Meet Shaylin King | LMFT; ADC

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

Hi Shaylin, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
Growing up, I had to figure out my sexual identity through google searches and buzzfeed quizzes. So when I was in my graduate school program for Marriage and Family Therapy, I knew I wanted to create the therapeutic space that I, and so many other LGBTQ individuals didn’t have. I shared my dreams of creating an inclusive and affirming practice with Carrie Morris, a fellow cohort member who had an interest in pursuing sex therapy. She shared in the vision of opening a practice in the Upstate where LGBTQ, Kink, and Poly people could feel safe in identity exploration, working through couple and family issues, and processing their lived experiences. Just one year after graduating from Converse University, Carrie and I were able to make that dream a reality and opened Berkana Collective.

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
Berkana Collective is a therapy practice located in Greer, SC, specializing in services for the LGBTQ+, polyamorous, and kink communities. We offer a range of therapeutic services including LGBTQ+ and poly therapy, as well as kink and sex therapy. Our approach is inclusive and affirming, aiming to support clients in creating a more authentic and joyful life. Berkana Collective provides a safe space for clients to explore and address their unique needs and challenges with the guidance of experienced therapists.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I would definitely start the trip by taking them to Tandem Creperie in Traveler’s Rest for brunch followed up with a nice walk around Furman University’s campus. Afterwards, I would take them to West Greenville to visit Savereign, the cutest little plant nursery and stop in at Comal 864 for some Mexican! I would then head to the heart of downtown Greenville for a little shopping. For dinner, we would definitely have to go to Sum Bar; the crab rangoons are to die for! We would end the night at one of the many rooftop bars in Greenville. My favorite is Up on the Roof.

The next morning, we would start the day at Flying Fox Coffee in Downtown Greer and then head out for a hike. Silver Steps Falls in Cleveland is my go-to hike! It’s moderately difficult and has the most beautiful waterfall at the end. After a picnic at the falls, we would head back to Downtown Greer for some frozen custard at Abbott’s.

Greenville is such a wonderful and diverse place with so much to choose from and so many wonderful surrounding communities. I am so grateful to be able to live and work here, directly supporting my local community.

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 love to dedicate this shoutout to my business partner Carrie Morris. Without her, Berkana Collective may have just become a never fully realized dream. She has motivated, challenged, consoled, and laughed with me throughout this whole journey and I am so so grateful for the business we’ve built together. Her trust and partnership have allowed me to grow and evolve as a professional and I genuinely look forward to continuing to run a business long into the future.

Website: https://www.berkanacollective.com

Instagram: berkanacollective

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/search/top?q=berkana%20collective

Image Credits
Danielle Paul Photography