We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Lynn Conner a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Lynn, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with 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.

I’ve had a dream of opening my own therapy practice since I was in grad school. I knew that it was my ultimate career goal but I always saw it as something that I would accomplish much further down the road, maybe even close to retirement. Every time I thought about opening my own practice I felt overwhelmed by the steps involved and began to doubt if I had what it takes to run a successful solo practice. However, after about 6 years in the field with various jobs to help gain the vital experience I needed, both as a therapist and as future business owner, I began to feel much more confident in my ability to pursue my dream wholeheartedly. I decided to take the leap at a very interesting time of my life. My husband and I were expecting our first child and I was 6 months pregnant when I formally began the steps to start opening my therapy practice. Some of my friends wondered why I would decide to take on such an ambitious task while 6 months pregnant, but it was important to me to pursue both dreams simultaneously. The dream of being a great mom and the dream of having the career I’ve always wanted. I wanted my daughter to have this an example as well that women can do whatever they set their mind to. I came up with a name for my therapy practice, found an office space, submitted copious amounts of paperwork to the state and to my professional licensing board, began designing my own website and more. It was all consuming for months. However, when my business became official and I saw my first client in my practice it immediately felt all worth it. My advice to a young professional who may be considering starting their own practice is to believe in yourself and take risks.

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.

My name is Lynn Conner and I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker practicing in Charlotte, NC. I also see people virtually across the state. I own my own therapy practice called Be and Belong Therapy, PLLC. I have been a practicing therapist for over 6 years and I truly love what I do. I specialize in working with adults and couples through anxiety, body image concerns, self-worth concerns, relationship concerns, and boundary setting. I also offer treatment for OCD, pregnancy/postpartum concerns, trauma, disordered eating, and depression. I got into the mental health field because I am passionate about mental health and it is important to me to help people feel connected and heard. My therapy practice is a space for everyone to be and belong as their most authentic self. It means a lot to me to be able to provide this for my clients because often in life we show up in spaces that we are tolerated instead of celebrated. Authenticity, inclusivity, and warmness are core principles to my therapy style and therapy practice. As a therapist, I am most proud of my ability to connect with my clients and make them feel seen. I find that when clients feel seen and safe with their providers they feel more comfortable doing the difficult work that therapy often requires. It’s an honor to do what I love every day and to witness my client’s journeys.

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

While being a successful therapist takes a lot of training, knowledge, and natural born empathy, being a business owner requires a different skill set. One of the things that is most important in not only being a successful business owner but also a successful therapist is establishing and maintaining good boundaries. Boundaries are important in my career as a therapist because while the work I do is rewarding, it can also be emotionally and physically taxing. I need to be sure that I’m clear about my boundaries with clients and with myself so I’m creating space to recharge. Boundaries are essential as a business owner because without them your business would not be able to thrive. It’s important to know what rates are most appropriate for your services, what policies to put in place, and what fees may be necessary to run and maintain a successful business.

Do you think you’d choose a different profession or specialty if you were starting now?

If I could go back I would absolutely choose the same profession. I truly feel I’m in the profession intended for me and I feel grateful to do what I love every day.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.beandbelongtherapy.com
• Instagram: @beandbelongtherapy
• Linkedin: Lynn Conner, MSW, LCSW www.linkedin.com/in/lynn-conner-msw-lcsw-764335b1

Image Credits
Professional headshot taken by Tayla Berry, CloudTen Photography