Brittney Ball, M.A.
1. What's your practice focus and what kind of clients knock on your door ?
My practice focuses on general mental health for medium to high functioning adults. Many of my clients deal with day-to-day stressors such as issues related to being healthier individuals, self-identify, managing symptoms related to depression and anxiety and relationship dynamics. The majority of my clients, at this time, are young adult (ages 18-40) African-American women, as I present to be relatable to this demographic.
2. Tell us about yourself.
I initially wanted to be a teacher, as I wanted to help shape the next generation to enter into adulthood. Shortly after college graduation, I realized the classroom was not my ideal place to accomplish this. I knew I wanted to help others improve with long term results. I worked in a variety of mental health settings. In 2017, I decided I was ready to branch into private practice so that I could have more control of the clients I worked with and expand on my entrepreneurship journey.
3. Tell us the story of a patient who you are most proud of helping.
A patient I'm most proud of helping is my very first client in private practice. I was able to see her grow as an individual, in her relationship with family and friends (by setting appropriate boundaries) and follow her dreams as adult. She had the courage to relocate and start over with a healed mind and heart from past experiences.
4. What's one of the hardest things that comes with being a practitioner in private practice?
The hardest thing being a private practice clinician is the loneliness throughout the day/week. I see clients, but I no longer have co-workers. I compensate this by attending networking events, consulting with other therapists and working PRN at a local psychiatric hospital.
5. What are the top 3 tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a private practice today?\
There are so many resources online now, but I'm offering the following tips for starting a private practice:
- Find a mentor, someone who is doing what you want to do. Treat them to coffee or lunch and pick their brain; consider it an investment in your future.
- Identify your ideal client. Every client won't be a good fit for you and that is okay.
- Take care of you. You can't pour from an empty cup. Mental Health work is important and necessary in today's world. We sometimes experience things in real time with our clients and we have to show up as our best selves to serve them.