Emily Barr, MS, LCPC, LMHC, NCC.
1. What's your practice focus and what kind of clients knock on your door ?
At A Soul Awake Psychotherapy, LLC, I work with women in their early 20s to mid-40s who may be struggling with depression, anxiety, life transitions, codependency, perfectionism, low self-worth, work-related concerns, or women's issues. With advanced training in Nutritional and Integrative Medicine, I also enjoy exploring with clients how factors such as diet, sleep, and exercise impact mood and behavior.
2. Tell us about yourself.
For as long as I can remember, I've had a strong capacity for empathy, which over time has translated into my taking action to alleviate others' suffering. I can relate to many of the concerns my clients seek to address through therapy and am motivated to see them through challenges that I too might have faced.
3. Tell us the story of a patient who you are most proud of helping.
I am most proud of my clients who are willing to risk parting with who they are for who they want to become. It takes tremendous courage to shift thoughts and behaviors that, while comfortable and familiar, may no longer be serving us. I encourage my clients to approach themselves with curiosity and compassion and remind them that the work they are doing is evidence of their commitment to live a life that validates their needs and honors their values.
4. What's one of the hardest things that comes with being a practitioner in private practice?
One of the hardest (and most rewarding) things about running a private practice is being entirely dependent on yourself to succeed. When you first launch, it can feel like there's a lot of pressure to make a name for yourself, maximize your earning potential, and grow your business. It's important to remember that each of these aspects takes time and often involves trial and error. Owning a private practice has increased my self-confidence and allowed me to trust the process as it unfolds.
5. What are the top 3 tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a private practice today?\
Three tips for starting, running, or growing a private practice are:
- Be flexible: running a private practice requires responding and adapting to changing conditions, particularly as mental health awareness and treatment continue to evolve.
- Take advantage of available resources: there are so many resources at your disposal, and a lot of them are free! Books, podcasts, newsletters... you name it.
- Get creative: running a private practice is a lot of work, so enjoy it! See it as an opportunity to unleash your creativity and get to know yourself better.