Janet Varela Colletto, MS.
1. What's your practice focus and what kind of clients knock on your door ?
I work primarily with individuals and couples in life transitions. I also work with individuals from culturally diverse backgrounds, primarily immigrants and their unique experience as they individuate from their families.
2. Tell us about yourself.
I used to work as a researcher in a biotech laboratory and then I worked in the business world. As a child of an immigrant, I struggled with fitting in and feelings of not being good enough. I experienced long periods of both anxiety and depression. I was lucky enough to find a wonderful counselor who helped me sort through these troubling times. I have the want and need to help others in the same way my counselor had helped me. She made all the difference and I try to do the same.
3. Tell us the story of a patient who you are most proud of helping.
I am so proud of all my clients making steps to improve their lives. Living in Houston I have many children of immigrants and immigrant clients. When I see these people settle into the current culture and release the fight or flight mentality of their families and childhood I see them enjoy the freedom their ancestors wanted for them. What a gift for me to help someone stand on their own and flourish.
4. What's one of the hardest things that comes with being a practitioner in private practice?
The hardest thing about private practice is the isolation from other professionals. After COVID the business model changed and we are mostly doing Telehealth and I really miss the banter and the free form of chatting about our challenges with our clients issues.
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 would give anyone looking to start, run, and grow their private practice is to:
- Enjoy your work. Remember these clients are trusting you with their issues and treat them with reverence.
- Develop a style and stick with it so you aren't a different person for each client. And finally, be yourself.
- Be genuine and you can't do it wrong.