Dalena Watson, MA.
1. What's your practice focus and what kind of clients knock on your door ?
My specialty is serving people who are ready to break free from the effects of trauma (past or recent) and live a great life. I also serve the LGBTQIA community and have helped many people transition over the past 20 years.
2. Tell us about yourself.
I started with a music therapy degree and national certification. I loved connecting with people creatively and seeing the healing effects of music. I realized that to go further I would need to expand my knowledge and skill set. I have a master's in counseling and specialty training in The Bonny Method of GIM, Flash/EMDR, and the MARI. I am so blessed to be part of the sacred healing of the mind, body and soul of the brave souls that do this work with me.
3. Tell us the story of a patient who you are most proud of helping.
To protect confidentiality, I will generalize and highlight the many beautiful people that have come in broken, feeling worthless, and traumatized. Throughout our work together I have seen them blossom into confident people who are taking charge of their lives. They feel good about themselves. They have changed or left toxic situations. They feel empowered. They take steps to get the new job, the promotion, to take a chance. They feel resilient and happy.
4. What's one of the hardest things that comes with being a practitioner in private practice?
Something that not spoken of very often is that paradox that while we are talking with people all day, we can also feel isolated or lonely. It is important to make efforts to connect with peers, family, friends, and have a life outside of our jobs.
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:
- Do your own research, be sure you are in compliance with your codes of ethics and state laws for every license or certification you hold.
- Learn all you can about business models and tax codes. Pay for professional advice even if you think you can't afford it. A few hundred dollars will save you thousands.
- Have a web presence and speak to the client, not about yourself.