Janice McWilliams, MDiv, LCPC.
1. What's your practice focus and what kind of clients knock on your door ?
I love doing Enneagram Consulting with individuals and couples who want to use the Enneagram as a tool for growth. I work with people all over the world who are longing for relationship transformation and a deeper sense of how to be more often right in the center of who and how they want to be in the world.
I also work with couples in marriage counseling; both traditional weekly counseling but also marriage intensives--I love tackling more consolidated work with motivated couples!
2. Tell us about yourself.
The first half of my career was spent in campus ministry where I enjoyed seeing college students grow and grapple with their identities, values, and relationships. I detected my own gifts for walking with people through those wonderful years and decided to pursue a counseling degree, spiritual direction certification, and Enneagram certification nearly all at once!
I love facing a day of sessions with people who have given me the gift of walking with them as a partner-guide!
3. Tell us the story of a patient who you are most proud of helping.
Leo and Lucia were stuck in a marriage rut, irritated with each other and growing concerned that their connection, once vibrant, was dying. They found me because of their recent discovery of the Enneagram through an online search. We dove in! The breakthroughs came as they were able to grow compassion for each other and break up tired, stuck fight patterns and replace them with new ways of connecting. "This is the best money we've ever spent. We feel like we have a new marriage!"
4. What's one of the hardest things that comes with being a practitioner in private practice?
It can be isolating! Make sure that you have great professional community; people you can talk to about stuck cases and folks who get what you do!
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:
- Focus on your sweet spot. Don't generalize. Really figure out what your thing is and go deep into it!
- Private practice can be isolating. Don't let it be! Be in peer consultation groups, join therapist communities, make sure you are connected!
- Find people who will help you think well about the business aspects of private practice. Therapists often diminish the importance of their own income and building a sustainable business model. Don't let that be you!