Senna Shehadeh, Psychotherapist
1. What's your practice focus and what kind of clients knock on your door ?
It is incredibly important to me that all clients feel valued, remembered, and heard. I have too often been told, “My last therapist did not remember anything we spoke about the week before.” I focus on making sure every client knows I value them and their time. Clients range from young adults going through difficult life transitions, all the way to successful entrepreneurs trying to figure out how to successfully balance work obligations, personal life, and physical and mental health.
2. Tell us about yourself.
I am motivated by the resiliency of people. Those who have endured childhood trauma, veterans trying to acclimate post combat , those who desire a life free of substance use, those with profound anxiety - everyone has a unique story to tell. I am in awe of the courage people have in the desire to live a healthy life and work through struggles. I volunteered heavily while working in business management, and after some reflection, I headed back to school to become a therapist - so grateful I did!
3. Tell us the story of a patient who you are most proud of helping.
I am so proud and happy for every client that has the courage to ask for help and attend therapy sessions. I think of those who were deemed “treatment resistant." I explore evidence-based strategies not used previously (with some creativity), and in doing so I have witnessed clients make dramatic improvements in their mental health. Another group, and an incredible honor, is women living with infertility, assisting with alleviating anxiety and depression and looking toward the future positively.
4. What's one of the hardest things that comes with being a practitioner in private practice?
One of the most difficult things is the constant juggling of responsibilities! When you are starting out, you are a one-man band! You are the therapist, but also the office assistant, the housekeeper, the office supply runner, the bookkeeper, etc. You must find the balance between the office and home life obligations as well as your own physical and mental health. It requires trial and error and figuring out what works in a well-balanced and healthy manner.
5. What are the top 3 tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a private practice today?\
There are so many resources online now, but I'm offering the following tips for starting a private practice:
- Be resilient! You will face challenges and they will allow you to grow!
- I would recommend networking as much as possible and continually earning more certifications, not because others are, but because you truly enjoy the work and find it interesting and rewarding.
- I would recommend in-person sessions, if possible. Even though so much work has moved virtually, the therapy session may be the reason the client is out of bed, gets dressed that day and faces the world.