Heidi Duong, Ph. D., LMHC, C.HT.
1. What's your practice focus and what kind of clients knock on your door ?
We provide integrated mental health services to address the mind, body, and spirit towards self-completeness. Cosmic Energy Counseling focuses on providing holistic wellness strategies by looking at the whole person through online training, videos, books, and counseling services to discover a deeper meaning and value towards one's purpose. An individual who values their mind, body, and spirit connection may seek out assistance from Cosmic Energy Counseling.
2. Tell us about yourself.
I obtained my Masters in Psychology and Addiction Studies in 2019 from Aspen University, where I focused on different healing modalities for addictions. I also received a Certified Hypnotherapy Certification from Hypnosis Motivation Institute in 2021, a Reiki level 3 certification in 2021 from the International Church of Metaphysical Humanism, and a Doctorate in Metaphysical Humanism. My motivation comes from my recovery story from addictions.
3. Tell us the story of a patient who you are most proud of helping.
One of my clients last year who was seeking out mindfulness strategies, healing from past sexual and emotional abuse, as well as holistic healing, sought out my services in 2021, where I worked with her for a year, and she graduated from care in 2022. My client didn't know about boundaries and felt unsafe in her body; however, after doing different Chakra balancing exercises and integrating mental health services, the client's depression and anxiety went from Severe to slight after a year.
4. What's one of the hardest things that comes with being a practitioner in private practice?
One of the most significant challenges is developing a strategy for bookkeeping or addressing who you will assign it to and different administrative, scheduling, and procedural tasks. For example, managing what therapy platform you will be working from, how to gain clients, your personal niche, and what that means for your practice.
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
- Be mindful of availability, expectations, and boundaries For example, how many hours are available per week for individual sessions, groups, and training?
- When starting a therapy relationship, discuss your expectations with the client immediately to avoid any confusion.
- As well as emphasize the importance of how therapy is a commitment, for example stating your boundaries and what a client can expect from your therapy services.