DR. LADONNA BUTLER Founder, The Well for Life
According to one etymology source, the name Ladonna represents an intuitive, imaginative woman who breathes charm, vivacity, femininity and sensitivity. That very much describes the newly-christened Dr. Ladonna Butler when it comes to her quest to expand trauma-informed mental health counseling to more St. Petersburg residents. Last year was one of her most fruitful yet. Dr. Butler completed her Doctoral degree in Counselor Education and Supervision at Argosy University, shortly after founding her own counseling firm – The Well for Life, LLC, “to connect, engage, and empower individuals and families to live their best lives.” That was after 16 years honing her expertise in communal and culturally relevant strategies for special populations, working for mental health agencies such as Suncoast and OperationPAR. African Americans are a large part of Dr. Butler’s counseling base. Women are too. And from her years of case management for behavioral health programs, Dr. Butler says she’s learned the vital role of counselors in nurturing the interconnectivity between spiritual and community aspects of life. She says, “It is through the influence of strong, black, women and an unwavering faith in God, that I live, move and have my being.” Dr. Butler has cultivated her unique niche through partnerships with the University of South Florida Family Study Center and at Pinellas County 44 | Power Broker magazine
Urban League, where, in 2016, she created a Clergy Roundtable, convening faith leaders and mental health professionals “to begin the conversation about the roadblocks we will need to remove to reach more of their congregants and clients.” She was recently accepted to a Post-Doctoral fellowship at Tulane University’s Center for Natural Connections to further her groundbreaking research on spirituality, community connectivity, and persistence.
Advice from Dr. Butler When did you realize your purpose and position to really make a difference? I knew from an early age that I would impact lives through meaningful connection. This was further developed through a series of lifeshaping events, allowing me to experience the trials and triumph of survival. Speaking at schools, youth camps, and support groups allowed me to understand the power of voice. I was blessed with the gift of vulnerability, which is my secret weapon to defeat shame.
How do you push through the worst of times? Celebrate the best of times? I learned that through and in community, I am able to push through the worst of times and celebrate the best. I learned that asking for help and being an available vessel of service supports my and our advancement. Most of all, I learned
that I, just as anyone else, deserve my love and attention.
What are your success habits? Acknowledge God in all and through all; see the brilliance and interconnection of the human experience; LEARN, taking time to read, listen, evaluate, observe, and receive critical feedback; and be gracious (express appreciation for those who invest in me, apologize quickly when I offend, and forgive even more quickly when offended).
What do you see as your 3 biggest accomplishments? 1. I have a family that loves and serves. I am honored to be the wife of Minister Ulas Butler and the mother of Imari, Kira, Mason, Oren, and Quinci. 2. This year, I completed my Doctoral degree. 3. I am a new business owner.
Petite bio:
Dr. Butler holds a Doctoral degree in Counseler Education & Supervision, a Master’s in Human Services with a specialty in Mental Health Counseling, and state certification as a Licensed Mental Health Counselor and as a Certified Addictions Professional. She recently became CEO of The Well for Life, with offices on 22nd Street South in St. Petersburg. Among her many professional credits, Dr. Butler has served on two U.S. Department of Labor committees for the development of best practices in vocational training programs.