Jennifer Paskiewicz, MS, LMFT.
1. What's your practice focus and what kind of clients knock on your door ?
My practice works with people who are ready to heal from the wounds they have been carrying. Trauma, anxiety, depression, self-esteem and more are addressed on a daily basis. It’s really amazing to see clients move from surviving to thriving. The type of clients that knock on my door are ready to roll their sleeves up, do the work, heal and create their lives by design.
2. Tell us about yourself.
For me, the path was not a straight one, however, I still made it where I need to be. Through various life experiences, trainings and degrees, I was led to my true passion, working one to one with people, helping them heal. So, when I was in training to become and LMFT I knew that private practice was in my future. Being that I’m a “walk the walk” therapist, I was determined to build a practice and work by my standards rather than anyone else's. I was creating my own life by design.
3. Tell us the story of a patient who you are most proud of helping.
One client had a life filled with trauma, abuse, neglect, hopelessness, inability to live on their own, and dependent on unhealthy relationships came to me for help. They wanted to have a life they could be happy in and feel good about. After their hard work, they were able to heal and create the life they desired. This included a job they loved, an apartment of their own, healthy self-esteem and healthy relationships. It was an honor to be chosen to join them on this healing journey.
4. What's one of the hardest things that comes with being a practitioner in private practice?
The hardest thing for me was implementing and maintaining boundaries around my work schedule and making myself a priority. I had struggled, and sometimes still do at referring out a client who are ready to do the hard work in therapy. I would manipulate my schedule to accommodate any and everyone I could. In time I learn that having set hours for clinical work is what works best for me and my clients. We need to take care of ourselves so we can help others.
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:
- Look into systems to set yourself up for success: Financial system to allow budgeting for taxes, expenses and salary.
- Electronic Health Records (EHR) to allow for forms and billing to be held in one place.
- Community building to bounce ideas off of and collaborate with.
This work can feel lonely and overwhelming at times, support is great!
I also think that taking time to identify your ideal client and ideal schedule to be beneficial.
Take time off to care for yourself & enjoy downtime.