Ashley Mitchell, LPC, BCN
1. What's your practice focus and what kind of clients knock on your door ?
My practice's focus is on anxiety and insomnia disorders. However, with that comes those clients who may have PTSD, comorbid depression, relationship issues, and a general need for emotion regulation. Many of the clients who seek me out are late twenty-early thirty professionals who are also struggling with their chosen professions, relationships, or identity. These are people who are quite high functioning but can get lost in their head and thoughts.
2. Tell us about yourself.
Ever since I was in high school I hoped to have my own practice but it wasn’t until the practice I had been working at got bought out that I decided to set out on my own. I had been working in private practice for about five years and learned a tremendous amount before breaking out. It was scary at first but I am so happy I took the leap. What motivates me now is a general desire to keep learning and keep growing. I always want to continue to improve and evolve and loving what I do helps.
3. Tell us the story of a patient who you are most proud of helping.
I have had so many wonderful clients so it is hard to pick, but one in particular was going through a really tough time in her relationship when I met her. She ended up finding out that her partner had been cheating on her and they decided to get a divorce which was a really difficult time. We worked together for a while and now I am happy to say I have never seen her more self assured, confident, and free in who she wants to be. It’s beautiful. Later she told me I had saved her life.
4. What's one of the hardest things that comes with being a practitioner in private practice?
I would say worrying about not just your clients but the menial administrative tasks you might not have needed to think about before. For example, taxes, paying rent, software expenses, etc.
5. What are the top 3 tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a private practice today?\
The top three tips I would give someone are.
- I think it’s important to generate your own clients through a website or profile page.
- Have a good EHR system.
- Talk to a financial advisor about how to do your taxes.