Clarissa Mace, LMFT, MAS.
1. What's your practice focus and what kind of clients knock on your door ?
My practice specializes in Couples Therapy and Relationship Counseling. I use systems theory to evaluate the web of relationships in my clients' lives which includes identifying how past familial and/or romantic relationships are impacting current relationships. Ultimately most clients knock on my door wanting to deepen the connection they have with their partner by repairing trust injuries and building stronger companionships.
2. Tell us about yourself.
I'm the 10th of ten children raised by a single mother in a low-income household. Growing up I knew I wanted the financial independence of a career while also doing something meaningful to help others. It wasn't until I was about 20 did I commit to being a couples therapist-- but being fascinated by the relationships in my own family dynamic definitely contributed to that decision. I started my own clinic to be able to help couples build healthy, satisfying, and fulfilling relationships.
3. Tell us the story of a patient who you are most proud of helping.
It can be really scary becoming a therapist and that first client can feel daunting. That said, my first client was one of my proudest. They had gone through a significant trust injury and through our time together they became honest and transparent with one another. They not only worked through the trust injury, but they became a very successful partnership.
4. What's one of the hardest things that comes with being a practitioner in private practice?
Having the confidence to run your own practice and not feeling like an imposter. I had a lot of people question me and doubt that I'd be successful which at times got in my head. Even now after years of running a successful practice there are days where I feel like I don't know what I'm doing. I remind myself that it's okay not to be perfect and that in the grand scheme of things I'm making a big difference in the lives of my clients and that keeps me focused.
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 things I would suggest to someone who is new to private practice would be:
- First is to be confident that you are capable of doing it. I think a lot of therapists get intimidated by the uncertainty surrounding starting your own business but with the available resources online-- you can start your own clinic.
- Second is to automate, use SAASs, or hire out as many business operations as you can (payroll, CRMs, virtual assistants, etc.).
- Third is to stick to your marketing strategy for at least 60 days before adjusting. Clients need to see you a few times before they book.