Alex Shink
August 16, 2023

Erika Smith, MA.

1. What's your practice focus and what kind of clients knock on your door ?

My practice is centered primarily around identity work with attention to trauma recovery. Like many practitioners, I do work with people who have a variety of needs, but I have a deep interest in helping people unwind faulty narratives of self which inhibit their health and wellbeing. This challenge is common for people who have experienced significant trauma, loss, and unwanted change.

2. Tell us about yourself. 

A huge motivator for having my business was being in control over the type of work I wanted to accomplish with clients. I felt fatigued from the grind and bureaucracy which is often part of the practitioner's work life. I wanted to strip the focus down to what I believed to be the most critical aspects of the therapeutic work. It's the clients who continue to motivate me! I love to work with the courageous people who are willing to take an unflinching look at their lives and own their change.

3. Tell us the story of a patient who you are most proud of helping.

I worked with a man who suffered a horrific accident which resulted in the death of a loved one. When we started working together, he could barely speak about the accident and shook with the fear of his memories. Through our time working together he was able to process his experience, grieve, and move back into his active roles of father, partner, and community member. It was hugely gratifying to witness and be part of his healthy change.

4. What's one of the hardest things that comes with being a practitioner in private practice?

To "think around corners". Anticipating the worse case scenarios and then creating a scaffolding to address these situations. Although each client and situation is different, it is useful to have relevant resources at your finger tips and know how to intervene with or direct a client without any immediate backup. I also think holding to the schedule is important. My availability isn't convenient for everyone, and that is O.K.

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


  1. First, you are not an expert at everything. Find other professionals who have the skills you don't and align with them. My biller has saved my sanity!
  2. Second, opening your own practice isn't as hard as it seems. I was really nervous, but it was much easier than I anticipated. Set small goals, talk with other practitioners, and use your resources. You've got this!
  3. Lastly, know your audience. Tailor your message to the culture of the community you live in and the people you want to serve.

6. Where can people find you?

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