We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Jane Johnson Wall. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Jane below.

Hi Jane, thanks for joining us today. Setting up an independent practice is a daunting endeavor. Can you talk to us about what it was like for you – what were some of the main steps, challenges, etc.

This is such a fascinating focus for me, as I essentially “fell into” starting my private practice. I had always worked in the realm of non-profit agencies, and had not ever envisioned running a business. However, when the opportunity presented itself, I leaped into it before really getting the details in place. In hindsight, I realize that was a blessing. If I had known the amount of work it was going to be, I probably wouldn’t have done it! That said, for anyone who is thinking of starting their own practice, I would suggest really exploring what their vision is. I’d recommend speaking with a range of people who are actively doing what they are looking to pursue, and finding out what their paths have been like. Connecting with people who are in your geographic area is important, but I think there is value to seeing what trends are happening in your area of expertise on larger scale.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

I am a marriage and family therapist, licensed to practice in 4 states. My focus is working with women, through all stages of life. In addition, I am certified in perinatal mental health, supporting women through pregnancy and the postpartum period. My goal is to help women and mothers feel empowered during times of uncertainty and change. Together, we identify (and dismantle) the internalized narratives about what a “good” girl/daughter/woman/employee/mother/wife looks like. Women often do not realize the pressure that they put on themselves. This is especially amplified during motherhood. I want moms to understand that the challenges of pregnancy and parenthood are real. Feeling overwhelmed does not make someone a “bad” mom, and guilt is not helpful. There is no shame in reaching out for support during one of the most stressful periods in life, and I am honored to work with women during times of vulnerability. I often say that when moms are supported, families thrive!

The field of perinatal and maternal mental health is a very passionate one. I am collaborating with Kelsey Mizell of Like a Mother Counseling to offer groups, workshops, and trainings. We want families to feel prepared for the postpartum experience, and for the challenges that come throughout motherhood.

Have you ever had to pivot?

In 2019, I was navigating some extremely stressful events in my personal life. At times, I’m not sure how I continued to show up for clients, but I did. As part of that journey, I moved with my daughters, twice in 6 months. We moved into our new home on March 1, 2020. Within 2 weeks, the world shut down.

In many ways, the pandemic was the least of the challenges. Personally, we were recovering from the traumatic events of 2019, and one of my daughters was in the process of applying to college. Professionally, I was working hard to expand my practice, as I had signed a lease.

The stress was intense. It was a time that was filled with a lot of questions, a lack of answers, and increasing self doubt. I already had an online component to my practice, but many of my in-person clients initially resisted the transition to virtual sessions. I knew that I needed to make the expansion to working online a sustainable plan.

Being a mental health professional during the pandemic did not involved risks to my physical health. However, I often teetered on the edge of burnout, trying to meet the demand for services. In the midst of that, I was trying to be a source of support for my girls during a time of many losses and uncertainty. Our family mantra became “The Universe supports me in miraculous ways.”

As I look back now, with my practice being exclusively online, and my daughters thriving in college, I realize that my mantra was spot on!

Putting training and knowledge aside, what else do you think really matters in terms of succeeding in your field?

I think that being a therapist is a “calling,” but also part of one’s “character.” The training and education are important, but one’s own life experiences are also of value. I think that there are people who are “therapeutic” to interact with, and that is based more on who they are vs. how they have been trained. For me, the definition of “succeeding” in this field is based in one’s ability to show up authentically with clients. I believe that in order to be a “successful” therapist, you need to have done your own inner work regarding your formative experiences. In addition, you need to be willing to do this as an ongoing process, in order to truly cultivate the ability to be insightful and reflective. A willingness to learn from the clients with whom we work is critical, as connecting with others during their times of vulnerability is an honor and a privilege. And a successful therapist will always recognize the responsibility that comes with that privilege.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.yourmompod.com/
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