Meet Jasmin McGregor | Mental Health Clinician

We had the good fortune of connecting with Jasmin McGregor and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Jasmin, have there been any changes in how you think about work-life balance?
When I finished my undergraduate experience at Chapman university I began working in the group home setting. I worked at two different group homes and then I applied to USC for my MSW degree. During that time I had to continue to work to support myself financially, and had to balance school, work, and internship. My work life balance was not the best, however, I got through those two years and was able to find my balance again. One of my bestfriends was also busy doing postbac and getting ready to apply to med school, and we had a conversation that shifted my perspective. She said she would rather be tired from doing what she wants than to be tired from working for someone else. This stuck with me, and has become my mantra in terms of finding balance between being a therapist, fitness advocate, wife, and soon to be mother. Before the pandemic I had a strict no notes after work hours, and would stick to that. Now as I work for a different agency, and do my private practice work on the side, I prioritize my self-care. If I am not feeling well and doing right by myself, I won’t be able to be there and provide the help to my clients.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I started my therapeutic journey as an Intern at USC, working with mostly Spanish speaking older adults assisting them in exploring their lives and making lasting change. When I graduated I began working for a wraparound agency providing therapeutic services to at risk youth in the greater Los Angeles area. Soon after I worked for a community mental health agency helping at risk youth in the heart of south central. I’m most proud of becoming licensed in 2020, and landing a job the same day with an amazing and inclusive company. I’ve learned that we all could use someone who believes in us, and helps us make sense of life. I want the world to know and realize that we all can benefit from therapy, and that it is something that needs to be normalized.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
My favorite spots in the city include Sonoma Wine Garden which is a super cute rooftop brunch restaurant in Santa Monica. I loved the Little Easy in downtown la but unfortunately I don’t think they made it through the pandemic. I love hiking at Kenneth Hahn, Runyon Canyon, and the Portuguese Bend in Palouse Verdes. I love going to museums like the LACMA, the African American museum, and MOCA.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I would like to shout out my tribe for pushing me when I didn’t want to be pushed. They believed in me, and poured into me as I was stressed during internship, and various jobs. My husband who is the most supportive man on the planet. He believes in me so much and knows that I can achieve whatever I put my mind to. My family for always instilling in me “excellence and not mediocrity”. That mantra just reminds me to continue to do my best in everything I do.

Website: https://www.socorey.com/jasmin-mcgregor

Instagram: @fleek_n_fitness

Linkedin: Jasmin McGregor, LCSW

Facebook: Seek Therapy Podcast