Dr. Lenese Stephens, EdD.
1. What's your practice focus and what kind of clients knock on your door ?
Hopeful Counseling services young to middle adulthood individuals wanting to learn more about their emotional development process and adapting principles that'll enhance their quality of living.
2. Tell us about yourself.
I always told myself I would enter into private practice in the future (once I was retired, *smiling*), however, God saw fit for me to serve in a different capacity. In 2018 I was working for a community mental health agency and unknowingly I was fired without any warning or signs. From the point I started my practice. I remain motivated through seeing the growth, hope and joy my clients experience on a continuum via the means of behavioral health therapy.
3. Tell us the story of a patient who you are most proud of helping.
3 brothers who were placed in foster care and via continued therapy contact, working with the foster parents and schools all 3 have graduated, remained drug free (given the family addiction history), meeting life markers (graduation, starting a career, getting a driver's license, and more) and the restorative hope each of them have reclaimed for themselves. I still remain in contact with these young men and get to share in the great experiences they accomplish!
4. What's one of the hardest things that comes with being a practitioner in private practice?
All individuals have the choice to either be well and healthy or to remain sick and unhealthy; it is really difficult to see when a client remains in a position of being sick and unhealthy. Them not wanting to adapt to any of the behavioral changes or modifications necessary for them to thrive or to change the trajectory of their livelihoods.
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 'd give anyone looking to start are
- First, set a schedule and adhere to it.
- Second, get assistance! You are not a robot and you're not going to be able to do everything. Having a practice manager has saved my life in so many ways and has allowed me to create systems to be put into practice even without my awareness or input.
- Thirdly, invest in yourself! Sharpening your skills with use of continued trainings and education. To be the best you have to spend money to be the best.