheck, reality tv competition shows and ice cream (always ice cream!). For more about her practice, visit https://www.thekccollective.com/, and, for her podcast, visit https://www.enneagramfortheculture.com/.

First Friday Female Founder Feature:

Camille Logan

How would you describe your company and the products / services you offer?

I co-own a mental health private practice where myself and other mental health practitioners provide therapy for individuals. Our practice is set up where each practitioner is their own entity, but we share office space, supplies and community with one another.

As a therapist, I assist clients as they untangle limiting beliefs, undo unhelpful patterns and heal from hurtful experiences to help build a healthier narrative that makes room for healing, connection and personal freedom.

I also co-host a podcast, Enneagram for the Culture. On the podcast, myself and one of my colleagues discuss how the popular typing tool, the Enneagram, therapy and Blackness intersect.

Why did you start your company?

I had been providing therapy since 2009 in various settings before opening the KC Collective in 2019. A friend and fellow therapist, Kate Wolfe, and I decided that having more autonomy and, ultimately, taking on that responsibility of having our own practice was worthwhile. We created the KC Collective to be a place that other therapists could also be in private practice in a way that allowed them to flourish as individuals.

Enneagram for the Culture started after long chats about the Enneagram with my friend and fellow therapist, Kimberly Reese. We recognized from our own learning that there was a gap in the teaching on the Enneagram. The majority of the enneagram spaces are led by and occupied by white teachers and students. With this in mind, we recognized that no one was talking about how our racial identity intersects with our personalities and, therefore, how our type is displayed in the world. We wanted to change that with the podcast!

I also always try to do things that have some element of fun attached, and, in both cases, I felt that these ventures could be just that! I still maintain with both that we always maintain a level of fun in the midst of the work.

What has been the most rewarding part of your journey in founding this company?

As a therapist, I genuinely love my job and count it a privilege to journey through life with my clients.

As a business owner, I take pride in being able to provide a fair, supportive and welcoming space for clinicians to do good healing work with their clients.

With the podcast, it has been so cool to hear listeners share that they were craving a space that held conversations about their full selves and how it relates to the Enneagram. We also make sure to normalize and encourage therapy, something that can be overlooked in the Black community.

About what are you most proud?

Personally, I moved to Raleigh from Florida immediately after graduating grad school (literally- I skipped graduation to start my drive), and I only knew one friend of a friend here. 14 years later, I am proud of myself for that big move, the courage it took to try something so unknown and the community I have found here. In those 14 years, I became an adult navigating a new city, making new friends and growing in my career all while mostly being un-partnered.

Professionally, I am most proud of the therapist that I am. I take my job and relationship with my clients very seriously - knowing that my role in people’s lives is one that is filled with great trust and vulnerability. I am honored to walk alongside clients as they courageously navigate their lives. With that in mind, I take great care in the role, and I am proud of that.

Are you naturally organized, was it a skill you learned or is it something with which you regularly struggle, and what tips or tools do you use to stay your most organized?

I would say that I am, in the ways that matter for me. I do believe, however, that being organized can carry a moral implication and that there is a spectrum of being organized and that each person falls uniquely on that spectrum. I’d imagine, while I would say I am organized, someone may see my systems and think they were not. And what’s interesting is that, if I saw someone else’s “very organized” system, it may actually cause more stress for me. Which relates to my tip or trick I use to stay organized- I don’t judge or compare my systems. If it works for me, it works for me. If it doesn’t work, then, with compassionate curiosity, I re-evaluate and find the best system that coincides with my lifestyle and personality to meet my intended goal.

Who’s the one person who changed your life and why?

My therapist. And, yes, therapists see therapists! Personally and professionally, it feels imperative for me to partake in the same service I wholeheartedly believe in. It would be strange to see a dentist that never went to the dentist, wouldn’t it?? I actually believe that all therapists should be in their own therapy as it helps us to stay sharp, healthy and self aware. I also think it’s a dangerous way to work as a therapist if we aren’t aware and actively engaging in our own self exploration, healing and journey.

What words of wisdom would you have for someone who is overwhelmed with staying organized and / or productive?

That there is no right or wrong way to be organized. Our individual brains and personalities all need their own individual systems, and we can be creative in figuring out what works best for each of us to be functional through the demands of our lives. A lot of times, I see clients shaming themselves for being unorganized, and that doesn’t get anyone anywhere as it’s hard to problem solve through a layer of shame. A really helpful and easy to read book is How to Keep House While Drowning. In it, therapist KC Davis does a beautiful job of giving practical and compassionate advice to creating routines and rhythms that work for the individual.

Do you use technology to help stay productive or organized? If so, what’s your favorite program, app or tech tool?

For me, scheduling and time are very important so I am very organized in those areas. I do still keep a paper planner that is my lifeline. It actually brings me great joy to fill it in and organize it - IN PENCIL to allow for flexibility and changes. I am intentional about reviewing my schedule at the beginning of each week to be prepared and to notice where I need extra moments of self care in the form of connection or quiet. Lists are also my go-to tool, but I keep it old school with the notes app (the range of lists in that app is hilarious) and / or good, old fashioned pads of paper!

How do you feel about work / life efficiency or integration in your life, including any tips or challenges for managing the personal and professional commitments in your life?

What works for me is clear boundaries and intentional planning.

About what causes are you most passionate?

I strive to care about people and social justice. I feel passionate about people being able to live their lives fully, without internal or external messages or systems that keep them from doing so.

What have you found to be the most effective way to relax after a long day or super long week?

After a long day or week, I oscillate between wanting to be completely quiet, alone, on my couch, under my weighted blanket, watching tv AND meaningfully being able to connect with a small group of dear friends. Striking that balance perfectly is what I have found to be my most effective way to relax

What is your favorite author / book?

This is too hard. I love to read and can’t narrow it down! For the past year, my favorite books have been Seven Days in June as well as House on the Cerulean Sea, and I have been loving getting into the fantasy/romance genre, like Fourth Wing.

What is your favorite inspirational quote?

“There is enough sky for all the birds to fly.”

What is your go-to accessory?

My gold pendant necklace that says “courage.” I started wearing it in the summer of 2020, and I never take it off. It is my daily reminder that courage means to do something even if there is risk or fear.

What are the fundamentals of your beauty routine?

Good sleep is probably my most consistent beauty routine! That and having my nails painted.

What is your favorite food?

Another question that’s hard to pick just one for, lol! I love ice cream, chicken tenders and pancakes.

Of the locally-owned and -operated establishments in the place you currently live, which are your top 3 favorites and why?

Vita Vite - I love wine! And I love the warm space and vibe that the owner, Lindsay, has created!

The Flourish Market - So much of my closet is from this mission-driven boutique that is intentionally run by Emily Grey. I love picking out unique clothing and gifts while knowing my purchases are making an impact.

Two Roosters - Each month, a friend and I go to try the new rotating ice cream flavors of the month! I love their creative flavors and the surprise of what they are going to come up with next.

What is your favorite place that you have visited?

I was able to visit Croatia earlier this year and was absolutely blown away by it’s beauty!

What movie could you watch on endless loop?

Honestly, I don’t think any. I get bored easily, and watching the same movie on endless loop sounds like it could quickly turn into a nightmare for me, lol!

If you could have one superpower, what would it be?

To apparate — Harry Potter fans know!

What advice would you give your 21-year-old self?

I would probably tell her that you have no idea how this life is gonna go, and that’s ok. Stay open and grateful while enjoying the ride that you don’t have to work so hard to control.

Now the real question is would 21 year old me actually listen?? Probably not as this is still advice I have to remind myself of now.

If you could have lunch with anyone (living or deceased), who would it be and why?

That’s easy- my maternal grandmother. She was and still remains one of my favorite people I have ever known. Growing up, she was my emotional support, always meeting me with gentleness and compassion for my emotions. Her care of me remains an example for me of how I can care for my own emotional self. I often think of what she would think of certain moments in my life now, and I would love to hear her reactions first hand.

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