Connect with us
The Hustle

Name: Dr. LaDonna Butler (The Well)

Posted By Megan Holmes

Dr. LaDonna Butler is the founder of The Well For Life, a full-service healing space in south St. Petersburg. The Well, established in 2017, gives a physical space for individuals in need of mental health counseling, wellness and self-care resources. As the director of clinical services at the Pinellas Country Urban League since 2015, Butler created The Well to provide a space to go deeper into the community. It holds events for adults and children of all interests, fights stigma, builds community and changes the misconception that counseling is only for sick people.

Media

Years in Tampa Bay

Born and raised

Hustle (job)

Owner of The Well For Life.

What do you do?  

I’m a therapist by training, a licensed mental health counselor and a certified addictions professional. But beyond that I hold space for individuals to experience wellness and wellbeing in a way that feels natural to them. We are a healing space.

Why do you do it?

At our core we are all whole and well, and we have something to offer each other. We simply need a safe place to share our core essence of goodness. I do what I do so that we can all feel connected, engaged in healing work, and empowered to live our lives in the best way possible.

What was your Catalyst? (How did you get started?)

The Well started because I needed a space where I could do my healing work, where I could do my studies, connect with my friends and my community. So one year ago, as I was defending my dissertation, The Well was born. And right after that a whole lot of other people who had similar vision joined me.

What’s a common misconception or unknown aspect of what you do?

That the only reason that people seek therapy or counseling is because they’re ill. True mental health is our ability to contribute to our community, to cope with the natural stressors of life and to live in ways that are fulfilling.

That healing work is in isolation. The only way that we heal is in community and connection.

What’s the most challenging part of your Hustle?

Our busy lives and our priority of everything other than feeding our souls and our spirits. So to meet that challenge we have to connect with other people who see us clearly, so we can see ourselves as whole and complete.

What’s the most valuable piece of business advice/insight that’s helped you?

Connect with others. The Well is built because we have an entire alliance of healing professionals. From those who start book stores to those who are yoga and meditation specialists to those who specialize in mental health. The business’ goal is connect with likeminded individuals who will help heal the community and to help grow and challenge you to do your best.


Who is The Well for?

The Well is for you. Our tagline is, “The Well, a healing space. You belong here.”

More Hustle

The St. Pete Catalyst

The Catalyst honors its name by aggregating & curating the sparks that propel the St Pete engine.  It is a modern news platform, powered by community sourced content and augmented with directed coverage.  Bring your news, your perspective and your spark to the St Pete Catalyst and take your seat at the table.

Email us: spark@stpetecatalyst.com

Subscribe for Free

Share with friend

Enter the details of the person you want to share this article with.