Genardra Pugh, MA, LCPC.
1. What's your practice focus and what kind of clients knock on your door ?
My practice is focused on providing clients a space where they can take the predictable and unpredictable phases of life and cultivate room for them to bloom. My practice is 100% virtual and work I work from an eclectic standpoint ranging from CBT to SFT, to EMDR. I work with clients ages 17+ years of age who present with depression and anxiety. Additionally, I work with clients who have interpersonal issues, issues with self-esteem, career and job changes, and adjusting to life transitions.
2. Tell us about yourself.
I am licensed clinical professional counselor (LCPC) who has a background working in vocational rehabilitation counseling and providing therapy in a variety of settings. I fell in love helping people after being nominated to be a peer-mediator in elementary school. After years of working for others and facing good and bad professional experiences, I knew it was time to work my way and help people. I've always been motivated to seeing and helping people be their optimal selves.
3. Tell us the story of a patient who you are most proud of helping.
I helped one of my clients from high school into college and work to manage her depression and anxiety. Midway through college, I became her therapist again continued to work through her depression and anxiety and have been able to see her met her goals of graduating college and manage transitioning into her dream job and being an independent young adult. It feels good to see clients thrive despite having a diagnosis and other factors that impede upon their success.
4. What's one of the hardest things that comes with being a practitioner in private practice?
Personally, for me one of the hardest things that comes with a practitioner is operating from a business owner role. As a therapist who has worked in various settings, my main job in the past was to be a therapist. When working for an agency and other types of companies, depending on where you work you may or may not get to see or learn the business aspect of running a business doing therapy. Each and everyday, I learn something new from a business standpoint to help me run my business.
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
- Dream a little and be creative. The business aspect is important and will be needed as time goes on, but to start be creative and dream a little bit.
- Be prepared to adjust to ups and downs of therapy and running a business. No one day is the same and you must be willing to adjust accordingly.
- Get yourself a good accountant. It is important to be able to know and understand your income and how to manage your finances and taxes.