'I don't think we can do it alone': Hudson therapist says even the successful can struggle

A well-paying job. A nice car. A nice home. A good neighborhood.

Those can all be seen as hallmarks of a successful life. This person is obviously living on Easy Street, right?

Well, not necessarily, said Rodney Long Jr., who recently opened a counseling office in Hudson. His niche is helping successful men work through issues of stress, conflict and other challenges — topics they may not be comfortable discussing.

On his website, in bold letters, is his philosophy: "Don't Man Up. Speak Up."

Long, 32, of Akron, earned a bachelor's degree in social work from Malone University and graduated with a master's degree in social work from Case Western Reserve. He initially had considered going into education. However, his college experience professor encouraged him to consider going into social work.

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His own early years were a struggle, Long said.

"I grew up really poor, to addicted parents," said Long, who has four siblings and a half-brother. "I was fortunate. I never got into drugs, never got into that. I left home at 13. I lived with a friend for a year, then with family. I went back home at 17."

By then, Long said, his parents were out of jail, had "sobered up," and are now youth pastors.

'People who make money feel they aren't allowed to have problems'

Long said he has worked as a therapist for about 10 years. He started out as a consultant and joined the Peace Corp for four months. After that, he took a counseling job.

It was at this job, he said, where he met his wife, Sara, who worked the front desk. Eventually, Long said he eventually decided to start his own independent office, with Sara "helping with the business side." The couple also have two children and two dogs.

There's a common misconception that if someone doesn't have money problems, "then they have no problems," Long said.

"People who make money feel they aren't allowed to have problems," he said.

Therapy sessions are private pay; he doesn't accept insurance. The cost of the initial assessment is $130. Followup appointments are $110 each.

"This is for people who are ready to commit to it," he said.

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Clients don't need to meet him at the office, Long said. If they would prefer to talk out their issues during a hike, a bike ride or even at their offices, Long said he is willing to go to the client.

"I'm in the business of helping change lives," he said. "Not just talk, help them change."

If someone wants to be in good physical shape, they have to work to that goal with a proper diet and exercise, Long said. A similar principal applies to mental health.

One common issue he hears from men: They're working 60 hours a week and trying to connect more with their families.

"Most men lead lives of quiet desperation," Long said, quoting poet and philosopher Henry David Thoreau.

Hopefully, Long said he can help change this, adding that he regularly sees a counselor in Fairlawn.

"I don't think we can do it alone," he said.

Last year, Long said he started a counseling course for infidelity. He said he is thinking of starting other groups to address specific needs.

"We are trying to be creative," he said.

Reporter April Helms can be reached at ahelms@thebeaconjournal.com

Rodney Long Jr.

Address:  10 W. Streetsboro St., ste. 102 in Hudson

Phone number:  330-510-1388

Website:  www.rodneylongjr.com

About the Focus on Black-owned Businesses series

The Beacon Journal is profiling Black-owned businesses in Summit County as part of an ongoing series. Read more of these profiles at  https://bit.ly/3jb0h1e.  

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This article originally appeared on Akron Beacon Journal: Mental health therapist Rodney Long Jr. opens Hudson practice for men