Michelle Martell , LMHC, CCMHC .
1. What's your practice focus and what kind of clients knock on your door ?
My practice offers support to clients struggling with Anxiety, Depression, Trauma, Moderate Mood Disorders, Personality Disorders, Life Changes, Self-Image Challenges, and Perinatal Postpartum Support. My practice focuses on a person buying into the idea that transformation is a process and they are willing to commit to transformation so they can have the desired outcomes in their lives.
2. Tell us about yourself.
I’m a Cosmetologist and Fashion Fashion Stylist by trade. I was working with my clients and realized how important Image is and that it could be the catalyst for healing. This caused me to go to school for Mental Health Counseling. I decided to develop my own Image Therapy; which consists of a curriculum I developed to help individuals move from a state of self-hate, self-doubt, lack of motivation, and gain more confidence about their image, and further more their life.
3. Tell us the story of a patient who you are most proud of helping.
I’m most proud of a few clients who went on a journey to transform their image and have done amazingly well!! They went through my Image Therapy Program and has now found a new sense of self, and committed to the ongoing transformation process.
4. What's one of the hardest things that comes with being a practitioner in private practice?
Burnout. As a clinician and a private practice owner; it’s a lot of work to keep things running and in order. Also, working hard to provide all the services your clients need. Managing a caseload is a huge responsibility and I take it seriously. It requires commitment and a good amount of time to make sure you are paying attention to trends in the field and staying updated on Evidence Based Treatments.
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:
- Gather information and do a checklist of all the major things needed to get a practice started. Take time it won’t all happen at one time. Get support and talk to others who’ve already done it.
- Remember to practice self-care. Be proud of yourself taking this step. This is your own business, taylor it to what you want and let your business reflect who you are and what you love.
- Clients love working with someone who loves doing what they do.