The last Vibrant Therapist Spotlight of 2018 features Florida therapist Amanda Patterson, LMHC. Amanda has a strong online presence, so you may recognize her name! Amanda owns a group therapy practice and nurtures multiple areas of interest and passion in her work. In her interview, Amanda shared tips for managing a multi-faceted business without getting overwhelmed.
Please introduce yourself to the readers and tell us a little about the work that you do
I’m Amanda Patterson and I’m a licensed mental health counselor in Pembroke Pines, Florida. I run a group practice called “Caring Therapists of Broward”. My specialties include depression anxiety in treating teenagers and adults. Supervision is something I’m also passionate about, especially in helping new therapists become licensed and start their private practice. Another part of my work is helping therapists build business and marketing plans. My Facebook group “My Private Practice Tribe” helps therapists in private practice get the support they need in what can be a lonely world as a private practice therapist.
Your work currently includes a combination of practicing therapy + being a group practice owner + supervision + supporting other therapists. What advice would you share with a therapist who is ready to add something new to their business and has lots of great ideas, but isn’t sure where to start?
Just do it. Can I use that even though it’s almost certainly copyrighted? The first step to doing anything is dipping your toe in the water. If you have an idea for your practice, start with gathering information. If you want to start running groups, ask your current clients if that would be something they would be interested in. Sending out a survey to your mailing list and get feedback. From there, you can make calculate steps to achieving your goal in the long-run. As a business plan advocate, I highly recommend you create a business plan and see where your great ideas fit into your plan.
What were the challenges you encountered as you started to expand your practice beyond just providing therapy services and how did you navigate these challenges?
One of the biggest challenges is having enough time to do everything you’re going to need to do to expand. You will want to get help and get that help sooner than later. This might come in the form of a virtual assistant, interns, social media manager, maid, personal assistant or online services like Instacart. You won’t be able to expand and do everything yourself. Get a team around you that can support the growth and energy you are looking to create.
What types of doubt and fears have you encountered in your career and how have you addressed them?
MONEY, MONEY, MONEY. So many therapists talk about it and it still comes up for me. Once I hit one income goal, the dread starts to set in, wondering if I will be able to maintain it. It happens to me whenever I make a big move in my life. And when I take time to reflect back on my financial life, it’s always worked out (with proper planning and sound decisions). I use the same strategies I teach my clients: reframing negative thoughts, looking for times when I am abundant, listening to YouTube videos, meditating, journaling about my money story and any other technique where I can explore my fear and transform it into excitement.
How do you personally manage overwhelm when working on multiple projects?
I get help. I have an office manager, social media manager and two interns that help me on a regular basis. Having systems in place for my practice is very beneficial. It runs itself on most days and I go in to do the work I absolutely must do; however I put systems in place so the practice can run smoothly without having to triage every issue that comes up.
How do you approach your work and self care in order to avoid becoming burnt out or depleted?
There is a list I keep to myself that I know if I am doing these things on a regular basis I know I’ll be in balance. My list includes yoga, exercising, reading and having fun. If I’m doing these coping strategies most days out of the week, I know that no matter what stressors come my way, I can handle them. Self-care is about knowing what you really need and committing to a routine and regimen that allows for it.
If you could go back in time, what tip or advice would you share with yourself at the beginning of your career?
Start a private practice earlier and don’t charge so low for your services. I started a private practice by accident. In my search for a job, I came across an office looking to sublease space. I went in for an interview and fell in love with the idea of being in private practice. I had never considered it before this point. Once I started my practice, I charged too little for my services. It’s been a fun learning experience to see how my practice has grown in 5 and a half years from subleasing from someone else to owning a successful group practice. I’d tell my younger self that everything in fact does work out.
Thank you for sharing your insights and experiences, Amanda!
If you’d like to connect with Amanda you can find her at www.amandapattersonlmhc.com or on social media at:
Instagram: www.instagram.com/amandaplmhc
Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/myprivatepracticetribe/
As we head into the new year, I am wondering……Is there a new service or program you’ve been considering adding to your practice? Leave a comment below and let me know your #1 barrier to getting started.
Take Care,
Sarah