Hillary Hess, MS, LPC.
1. What's your practice focus and what kind of clients knock on your door ?
The focus of my practice is to promote insight and healthy decision making for individuals and families in order to feel more fulfilled in their daily lives. The type of person my practice attracts is someone who is curious about themselves, and about life. My approach is compassionate to individual differences while identifying and encouraging the commonalities in our humanness. I believe this approach offers a safe place for people to land and be more of their true self.
2. Tell us about yourself.
I started practicing in different organizations starting in 2013, I began in private practice for myself starting in 2015 and restructured in 2017. Working in my own practice allows me the freedom to engage more in the strategies and practices that I encourage with my clients. I enjoy seeing others recognize their abilities and gifts and I believe the more people who show success through living authentically can inspire others to become more confident their authentic selves as well.
3. Tell us the story of a patient who you are most proud of helping.
I had a client that struggled with people pleasing and over committing to tasks. Over time we worked on learning patterns of people pleasing and understanding the meaning this provided for the persons worth. We worked on understanding how these patterns developed, and worked on ways to communicate needs and boundaries to others. Through building confidence and verbalizing needs, this person was able to create space in their day for activities that brought them more joy and ease in their life.
4. What's one of the hardest things that comes with being a practitioner in private practice?
It can be hard as a practitioner in private practice because you need to develop a community in order to not become isolated. Sometimes it can be hard to find time to regularly meet with others, but it is important to consult with peers and grow professionally through sharing ideas. Managing the emotional aspects of the work, while balancing the business side of things requires different skillsets that can take time to adjust to.
5. What are the top 3 tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a private practice today?\
Top 3 tips I would give someone getting into private practice is:
- I would say, "go for it"
- I would encourage them to have a solid routine for self care, and to not compromise on that.
- The last tip I would give is to not undervalue themselves and their work!