The decision to start a private counseling practice is a big step. There is an endless list of calls to make, forms to complete, a website to create, website copy to write, office space to look at, office furniture and decor to buy, and on and on the list goes.
When I reflect back on the months leading up to launch my practice, In The Now Counseling, in Washington, Pennsylvania, I feel particularly grateful to a few people who have shared their time, skills, wisdom and encouragement with me.
My sister, Julie’s, technical skills
Technology is NOT my strong suit. I was determined to create my own website to help reduce start-up expenses, but this came with a very steep learning curve.
My sweet sister is a professional photographer and has always had much stronger technical skills than me. She has created two beautiful websites for her business and is an excellent teacher. She’s also extremely generous with her time even while juggling her business and caring for her four children.
Julie has given me numerous hours of help teaching me about website design, explaining how search engine optimization (SEO) works, providing her opinion on business names, taglines, website themes and acting as my personal help-desk. I am grateful for her strong technical skills and for always making my questions a priority. Thank you, Julie!
My sister, Teresa’s, decorating skills
Teresa has a great eye for decorating. She has decorated her home beautifully and previously designed the office of my father’s counseling practice. It was an office that I looked for reasons to visit because I loved how I felt when I was there.
At almost nine months pregnant and on a very steamy August day, my kind sister, Teresa, offered to help me set-up my new office space. It was no easy feat because we were working with random furnishings from my home and miscellaneous items that were purchased to fill in the gaps. Additionally, she had her three year-old in tow for the long, hot afternoon.
With a counseling practice geared toward women, it was important to me that the space not feel clinical. I wanted it to feel warm and inviting, with feminine touches, but not too frilly. Somehow we pulled all the misfits together and I feel like we achieved what I wanted. I’ve had great feedback from clients on how much they like the office! Thank you, Teresa, for your great eye for decorating!
My father, Carmen’s, endless wisdom and coaching
My father is a quiet man. In a group setting, he doesn’t say a whole lot, but when you get this man in a one-on-one setting and talking about counseling (which was his life’s work), look out!
Since I became a counselor, he has fielded endless questions from me and has been a constant source of encouragement. I am beyond grateful to have the same profession as him because he has a wealth of experience and knowledge to share.
I had the honor of participating in a support group that he was facilitating a few years ago where I got to see him in action. I left each session in awe of how cohesive the group felt and how much the women in the group seemed to admire him.
He has a weakness for sweet things like donuts and cinnamon rolls so I told him I’ll provide him with sweet treats and coffee for his ongoing coaching sessions. He agreed! Thank you, Dad, for being you and for being the best coach I could hope for!
My husband, Dave’s, career encouragement and financial support
Dave has encouraged me to pursue my professional counseling license since I completed my master’s degree.
At times I ignored the idea because it required me to return to graduate school to complete four more courses and two years of clinical supervision. After finishing my master’s degree, the last thing I could think about was doing more graduate work.
He continually reminded me that I didn’t know what the future would hold for my career and having my license would open more opportunities for me in the field. I am thankful I listened to him.
Dave is the hardest working individual I know. He hates when people say this, but he is. He works an additional shift at his job just about every week to support my business start-up and continues to encourage my dream.
Thank you, Dave, for being my person and teammate!
I’m particularly grateful to to Julie, Teresa, my father, and Dave, but there have been countless other family members, friends, and colleagues who have also cheered for me. Thank you all for your support! I hope to make your proud!
In The Now Counseling specializes in helping women navigate the challenges of marriage/romantic relationships, motherhood, and caregiving roles. If you live in Pittsburgh and Washington, Pennsylvania areas and are considering counseling, please reach out to me for more information.
