Andrea Shipley, M.A., L.P.C..
1. What's your practice focus and what kind of clients knock on your door ?
The primary focus of my counseling practice is helping people know themselves better and engage more effectively in their lives. Many of the people who seek me out are struggling with anxiety, mild depression, spiritual issues, and substance use concerns.
My approach is rooted in Transpersonal Psychology (which looks at spiritual aspects of life -- beyond the personality) and I encourage most of my patients to develop Mindfulness skills to help them address a variety of concerns.
2. Tell us about yourself.
I'm exploring life as a digital nomad, traveling full-time in a converted school bus (skoolie) while growing my counseling and lifestyle design coaching practices.
I know there's more to life than what we experience day-to-day and I'm committed to living fully and seeing the world BEFORE I retire.
As a long-time spiritual seeker, I'm interested in helping others cultivate freedom and connect deeply to life and to themselves ... while effectively accomplishing each day's necessary tasks.
3. Tell us the story of a patient who you are most proud of helping.
I'm proud of so many people I've worked with!
I've seen many patients save their own lives by committing to the therapeutic process and their growth. Several have recognized they were caught in cycles of addiction and decided to get clean, with my help.
One woman was dealing with so much anxiety that she had chronic nausea and was uneasy leaving home. She's since built her own successful business and her nausea is gone.
I'm proud of anyone brave enough to face and move through difficulty.
4. What's one of the hardest things that comes with being a practitioner in private practice?
The biggest growing edge for me in business has been learning marketing, so that people know I exist. I'm passionate and skilled in helping people grow and heal, but that's not all there is to having a practice, so I've learned a lot about putting myself out there as a service-based business. I'm proud that I've stretched my comfort zone around being seen.
It's been important for me to connect with other therapists and entrepreneurs who are doing similar things so I have others in my corner.
5. What are the top 3 tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a private practice today?\
The top 3 tips I would give anyone looking to start, run and grow a private practice today are:
- Know your why. Whether you want more control of your schedule, to be your own boss, or to set your own rates ... it's important to have clear and compelling reasons why you're going to build your own practice.
- Start with the boundaries you want. It's harder to say no to things after you've been saying yes to them for years. If you want to work 4 day weeks, consider starting there even before you can "afford to."
- Connect with other practice owners. It helps with accountability and camaraderie.