Wendy Newsam, M.S., LPE-I.
1. What's your practice focus and what kind of clients knock on your door ?
I am LGBTQIA and alt lifestyle friendly. My clients are adults, a wide range of ages and I see everything from depression to PTSD.
2. Tell us about yourself.
I fell into psychology late in life. I was working toward a BFA (second degree) when I had to take a psychology class of the summer. It was that summer I found out I was really good at psychology. Before that class I had never looked at counseling as a career and was extremely surprised by how easy the class was to me.
My motivation to get up and work with people every day is a belief that every person can change. I have watched clients go from "I can't" - to taking control of their life.
3. Tell us the story of a patient who you are most proud of helping.
Its hard to single out one patient. The majority of my patients achieve goals and take techniques from session into their lives for other goals, situations, or life struggles. Its rewarding to see all my patients actively put these techniques into their lives. I have watched patients go from barely making it, to returning to college and achieving their long term goals. I am very proud to say a few of my clients have gone into health care careers and are now helping others.
4. What's one of the hardest things that comes with being a practitioner in private practice?
Having to turn away clients because full schedule or they have an insurance I cannot take. Hearing the trauma that the majority of my clients have been through or are going through currently is difficult. Watching my country take rights away from my clients and not being able to do anything to help. The majority of these patients have been through tragedies, worked through emotions, and end up with their autonomy removed because a politician wants to score points with their base.
5. What are the top 3 tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a private practice today?\
Here are my three tips:
- Learn how to create an LLC in your state, find a good biller and CPA, and handle the practice as a business.
- They do not have classes that teach you how to start a business in our degree programs.
- That is something you have to either learn on your own or find someone who understands how to create a small business.